Sip on elevated craft cocktails at unique bars in Santa Cruz

Advertising Feature: This article is not produced by the newsroom. It is editorially independent of both the newsroom and any one advertiser.

When you think of a California beach getaway, you often think of cocktails sipped at sunset with the golden glow dancing across the ocean. A tiny paper umbrella and fruity garnishes complete the picture.

These days, though, there’s a cocktail revolution happening in Santa Cruz, adding even more fun to the experience. From colorful tiki drinks to barrel-aged sippers, inventive bartenders are putting together a new array of craft cocktails that go beyond classic margaritas and daiquiris.

New lounges have opened with playful themes, bold drinks, upbeat vibes and often, snacky-style food menus that make an evening (or afternoon) out an entire adventure.

Entrepreneur Max Turigliatto is one of the top newsmakers and scene shakers with his popular Mission West on the Westside of Santa Cruz and the Alley Oop Cocktail Lounge slated to open early next year in the former the Poet and the Patriot Irish pub space downtown.

He and co-owner Grant Staudt debuted Mission West in 2019, transforming what was a rundown dive bar into what Turigliatto now calls a “five-star dive bar” that is a high energy spot that attracts a broad clientele.

The new Alley Oop will be even more posh, designed by San Francisco’s celebrity interior decorator and James Beard Foundation “Outstanding Restaurant Design” award nominee Ken Fulk.

Here are some favorite lounges to wet your whistle:

Mission West

“Mission West was formerly Ye Old Watering Hole, which had been the local dive bar for 30-plus years,” Turigliatto said. “It was in bad shape, but we did not want to...