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Copa d'Oro's Vincenzo Marianella (back, left) at the bar

If you’ve been following the L.A. cocktail scene, you know that the art and science of mixology is in full effect. One of the best places to experience the fruits of this resurgence is Copa d’Oro in Santa Monica. The man behind the bar, Vincenzo Marianella, formerly of Providence, takes great care in his creations. I mean it. I’ve watched him measure, eye and taste cocktails numerous times before sending them out, just to make sure your drink has the right balance before giving it to you. This means it takes longer to get your drink, but it’s well worth it. Rome wasn’t built in a day, folks (that may be overstating it a bit, but you get the picture).

On my most recent visit, along with Esther of estarLA, Caroline of Caroline on Crack and Noelle of Drink ‘N Dive, I had an Emerald ($12), which is on the bar’s regular menu. The drink is made with Martin Miller’s gin, elderflower liqueur, black grapes, sage and lemon juice. It was light and tasty yet still strong enough to taste the alcohol. I hate when I can’t taste the alcohol in my cocktails, but I also hate when the cocktail tastes of only alcohol. Balance is key, and Vincenzo does it right.

Emerald (no, it's not green)

Esther has a High Kick made with Buffalo Trace bourbon, creme de mure (blackberry liqueur), blackberry, ginger beer and lemon juice. Now, I’m not a fan of creamy drinks, but this one just had a barely imperceptible splash that added a sweetness to the drink. Caroline had a Blood Line, which is on a list of drinks from other, out-of-town mixologists. The Blood Line is made with English Harbor Antigua rum, Luxardo cherry brandy and Tiki’s Falernum bitters. Super strong, which is how Caroline likes them methinks, but still palpable. Noelle had a special concoction made with cranberries that she asked Vincenzo to make, so I’m not sure what was in it, though it was also good.

High Kick

There’s also a weekday happy hour from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a $5 drink list that includes standards like the mojito, Moscow mule, pisco sour and caipirinha. I’ve had the Dark & Stormy, a combination of Matusalem dark rum, fresh lime juice and homemade ginger beer. It was STRONG and a very good value for $5. There are also $5 paninis, sweet and savory, and variations that can’t be got on the bar’s regular menu. This happy hour menu is good all night on Mondays, too!

All the juices and fruits are fresh, and the bar provides a list of what’s in season for you to choose your own cocktail adventure, so to speak. Rest assured if you leave yourself in Vincenzo’s hands, you won’t be disappointed.