Restaurant bar
Unclaimed profileMoss Beach Distillery
Moss Beach, CA · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Distillery is a historic prohibition-era spot with a beverage program that spans signature cocktails, a dedicated mocktail menu, a broad wine list, and a curated spirits selection. Signature cocktails are priced at $13.50–$14, with warm comfort options like Irish Coffee. The wine list covers California and international labels, and draft beers include local breweries. Happy hour and Sunday brunch with bottomless sparkling wine add value.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Seal Cove Caipirinha or The Blue Lady for a citrus-forward cocktail. For a warm option, Irish Coffee. Wine drinkers can explore the Stag’s Leap Chardonnay or Veuve Clicquot. Non-alcoholic: Lemonade Drop or Virgin Mary. Draft beer: Fort Point Animal IPA for hop character.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Those seeking a coastal spot with a broad drink menu, from craft cocktails and mocktails to premium wine and spirits. The historic setting and ocean views attract a diverse crowd, and the happy hour and brunch deals appeal to value-conscious visitors.
- When should I go?
- Sunday brunch features bottomless sparkling wine or mimosas for $41 per person. For a quieter experience, consider a late-afternoon visit.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails and warm comfort drinks run $13.50–$14, mocktails $8, draft beer $8.50, and wine by the glass $9–$14.50. Bottles range from $34 to $160, with premium champagnes like Veuve Clicquot at $160. Spirits pours vary from $10.25 to $36 for Macallan 18.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The venue’s prohibition-era name and historic character set the tone. Beverage-wise, the extensive menu includes a dedicated mocktail list, a wide range of warm comfort cocktails, and a wine list with notable California labels. The Sunday brunch with bottomless sparkling wine is a standout offering.
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 broad signature list with creative names and house-made mixes, including a dedicated warm cocktail section. Priced competitively, with a clear effort to offer variety.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive signature cocktail list with creative names and house-made mixes.
- — Wide variety of warm comfort cocktails, including coffee-based and hot cider options.
- — Dedicated mocktail menu with non-alcoholic versions of popular cocktails.
Standout selections
- — The Blue Lady: Effen vodka, triple sec, blue curacao, simple syrup, fresh lemons, $13.50.
- — Seal Cove Caipirinha: Leblon Cachaca, triple sec, simple syrup, fresh limes, $13.50.
- — Prohibition Mai Tai: Malibu and Bacardi rums with pineapple, OJ, grenadine, and dark rum float, $14.
- — Bootlegger Bloody Mary: Effen vodka with house-made Mary mix, $14.
Pricing: Signature cocktails $13.50–$14; warm comfort cocktails $14; mocktails $8.
Wine
A diverse list spanning California and international selections, with many options by the glass or bottle. Includes premium champagnes and a variety of varietals.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse wine list with many California wines and some international selections.
- — Offers both by-the-glass and bottle options for many wines.
Standout selections
- — Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Chardonnay: light and graceful with bright acidity, $92 bottle.
- — Opolo Cabernet Sauvignon: ripe blackberry and raspberry with a hint of spice, $14.50 glass / $56 bottle.
- — Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut: champagne from France, $160 bottle.
- — Perrier Jouët Grand Brut: champagne from France, $132–$139 bottle.
Pricing: By-the-glass $9–$14.50; bottles $34–$160; corkage $20 (or $18).
Beer
A solid draft lineup featuring California breweries, with a few bottled staples and a non-alcoholic option. Descriptions and ABV provided for drafts.
Menu strengths
- — Offers a variety of draft beers including local California breweries.
- — Provides ABV and flavor descriptions for draft beers.
Standout selections
- — Fort Point Animal IPA: intensely aromatic, vibrant tropical hops, 7.5% ABV, $8.50.
- — Elysian Contact Haze: hazy IPA with raspberry, citrus, guava, passion fruit, 6.0% ABV, $8.50.
- — Drake’s Hefeweizen: classic wheat beer with banana and clove, 4.5% ABV, $8.50.
Pricing: Draft $8.50; bottled $7.25–$8.00.
Nonalcoholic
A thoughtful mocktail menu with eight options, all priced at $8, including creative virgin versions of popular cocktails and a non-alcoholic beer.
Menu strengths
- — Dedicated mocktail menu with a variety of creative non-alcoholic drinks.
- — Includes non-alcoholic beer option.; Mocktails are reasonably priced at $8.
Standout selections
- — Lemonade Drop: lemonade, Sprite, sweet & sour, fresh lemon, served up with sugared rim, $8.
- — Tropical Paradise: mango puree, pineapple, orange juice, grenadine float, $8.
- — Virgin Mary: homemade tomato blend with secret spices, salted rim, celery and olives, $8.
Pricing: All mocktails $8; Heineken 0 $7.50.
Spirits
A focused selection of cognacs, scotches, ports, and sherries, with premium options like Macallan 18. Pricing is moderate, but the range is limited compared to full bars.
Menu strengths
- — Offers a selection of premium cognacs and scotches.
- — Includes a variety of ports and sherries.; Pricing is moderate for the category.
Standout selections
- — Macallan 18yr: premium Scotch, $36.; Remy Martin V.S.O.P.: cognac, $14.50.
Pricing: Cognac/brandy $11–$14.50; scotch $10.75–$36; port/sherry $10–$11.25.
How it sits with the food
While specific food pairings aren’t detailed, the cocktail menu’s citrus-forward drinks like the Seal Cove Caipirinha could complement seafood, and the rich, warm Irish Coffee pairs with desserts. The wine list’s Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are versatile for coastal cuisine.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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