COCKTAILS

CANOPY WINE LOUNGE

175 NORTH PALM CANYON DRIVE
PALM SPRINGS

A new addition to the cocktail scene, this stylish watering hole opened its doors in late 2023 and promptly became a local favorite. Designed in spectacular fashion by Christopher Kennedy, the lounge is easily one of the chicest places to grab a drink in the desert, with stunning blush, green and gold accents. The beverage choices, which include over 150 wine options and a plethora of fabulous mocktails, are unparalleled, as well. A fine selection of bites and sweets are also offered.

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SUGAR HIGH ROOFTOP LOUNGE

339 SOUTH BELARDO ROAD
PALM SPRINGS

Tucked atop the roof deck of Azúcar restaurant at La Serena Villas hotel, this lounge is a vibrant hidden gem! Boasting a chic bohemian vibe, the enchanting open-air site is known for its bright pastels, cozy seating, gorgeous tiled fireplace, fab cocktails and stellar mountain views. It’s the type of place where warm blankets are offered to guests on cool desert evenings. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more gorgeous or inviting spot to imbibe in the desert!

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COPLEY’S ON PALM CANYON

621 NORTH INDIAN CANYON DRIVE
PALM SPRINGS

Those who prefer their cocktails with a side of Hollywood history should head straight to Copley’s on Palm Canyon, a gorgeous eatery and lounge located at what is purported to be the former guest house of Tinseltown legend Cary Grant. Boasting a gorgeous indoor bar plus a stunning patio complete with firepits and countless tucked-away enclaves, the establishment is one of the most romantic spots in Palm Springs to partake of a glass of bubbly or two!

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MELVYN’S RESTAURANT

200 WEST RAMON ROAD
PALM SPRINGS

Another spot chock full of Tinseltown history, Melvyn’s was established in 1975 on the grounds of the charming Ingleside Estate and promptly became a haven for such luminaries as Liza Minnelli, Joey Bishop, Elizabeth Taylor and the Rat Pack. Frank Sinatra loved the place so much, he hosted the rehearsal dinner for his wedding to Barbara onsite and was known to regularly sing along to the grand piano that still sits on the premises today. If Melvyn’s walls could only talk!

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LE VALLAURIS

385 WEST TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY
PALM SPRINGS

One of the city’s most upscale eateries, Le Vallauris (which made my fine dining list, as well) also features a gorgeous bar and lounge area. Accented with red and blush hues, frosted glass, soft lighting, and nightly live piano music, the space gives off a definite Old Hollywood aura – and the drinks are stellar, to boot!

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THE TROPICALE

330 EAST AMADO ROAD

PALM SPRINGS

One of Palm Springs’ trendiest spots ever since it first opened in 2007, the vibrant vibe at Tropicale has never gone out of style! Modeled after the supper clubs of yesteryear, this restaurant and lounge is THE place to head for cocktails in the desert! As such, it is always packed to the gills, with stylish patrons bunched into the high-backed banquettes and lining the unique indoor/outdoor bar, which wraps its way from the main dining room through to the expansive, 2,000-square-foot blush-hued patio. Along with the sublime spirits, Tropicale serves up some great eats, as well!

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BAR VALERIE

120 WEST VEREDA SUR
PALM SPRINGS

This watering hole is a full-blown vibe! Old Hollywood glam at its finest, Bar Valerie was designed by David Rios of Trixie Motel fame. Tucked inside boutique lodging The Velvet Rope (which also made my hotel list), the intimate space, named for Amy Winehouse’s hit 2007 song, is stylish, hip and picturesque from every single stylized angle!

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BARBARA BAR

210 WEST STEVENS ROAD
PALM SPRINGS

This perfectly pink gem, located inside the equally adorable Trixie Motel, is an Instagram dreamland. Intimate, charming and awash in stunning blush elements and kitschy décor, Barbara Bar is over the top in all the best ways. The drinks and comfort food offerings (animal-shaped chicken nugs, anyone?) are superb, as well. Walk-ins aren’t accepted here, so be sure to make reservations well in advance. A booking

also grants guests a glimpse at the delightful hotel grounds and a visit to the gift shop.

