Communal Cocktails

by Carly Milne

Share and share alike; it’s a fairly well-known saying, something we all learned in kindergarten, and yet how many of us actually do it? Especially when it comes to cocktails. Clamp on to the wrong person’s drink du jour and you might find yourself in a world of trouble. Lucky for those of us who heed our childhood teachings, five L.A.-area watering holes have the perfect solution: a drink big enough for two, four or more to share, ensuring that you’re all on the same buzzed page—no territorialism necessary!

At Señor Fred in Sherman Oaks, you can chow down on a multitude of Mexican dishes; and what better way to wash them down than with a tasty margarita? If you and your dining companions mean business, put in your order for the Big Hefe Margarita—a blend of Hornitos 100 percent blue agave reposado tequila, citronage, handmade margarita mix and a splash of fresh o.j., totaling a whopping 50 oz when all is said and done.

Downtown hotspot the Edison—with its old-school flare and delectable menu delights—has a unique offering in the communal cocktail repertoire for those who dare. If you think you’ve got what it takes, ask for a Whiskey Barrel. That’ll get you two bottles of bourbon and a bottle of champagne—and mighty loaded!

In the Mid City area, on the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and La Brea Avenue, Luna Park offers numerous drinks to share. Start with the Volcanic Scorpion Bowl for Two, a mysterious blend of fruit juices and exotic liquors, all of which are set on fire in a showy display at your table. Follow it up with a group tasting of the Carage of St. Germaine and Champagne Cocktail, an irresistible blend of St. Germain French liqueur and champagne topped with club soda, for the whole table to share.

Though the historical Beverly Hills landmark has been downsized and moved into the Beverly Hilton, Trader Vic’s still has some of the best communal cocktails around. Two of the best are the Trader Vic’s Rum Cup—with fine rums, oranges, lime and liqueurs perfectly mixed for two—and the Tiki Bowl—a delightful punch for two to enjoy, made of light and dark rums, brandy and almond mixed with orange juice. Better bring a big group, because you won’t want to stop at just one.

And rounding out the group-drink trend is a Hermosa and Manhattan Beach favorite. Sharkeez comes to the table with its signature libation, Shark Attack: a blend of mai-tai and margarita mixes, various liquors and a dash of Bacardi 151 served in a bucket. It’s suggested that three or more people tuck into this one, and you might want to heed that warning rather than give your liver a run for its money.

So grab some people you want to get a little closer to and order up some communal cocktails. After all, it’s not just about the taste. And you never know what can happen with a little liquid courage.

The Details

Señor Fred’s
13730 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks
senorfred.com

The Edison
108 W. 2nd St.
Los Angeles
edisondowntown.com

Luna Park
672 S. La Brea Ave.
Los Angeles
lunaparkla.com

Trader Vic’s
9876 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverly Hills
tradervics.com

Sharkeez
52 Pier Ave.
Hermosa Beach
3801 Highland Ave.
Manhattan Beach
sharkeez.net