By: Maren Swanson • August 6th, 2014
While we Los Angelenos may have gotten a short break from the heat this week, we all know know that August has some more heat waves somewhere up its sleeves. How do I cool down when it's 90 degrees outside? First, I get the heck out of my home and second, I usually go for a cold drink. Many restaurants and bars throughout Los Angeles have been launching summer cocktail programs, which begs the question: which ones should I hit first?!
The Fig and Olive cocktail reminded me of the sunset with discernible layers of pink and orange (visible thanks to the olive oil). Comprised of cucumber infused vodka, blood orange infused olive oil, blood orange puree, cucumber, egg white and bitters, this cocktail would be a great substitute for your usual weekend mimosa; the flavors were bright, perky and pleasurable.
Other great additions to their summer cocktail menu include the Arugula Smash (rum muddled with celery and arugula, lemon, simple syrup, black pepper), the Sweet Red Pepper (tequila, fresh muddled strawberries, aperol, passion fruit syrup, lime, sweet red pepper) and their Sangria (white wine, pisco, rhubarb juice, grenadine, muddled raspberries, sage, bitters). The Arugula Smash was one of the more unique flavored cocktails that I've tried this season - the arugula flavor was very prevalent and best for those who prefer a non-sweet sip. I also enjoyed their creative version of a white wine Sangria.One of my favorite things to do at Fig and Olive while I'm at the lounge is nosh. I have to have my drink and my small bites, so I can't forget to mention their new antipasto plates that are categorized by their country: French, Italian and Spanish. The French tasting plate had Fromage de Chèvre with olive oil, baby beets with raspberry dressing, heirloom cherry tomato with micro basil and a cucumber and yogurt crostini. The Spanish plate wore beef tartare, malaga olives and a crostini of Manchego, fig jam, and Marcona almonds. Feeling Italian? Try their other plate of Gorgonzola, mixed olives, and a crostini of mushroom, artichoke and parmesan. Fan-freakin-tastic nosh plates.
If you happen to make it to the West Hollywood area for drinks and/or dinner at Fig & Olive, then I recommend starting with their signature Fig & Olive cocktail. Now you can drink your olive oil and eat it, too.
Fig & Olive (Melrose Place)
8490 Melrose Pl, West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 360-9100