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PS AIR BAR

611 SOUTH PALM CANYON DRIVE
PALM SPRINGS

Easily the area’s most unique watering hole, this speakeasy sits hidden inside Bouschet Fine Liquor Store in a rather non-descript strip mall. Modeled after the interior of an airplane, complete with a perimeter of rounded windows, both first-class and coach seating, and tables fashioned from aircraft wings, imbibing at PS Air Bar is a veritable high-flying experience! Sunday’s Broadway Boozy Brunches are especially popular, but the place is packed every night of the week, so reservations are strongly recommended.

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NAVIGATOR

1500 SOUTH GENE AUTRY TRAIL
PALM SPRINGS

The recently reimagined Palm Springs Surf Club provides an extraordinary setting for spirits via its family-style poolside eatery, Navigator. The only spot in the desert where you can sip some bubbly while watching waves, the establishment also boasts pristine views of the San Jacinto Mountains and surrounding desert landscape. Most stunning at sunset, when the Surf Club is cast in dramatic pink and purple hues, Navigator is a gorgeous spot to imbibe!

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AQUIFER65

74855 COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE
PALM DESERT

This watering hole is located at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, the last place Frank Sinatra ever performed. Paying homage to that extraordinary milestone, the lobby bar, Aquifer65, hosts a special Sinatra Smash Happy Hour every evening at 4:05 p.m. While Sinatra tunes play in the background, a large flag featuring the Chairman of the Board’s likeness drops from above and guests are provided complimentary samplings of the establishment’s signature Sinatra Smash libation, making for a truly inspired cocktail experience!

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THE NEST

75188 CA-111
INDIAN WELLS

The Valley truly comes alive at The Nest, a longtime area hot spot that attracts locals of all ages who dance the night away to live music until the wee hours of the morning. A scene like no other, The Nest has to be seen to be believed – if you can get in, that is. Lines are typically stretched around the joint most nights. My advice – reserve a table for dinner (the food is excellent!) and spend your post-meal hours enjoying the spectacle on the dance floor!

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THE PINK CABANA

44-985 PROVINCE WAY
INDIAN WELLS

This spot, which is also included in my lunch section, is so stunningly gorgeous that the quality of drinks almost seems besides the point. Not to worry, though, the Aperol spritzes and bubbly offerings are stellar, and the Instagram opportunities endless, both inside at the brightly tiled bar and outside on the lush firepit-lit patio.

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TOMMY BAHAMA MIRAMONTE RESORT & SPA

45000 INDIAN WELLS LANE
INDIAN WELLS

A newer addition to the Coachella Valley hotel scene, Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa was unveiled last year, along with a gorgeous signature exterior bar nestled amongst a picturesque grove of lantern-lit olive trees and a smattering of fire pits. Romantic, inviting and accented with Tommy B.’s landmark island style, this is a spot to truly kick back and watch your worries wash away.

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ADOBE GRILL

49499 EISENHOWER DRIVE
LA QUINTA

Craving drinks al fresco? Look no further than Adobe Grill. While the restaurant, which is located on the bucolic grounds of the La Quinta Resort, is also included in my dinner section, its lower patio area is reserved for cocktails and is a stunning place to grab a drink! Tucked under a canopy of palms with ample cozy seating and the desert’s neverending blue skies offering a backdrop like no other, Adobe never disappoints!

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MÉLANGE

78120 CALEO BAY DRIVE

LA QUINTA

There’s a lakeside eatery in the midst of the Coachella Valley? Yes, indeed! And it’s a beautiful one, at that! Nestled on the grounds of the exclusive The Chateau at Lake La Quinta boutique hotel, the California fresh restaurant and lounge offers gorgeous water views and a truly unique desert experience!

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