Exotic cocktails

A dry martini has its place. But if you crave something less serious

Trader Vic’s

Sophisticated kitsch is the design scheme at this perennially hip bar and restaurant. The cocktail crowd gathers beneath a faux thatched hut. Couples share oversized drinks like the Tiki Bowl served in a ceramic themed vessel with extra-long straws. Vic’s also serves a textbook mai tai.

* Cocktails, $7.50 to $22. 9876 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, (310) 276-6345.

Casa del Mar

Decidedly grown up, this elegant lounge nonetheless attracts plenty of hot young things. There are several distinct drinking areas in addition to the handsome copper-topped bar. Our favorite is the Veranda, with its unobstructed view of the beach and Santa Monica Pier. To drink, try the Ocean Front Lemonade or the Purple Hayes, both refreshing citrusy libations.

* Specialty drinks, $12. 1910 Ocean Way, Santa Monica, (310) 581-5533.

Minibar

The bar is tiny. But there’s a lounge area (soon to be expanded) with plenty of orange and white mod vinyl ottomans. Honors for most popular cocktail go to the pomegranate mojito. But you can also sip a delicious caipirinha at this “not quite in the Valley” destination. Sweet tooths will enjoy the Orange Julius, an adult version of the creamy mall classic.

* Cocktails, $10. 3413 Cahuenga Blvd. West, Universal City, (323) 882-6965.

Luna Park

Any place that accessorizes its drinks with neon-hued plastic monkeys is OK with us. And you won’t find a finer mojito in town. But the expert bartenders at this fun (and usually packed) eatery also serve up 10 specialty cocktails. We’re partial to the pretty blue hued Hpnotiq Lemonade.

* Cocktails, $8. 672 S. La Brea Ave., L.A. (323) 934-2110.

Typhoon

This eclectic Asian restaurant at Santa Monica Airport is perhaps best known for the “Insects” section on its menu. But the cocktails are noteworthy as well. The signature punch, made with two kinds of rum, goes down dangerously easy. It’s served garnished with a broken paper umbrella “because of the typhoon,” a bartender explains. * Tropical drinks, $8.50. Featured martinis, $7.50 to $8.50. 3221 Donald Douglas Loop S., Santa Monica, (310) 390-6565.