Restaurant bar
Unclaimed profileAzúcar Palm Springs
Palm Springs, CA · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Azúcar runs a confident beverage program from a rooftop bar overlooking the San Jacinto Mountains. The cocktail list leans into agave spirits with house-made infusions, while the wine list spans Mexico, France, and California. A happy hour covers margaritas, wine, beer, and a mocktail. Guests have singled out the blood orange mezcal paloma.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Azúcar Margarita ($19) or the Blood Orange Paloma with mezcal. For wine, the Ontiveros Chardonnay by the glass or a bottle of Tuma red blend. Happy hour offers Classic or Spicy Guava margaritas and a Cucumber Caliente mocktail.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Agave-spirit enthusiasts and travelers seeking a rooftop bar with mountain views. Wine drinkers will appreciate the international list, including Mexican labels. The happy hour and mocktail option broaden the appeal.
- When should I go?
- Evenings for the rooftop bar and mountain views; happy hour for discounted margaritas, wine, beer, and the mocktail.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails around $19; wines by the glass from $14; bottles from $52; happy hour beer at $14.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- A rooftop bar in La Serena Villas with San Jacinto Mountain views, a cocktail list built around tequila and mezcal with house-made elements, and a wine program that includes Mexican bottles from Valle de Guadalupe and Coahuila.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
Creative, agave-focused cocktail list with house-made ingredients and a signature margarita. The rooftop setting enhances the experience, and guests have praised the blood orange mezcal paloma.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse range of margaritas and mezcal cocktails with house-made syrups and purees.
- — Rooftop bar with mountain views adds to the cocktail experience.
- — Positive community feedback, particularly on the blood orange mezcal paloma.
Standout selections
- — Azúcar Margarita – blanco tequila, blood orange, lime, agave.
- — Blood Orange Paloma – mezcal, lime, blood orange puree, agave, grapefruit soda, black salt.
- — Oaxaca Old Fashioned – reposado tequila, mezcal, agave, chocolate bitters.
Pricing: Azúcar Margarita $19; most other cocktails not listed with prices.
Wine
Well-rounded wine list with international and Mexican selections, available by glass and bottle. Happy hour includes specific wine picks.
Menu strengths
- — Broad selection spanning Spain, France, Mexico, California, Oregon, and Argentina.
- — Offers both by-glass and bottle options, with several vintages listed.
- — Includes Mexican wines from Valle de Guadalupe and Coahuila.
Standout selections
- — Brut Cava – Lady of Spain or Segura Viudas NV, Spain.
- — Ontiveros Chardonnay 2019, Santa Barbara CA.
- — 'Tuma' Bodega Los Cedros 2021, Coahuila MX.
Pricing: Brut Cava $14 glass/$52 bottle; Ontiveros Chardonnay $18 glass/$68 bottle; Tuma red blend $19 glass/$72 bottle.
Beer
Modest beer list with local and Mexican options, including a non-alcoholic beer and a michelada. Happy hour includes a beer choice.
Menu strengths
- — Includes local craft beers like Las Palmas Pilsner and La Quinta IPA.
- — Offers a non-alcoholic beer option (Corona Cero).; Michelada available with choice of beer.
Standout selections
- — Las Palmas Pilsner – local, 12 oz.
- — Michelada – choice of beer, lime, sauces, spices.
Pricing: Happy hour beer choice at $14; other beer prices not listed.
Nonalcoholic
Limited non-alcoholic options include a dedicated mocktail, coffee, juices, and iced tea. Happy hour features the mocktail.
Menu strengths
- — Offers a dedicated mocktail, Cucumber Caliente.; Includes freshly brewed coffee and iced tea.
Spirits
Spirits are used in cocktails but no standalone list exists. The program features a variety of tequilas, mezcals, and other base spirits.
Menu strengths
- — Uses a variety of premium spirits, including blanco and reposado tequila, mezcal, and Licor 43.
Standout selections
- — Mezcal – featured in multiple cocktails.
- — Reposado tequila – used in Spicy Guava Margarita and Oaxaca Old Fashioned.
How it sits with the food
The menu's modern contemporary cuisine with local ingredients pairs naturally with the agave-forward cocktails and the wine list's crisp whites and robust reds.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
Community reviews
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