Do you dream of the perfect cocktail? Obviously, there isn’t a shortage of places to find cocktails in L.A., but sometimes you have to turn to the pros when you’re looking for a new drink done right with the vibes to match. Luckily there are some local hot spots defined by their creative mixologists who are ready to serve you up something exciting and delicious.

Laurel Hardware

The cocktails here at this new scorching hot spot are designed by Cole Apodaca of Shangri-La. Despite the hard edged name of their standard drink “The Gangster” you’ll get a light and refreshing pick me up entailing watermelon juice, cucumber-infused vodka, and ice. Grab one, head to the patio, and mingle with celebrities like Katy Perry.

Library Bar at the Roosevelt

There are plenty of bar choices at this longstanding Hollywood establishment, but the Library Bar off the lobby is the place to go when you’re looking for the most elaborate drink. The master mixologists grab ingredients from the bowls of organic vegetables and herbs that line the bar. Let them mix you up something special based on your taste preferences or go bold with a squid ink cocktail.

The Varnish

Head downtown to this prohibition era speakeasy, which is nestled in the back of the restaurant Cole’s. Wait for a seat, tell your bartender what flavors you’re in the mood for, drink, and repeat. Enjoy the mellow vibe and dimmed interior…small groups work better as they maintain the capacity to keep the right ambience inside.

The Bazaar

Go here if you’re feeling classy & cool (and perhaps, feel like mingling with rich, in-the-know business types). This Spanish themed lounge inside the SLS hotel serves inventive food as well as delicious cocktails. Try the liquid nitrogen Caipiroska, (new take on a Caipirinha) which is prepared tableside so you can watch it freeze before your eyes. The flowers on top are edible too. The Magic Mojito is also a must!!!

The Tiki-Ti

If you’re a fan of rum drinks and the upbeat on-vacation vibe that goes along with them, this Sunset dive lounge should be your first stop. Get ready to be transported to instant island holiday. Cash only for these unique (and strong) tropical drinks and a genuinely good time. No passwords, no doorman, no douchebags.

The Writer’s Room

This bar was originally the back room of a still famous restaurant, the spot being a rumored drinking haven for writers like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Raymond Chandler. Retro-chic interior meets glam bohemian exterior entrance through the parking lot. The drinks are fusions of local ingredients and local inspiration, putting new twists on old classics.

Seven Grand

Dark, mysterious, with lots of swank. This Downtown Los Angeles whiskey bar boasts over 375 different variations amongst their other drink options, so come thirsty. Try the classic but distinctly well prepared whisky sour or the old fashioned.

The Roger Room

Don’t be fooled by Roger Room’s easily overlooked stark black exterior. Enter into a circus-themed world reminiscent of a speakeasy. On any given night, the place will be pleasantly filled with attractive potentials grooving to 60s soul. Grab a seat in one of the plush booths and treat yourself to one of their famous absinthe concoctions (we suggest Death in the Afternoon). The coasters say “YES” and you might find a little monkey hanging off your cup. Rumor has it they let you order in a delivery pizza if your munchies get overboard.

Next Door Lounge

Find the lounge discretely marked with a sign with a key on it, and a gentleman in a posh vest and wing tips behind a podium near the entrance.  Give him the secret password for the night (get it here) & you’re set. Inside, you’ll find silent black and white noir films projected on a wall, blown-up prints of old photographs, oversized leather couches, antiqued cocktail tables with marble chess boards at the ready, elegant light fixtures, smooth music, and most importantly, tons of hipsters & babes. Edison Downtown barman Joseph Brooke, winner of NBC’s “On the Rocks: The Search of America’s Top Bartender,” has picked up the reins as head barman at Next Door Lounge.

The Bar

This Hollywood hipster hangout is a mixology winner with just a neon sign stating “Cocktails” to help you find your way in. The bartenders are known for being extra experimental, so it’s an awesome place to let them concoct you something new.

Oldfields Liquor Room

Venice Boulevard is home to this vintage inspired lounge with happy hour prices until 9 PM. It’s the perfect spot to try a tequila cocktail on the patio with beach babes and surfer dudes, or chill at the bar with cool bartenders while they precisely muddle each drink.