Cocktail bar
Unclaimed profileEl Jefe Desert Cantina
Palm Springs, CA · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
El Jefe Desert Cantina delivers a deep cocktail list built on tequila and mezcal, with creative margaritas like the Spicy Guava and Tipsy Cactus. To-go packs make three drinks easy for home. Beer spans Mexican lagers to IPAs, and happy hour brings $5 margaritas and draft beers. A solid desert bar stop.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Spicy Guava Margarita, made with jalapeño-infused blanco tequila and fresh lime. For a group, grab a to-go pack of El Jefe Margaritas. The Tipsy Cactus adds an IPA float for something different.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail fans who like tequila and mezcal will find plenty of options, from classic margaritas to a mezcal-based Tipsy Cactus. Non-drinkers have several NA choices including mocktails and NA beer.
- When should I go?
- Happy hour offers discounted cocktails and draft beer, making it a good time for a value visit.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails run $14-$16 on the regular menu, with happy hour specials at $5. To-go packs are $30 for three. Wines by the glass are $12, bottles $42-$44. Beers are $8 each, with 6-packs at $42.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The cocktail program leans into desert flavors with jalapeño-infused tequila and hibiscus margaritas. To-go packs of three cocktails are a convenient way to take the bar home. Happy hour adds a $5 Cantina Margarita and Michelada.
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
A creative and extensive cocktail menu features margaritas, mules, and fizzes across tequila, vodka, gin, rum, and mezcal. Seasonal and hibiscus margaritas add variety. To-go packs offer convenience. Customers describe the drinks as 'pretty and delish.'
Menu strengths
- — Extensive cocktail menu with creative options, from classic margaritas to a mezcal-based Tipsy Cactus topped with IPA.
- — Cocktails available in to-go packs of three, making it easy to enjoy at home.
- — Happy hour offers discounted cocktails like the Cantina Margarita and Michelada for $5.
Standout selections
- — El Jefe Margarita - Blanco Tequila, Agave, Fresh Lime ($14 or $30 for a pack of 3)
- — Spicy Guava Margarita - Jalapeño Infused Blanco Tequila, Guava, Fresh Lime ($14 or $30 for a pack of 3)
- — Tipsy Cactus - Mezcal, Infused Blanco Tequila, Overproof Pineapple, Fresh Lime, Topped with IPA ($14 or $30 for a pack of 3)
Pricing: $14-$16 regular menu; $5 happy hour specials; $30 to-go packs
Wine
Wine selection covers still and sparkling options, with Cabernet, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Prosecco, and Rosé. Bottles are consistently priced, and a Mimosa Bottle includes sparkling wine and orange juice for brunch.
Menu strengths
- — Offers a variety of wine types including red, white, and sparkling by the glass or bottle.
- — Bottle pricing is straightforward, with select bottles at $44.
- — Mimosa Bottle ($50) pairs a bottle of sparkling wine with orange juice for brunch.
Standout selections
- — Still Rosé - bottle, $44; Pinot Noir - bottle, $44
- — Sparkling Rosé - bottle, $44; Mimosa Bottle - sparkling wine and orange juice, $50
Pricing: $12 by the glass, $42-$44 per bottle; Mimosa Bottle $50
Beer
Beer list includes Mexican lagers from Alesmith and Stone, wheat beers from Maui, and IPAs from Kern River. Buy a 6-pack of select favorites. Happy hour brings draft beer at $5 and pitchers for $25.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse selection includes local and Mexican brews.; Available in cans, draft, and 6-packs, offering flexibility.
- — Happy hour specials on draft beer and pitchers provide value.
Standout selections
- — Calidad - Mexican Lager by Alesmith ($8); Buenaveza - Mexican Lager by Stone Brewing ($8)
- — Just Outstanding - IPA by Kern River ($8)
Pricing: $8 individual cans/drafts; $42 6-pack; $25 pitchers at happy hour; $5 happy hour draft
Nonalcoholic
Non-alcoholic options range from sodas like Mexican Coke and ginger beer to a cold-pressed green juice. NA beer choices exist, and happy hour features mocktails like Vibrant Awakening and Steal the Limelight.
Menu strengths
- — Includes a variety of non-alcoholic beverages from sodas and juices to mocktails.
- — Happy hour features non-alcoholic cocktails, expanding options for designated drivers.
- — NA beer options such as Run Wild IPA and Cerveza Atletica are available.
Standout selections
- — Cold Pressed Green Juice - made in-house with kale, ginger, cucumber, and more ($15)
- — Vibrant Awakening - non-alcoholic cocktail at happy hour ($12)
- — Steal the Limelight - non-alcoholic cocktail at happy hour ($12)
Pricing: $5-$15; happy hour mocktails $12
Spirits
Spirits program shines through cocktails, featuring tequila, mezcal, vodka, gin, rum, and whiskey. Mezcal gets a spotlight with the OAX -> PSP and a Lost Explorer Mezcal shot special. Well drinks at happy hour at $5.
Menu strengths
- — Wide range of spirits used across the cocktail menu.
- — Mezcal specials, including a Lost Explorer Mezcal shot with tacos for $19.
Standout selections
- — OAX -> PSP - Rosaluna Mezcal, Aperol, Grapefruit Juice, Agave ($15)
- — Jefe in the City - Tito's Vodka, Fresh Lime, Orange Liqueur, House-made Raspberry Syrup, Soda Water ($16)
- — Lost Explorer Mezcal Shot - included in $19 happy hour special
Pricing: $14-$16 cocktails; $5 happy hour well drinks; Lost Explorer Mezcal shot included in $19 special
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