Cheers to Antioxidants!

By Molly Sanders | May 24, 2019

If all cocktails were chock-full of superfoods, fresh fruits and ingredients (and contained less sugar), we can’t help but think hangovers would be less brutal and we wouldn’t think twice about letting loose during an evening of imbibing with friends. Luckily, more bars and restaurants seem to be offering more antioxidant-packed cocktails, and we’ve rounded up six of San Diego’s tastiest for your guilt-free, sipping pleasure.

Blueberries are one of the most well-known, antioxidant-rich fruit, and Duck Dive, a Pacific Beach bar and eatery, thinks they also taste great in cocktails! We couldn’t agree more and if you need proof, try their Blueberry Mojito. This refreshing concoction is made with Bacardi Rum, blueberry, fresh lime juice and mint.

San Diego’s favorite morning meal spot, Breakfast Republic, serves a variety of delicious breakfast plates, but did you know they also offer antioxidant shots?! Start your day off the right way with the Tropical Detox, Cellular Cleanse or Immune Boost – each of which contains fresh fruits, vitamins and tons of other nutrients. You can even try a flight of all three flavors for just $9.

High in both antioxidants and Vitamin C, fresh blackberries are a great addition to any cocktail and Mavericks Beach Club can attest to that. The PB beach bar offers an invigorating blend of bourbon, fresh blackberry, mint and fresh lemon juice they call the Blackberry Smash. Enjoy with any of the Baja-inspired bites, such as tacos, loaded fries or classic sandwiches listed on their menu.

It’s worth the drive up to Oceanside to check out the cocktail menu at Jalisco Cantina, as the lively bar features an impressive lineup of tequilas and mezcal flights, specialty drinks and margaritas. A favorite of locals and visitors is the Oceanside Refresca, a vibrant mix of grapefruit vodka, strawberry, hibiscus, fresh lemon. Not only are strawberries listed among the top 20 fruits in antioxidants, but they’re also loaded with vitamins and fiber.

Head to Farmer’s Bottega for fresh, antioxidant-packed libations, some of which $1 is donated to a local non-profit through their Cocktails For a Cause! Sip the Bottega Lemonade, a cocktail made with Old Smokey Moonshine, lemonade, blackberry and basil, and know you’re helping Urban Street Angels, a non-profit organization with a mission to end youth homelessness in the San Diego area.

CLARA, located within the Carlsbad Village Fair, takes pride in serving local, farm fresh ingredients, simply prepared to celebrate each perfect flavor and elevate your senses. The craft cocktail menu features many unforgettable treats, such as the Teaches of Peaches, described as ‘an effervescent interpretive dance between fresh berries, peaches and ginger. A perfect blend of Sherries, Lillet Blanc, peach, blackberry, ginger, lemon and bubbles, this beverage is truly delightful!