Ample time, research, and passion is put into every one of the unique cocktails at The Independent Restaurant and Bar, including Saint of Sin. Elegant and easy on the eyes, it incorporates Empress 1908 Indigo Gin and Empress 1908 Elderflower Rose Gin for an herbal, aromatic, vivid touch, plus blackberry lemon syrup and ginger beer (both made in-house), and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Finished with elderflower and blackberry foam, it’s a captivating cocktail that embodies both creativity and sophistication. 629 Main Street, Suite 102, Placerville, 530-344-7645, independentplacerville.com

A hybrid of a mint julep and a whiskey sour (two classic, crowd-pleasing cocktails!), the Four Roses Bourbon Smash from Poor Red’s Bar-B-Q is refreshing with a hint of Southern charm. Made by muddling mint and oranges, then shaken with ice, house-made orange simple syrup, and Four Roses Bourbon, it’s light, bright, and boozy. Whether sipping it alongside the restaurant’s catch-of-the-day or strawberry shortcake, your thirst will be quenched and your palate pleased. 6221 Pleasant Valley Road, El Dorado, 530-622-2901, poorreds.com

Can’t decide between a glass of wine or a cocktail? Order the Peachy Keen at Bennett’s for the best of both worlds. House-made lemonade is shaken with strawberry purée, triple sec, and sweet peach liqueur then strained into an ice-filled glass. But it’s the crisp pinot grigio topper that takes this easy, breezy beverage over the top. Light, refreshing, and visually appealing, it pairs equally well with brunch (omelets!), lunch (salads!), and dinner (fresh seafood!)—or can be ordered as a standalone dessert. 1595 Eureka Road, Roseville, 916-750-5150; 6604 Lonetree Boulevard, Rocklin, 916-872-1020, bennettsrestaurants.com 

The Jalapeño Cilantro Margarita at Fat’s Asia Bistro is a vibrant mix of Casamigos Blanco Tequila, fresh cilantro, spicy jalapeños, lime juice, Cointreau, and a hint of simple syrup. Carefully crafted to provide a kick of heat with a touch of sweet, the cilantro adds a unique herbal note that makes it stand out. Guests love its bold, refreshing flavors, which pair perfectly with Fats’ Asian-inspired dishes like the spicy kung pao chicken and popular honey walnut prawns. 1500 Eureka Road, Roseville, 916-787-3287; 2585 Iron Point Road, Folsom, 916-983-1133, fatsasiabistro.com

For a bewitching Halloween cocktail, swing by Gaslight Company for their seasonal Hocus Pocus creation. Featuring an enchanting blend of rosemary-lavender syrup, fresh pomegranate juice, cucumber, gin, fresh-squeezed limes, Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto, and lavender bitters, it’s a treat for the senses. Think the beverage can’t get any better? Watch in awe as your bartender ignites the nutmeg on fire as it’s sprinkled on top—a fun, fiery flair to an already magical experience. 718 Sutter Street, Folsom, 916-358-9447, gaslightcofolsom.com

A customer favorite and menu mainstay since the beginning, Pine in My Coconut at Back Bistro features fresh pineapple, pomegranate, and lemon juices; house-made ginger simple syrup, and coconut rum. Garnished with a raspberry and mint leaf, it captures the essence of paradise in a glass and transports sippers to a white-sand, sun-soaked beach. According to Jeff Back, the Bistro’s co-owner, “The secret to making good cocktails is an impeccable balance and ratio of ingredients.” Cheers to that! 230 Palladio Parkway, Suite 1201, Folsom, 916-986-9100, backbistro.com

Craving a sweet, sophisticated sip that’s also boozy? The Watermelon Basil Martini at Sienna is one of the restaurant’s most beloved beverages for a reason. Made by muddling fresh watermelon and basil, the drink is then shaken with vodka, Cointreau, and house-made sweet & sour before getting strained and served up with a basil garnish. Almost too pretty to drink, you’ll want to savor every sip of this mixology masterpiece. 1480 Eureka Road, Roseville, 916-771-4700; 1006 White Rock Road, Suite 200, El Dorado Hills, 916-941-9694, siennarestaurants.com

Wake up your palate and get the party started with the Espresso Martini at Milestone. In lieu of espresso, the offering here contains highly caffeinated cold brew, plus Tito’s Vodka and Caffè Borghetti (a sweet liqueur made with real Italian espresso). Shaken, double strained, and served up with three coffee beans, it’s always foamy, always smooth, and packs a serious punch that’ll keep you wide awake and wanting more. 4359 Town Center Boulevard, Suite 116, El Dorado Hills, 916-934-0790, milestoneedh.com  

Bennett’s photo courtesy of Bennett Hospitality Group. Fat’s Asia Bistro photo by Jyo Bhamidipati ©stylereadersmedia. The Independent photo by Marielle Thoma. Back Bistro photo by Jacob Cantu. Sienna photo by Jyo Bhamidipati ©stylereadersmedia. Other photos courtesy of their respective companies or organizations.