Restaurant bar
Unclaimed profileClandestino
Palm Springs, CA · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Clandestino's bar program leans heavily on agave, with a tequila list spanning Clase Azul to Fortaleza and a margarita flight that covers guava, mango chamoy, Jamaica, and cucumber. Signature cocktails like the 1941 and Tres Agaves show ambition, while a dedicated zero-proof section and a craft beer flight broaden the appeal. The wine list is competent but conventional, and pricing gaps on several cocktails leave some guesswork.
- What should I order?
- Start with the flight of four tasting-size margaritas to gauge the house style. For a deeper dive, the Smoked Old Fashion or Tres Agaves highlights the agave focus. The $35 'A Taste of Puebla' offers two generous pours of top-shelf tequila. Zero-proof drinkers should try Alma Tropical.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Tequila and mezcal enthusiasts will find a deep selection and creative agave cocktails. The margarita flight appeals to groups wanting variety. Craft beer fans will appreciate the California-focused tap list. The zero-proof menu makes it a good choice for designated drivers or non-drinkers.
- When should I go?
- The margarita flight is a social option for late afternoon or early evening.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails are not priced on the menu, but spirits range from $17 for El Tequileño Blanco to $76 for Clase Azul Añejo. The margarita flight and craft beer flight are $16, and the A Taste of Puebla is $35. Expect moderate to premium pricing for the area.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The agave-centric program is the draw, with a tequila and mezcal list that includes both cult favorites and premium expressions. The dedicated zero-proof mocktail section, branded 'Dry Side,' is a thoughtful touch. The craft beer list leans niche, featuring small California breweries rather than mainstream labels.
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 signature cocktails with unique ingredients like date-infused demerara and serrano-infused tequila. A margarita flight offers variety. Community feedback is mixed, with some praising presentation but noting taste inconsistencies.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive signature and classic cocktail list with creative ingredients.
- — Margarita flight provides a tasting of four flavors.
- — Community recognition as a top cocktail spot in.
Standout selections
- — 1941: Bourbon, date-infused demerara, lemon, and aquafaba.
- — Tres Agaves: Reposado tequila, serrano-infused tequila, mezcal, lime, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters.
- — Flight of 4 tasting-size margaritas: Cucumber, mango chamoy, Jamaica, and guava.
Pricing: Most signature cocktails do not have listed prices; A Taste of Puebla is $35.
Wine
A serviceable wine list with international and domestic varietals, available by glass and bottle. Natural wine mentions add interest, but the selection is not as distinctive as the agave program.
Menu strengths
- — Wines available by glass and bottle for flexibility.
Standout selections
- — Albarino 'La Trucha' 2023 Rias Baixas, Spain - $14/glass.
- — Pinot Noir 'The Calling' 2022 Sonoma County - $19/glass.
Pricing: Whites range $10-$16/glass and $36-$60/bottle; reds $18-$19/glass and $68-$72/bottle for listed examples.
Beer
A well-curated craft beer list focusing on California breweries, including lagers, IPAs, and a hard cider. The flight allows easy exploration. Beer cocktail Chavela adds a creative twist.
Menu strengths
- — Wide variety of craft beers on tap from local California breweries.
- — Chavela beer cocktail with Bloody Maria mix is a unique offering.
Standout selections
- — Bad Hombre Mexican Lager from Boomtown Brewing - $10/16oz.
- — Escape IPA from Offshoot Brewing Co. - West Coast IPA at 7.1% ABV.
- — Flight of 4 craft beers on tap - $16.
Pricing: Bad Hombre Mexican Lager is $10/16oz; craft beer flight is $16; Chavela is $15.
Nonalcoholic
A dedicated zero-proof mocktail section with creative options like Alma Tropical and Mango Loco. Also includes an NA beer and various non-alcoholic beverages. This is a standout for non-drinkers.
Menu strengths
- — Variety of non-alcoholic beverages including tea, lemonade, and juices.
Standout selections
- — Alma Tropical: Zero-proof rum & orgeat, OJ, pineapple, cherry, lime, topped with ginger beer - $14.
- — Drive: Non-alcoholic beer from Bitburger Brewery, 0.0% ABV - $8.
Pricing: Alma Tropical is $14; Drive NA beer is $8; soda $5 and Satori Tea $6.
Spirits
An impressive agave spirits selection with premium tequilas and a broad mezcal range. Whiskey, rye, and scotch add depth. This is the core strength of the beverage program.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive tequila and mezcal selection with many premium options.
- — Diverse spirits categories including whiskey, rye, scotch, vodka, gin, and rum.
- — Community highlights tequila-based cocktails, indicating a focus on agave spirits.
Standout selections
- — Clase Azul Añejo - $76.; Fortaleza Reposado - $28.
Pricing: Tequila prices range from $17 to $76; mezcal examples include Illegal Anejo at $21; Whistle Pig Piggyback rye is $23.
How it sits with the food
The food menu includes tacos and ceviches, which pair naturally with the margarita flight and crisp wines like Albarino or Sauvignon Blanc. The Smoked Old Fashion could complement richer dishes, while the Chavela beer cocktail offers a spicy, savory match for Mexican fare.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
Community reviews
Anyone with a free Inebrious account can rate the drinks here. Community ratings are kept entirely separate from the Inebrious editorial score above.
No community reviews yet. Be the first to write one.