This past year has challenged every person on the planet in one way or another. But sometimes even in the midst of a global pandemic there are silver linings to be found. Since being suddenly plunged into isolation, we found new ways to communicate with coworkers, family, and friends. Who doesn’t know how to Zoom now? And, pandemic puppies and kittens have brought entertainment and welcome chaos into our homes during the shutdown. However, nothing could make us peeps here in Napa happier than the idea to support local restaurants by allowing cocktails-to-go! Okay, maybe an end to the pandemic and world peace would be nice, too.
It all began in March 2020 at the start of the pandemic, when temporary emergency orders were issued that allowed restaurants and bars to sell beer, wine, and cocktails to go. And yes, we would agree that getting cocktails in the hands of stressed out people during COVID definitely qualified as an emergency. Fast forward 16 months to June 3rd, when Governor Newsom announced that cocktails-to-go will be extended through the end of 2021. Hallelujah!
“We don’t want to go back to normal. Normal was never good enough,” Newsom said “…parklets [and to-go cocktails] have saved bars and restaurants through the pandemic, and they have revitalized neighborhoods, and we want to keep that going for years and years.” Eater San Francisco
Thanks to Senate Bill 389, introduced by Napa’s own Senator Bill Dodd in February, this temporary extension could very well become permanent. Approved by the State Senate, the next stop for SB389 is the State Assembly, then on to Governor Newsom for final approval.
Check out some of our favorite eateries serving cocktails-to-go and use the www.happyhournapa.com ‘Takeout Cocktails’ filter to find your own favorites!
Norman Rose Tavern
Norman Rose Tavern is located in the lively West End of downtown Napa on First Street. Online ordering is available for food, cocktails, beer and wine.
Cocktails-to-go – All are $16 for 2 servings and come in a mason jar:
- Stormin Norman – Jameson Irish Whiskey, Lime juice, Ginger Beer
- Moscow Mule – Grey Goose Vodka, Fresh Lime, Bitters, Ginger Beer
- My Darling – Skyy Blood Orange Vodka, Aperol, Lime Juice, IZZE Clementine Soda
- Mojito – Bacardi Rum, Fresh Mint, Lime juice, Cane Syrup
- Na’Paloma – Tres Agaves Tequila, Fee Bros. Grapefruit Bitters, Izze Grapefruit Soda, Fresh Le
Wine-to-Go – Norman Rose has over 20 labels of takeout wine available with prices ranging from $21 for a NV 2016 Sterling Chardonnay, to $87.50 for Flora Springs, Trilogy, 2016. Beer-to-go is available in bottles or cans and ranges from $4 for a can of Bud to $18 for a bottle of Temptation, Russian River Brewing Company’s craft brew. In addition, bring your own growler for draft beer at $15, or $20 for Pliny.
Napa Palisades Saloon
Napa Palisades Saloon is located in Downtown Napa on Main Street. Online ordering is available for food, cocktails, beer, and wine. Any of their 5 Napa Palisades brews are available to go in a 16oz. Crowler (can) for $7. They also have 7 wines available by the bottle ranging from $33 for Campo Viejo to $88 for Scribe Syrah.
Cocktails-to-go are priced online at $14-$24 and serve 2, but you can order any cocktail on their menu to go when you dine in their restaurant. Most are packaged as a double in a 16 oz. can, but the Margarita, Old Fashioned, and Negroni are packaged as a double in an 8oz. bottle.
- Margarita – Arette Blanco, Lime Juice, Agave – $16. Top Shelf $24.
- Saloon Mule – Vodka, Top Hat Ginger Beer, Lime
- Cucumber Fizz – Fresh Cucumber, Vodka, Mint, Lime
- Mai Tai – White Rum, Dark Rum, Pineapple, Orgeat, Citrus
- Hibiscus Paloma – Tequila Blanco, Grapefruit, Hibiscus Syrup, Lime
- Old fashioned: Red River Rye, Simple Syrup, Angostura Bitters
- Negroni: Napa Valley Distillery Gin, Campari, Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth
Beer-To-Go – Enjoy any of their 5 Napa Palisades brews to go in a 16oz. Crowler (can) for $7
Tarla Mediterranean Bar and Grill
Tarla Mediterranean Bar and Grill is another restaurant on the West End of downtown Napa on First Street. Not only do they have delightful signature cocktails, but also a stunning array of wine you can order online by the bottle or the glass.
Cocktails-To-Go can be ordered online for $28 each for 2 servings:
- A Piece of Greece – Metaxa Brandy, Triple-sec, Lemon, Simple
- Ginger Mint Juleps – Bulleit Bourbon, Fresh Mint, Ginger Beer
- Empress Sour – Empress 1908 Gin, Cucumber, Basil, Lemon
- The Jeyda – Grey Goose Vodka, Pomegranate Juice, Lemon Juice, Cointreau, Simple
- Napa Negroni – Napa Valley Distillery Gin, Aperol, Lillet Blanc
- Blood Orange Margarita – Casamigos Blanco Tequila, Lime Juice, Blood Orange Puree, Cointreau
- Tarla Sangria – Buscado Tempranillo, St. Supery Brandy, Fresh Fruits, Mediterranean Spices
- Mezcal Paloma – Silencio Mezcal, Grapefruit Juice, Lime Juice Sprite, Hatch Pepper/Salt Rim
Wine-To-Go
- Sparkling – 14 labels to choose from ranging in price from $36 for Anna De Codorniu Zero to $76 for Schramsberg, Blanc de Noir | North Coast
- White – 42 labels to choose from priced $19 for Malamatina Retsina | Greece [500 ml/btl] to $58 for Domaine de la Garenne | Bandol | France
- Red – 75 labels to choose from priced at $40 to $749 for Lokoya | Mount Feeder, Napa Valley
Beer-To-Go bottles are also available for $7 – $9.
Gran Electrica
Gran Electrica is an upscale Mexican restaurant and bar also on Main Street in downtown Napa. Enjoy their fresh take on authentic Mexican fare, and you’ll become a fan of their craft cocktails made with mezcal and tequila by small-batch and artisan distillers.
Although online ordering is not available, you can stop in and pick up their vibrant canned cocktails-to-go all day during operating hours Wed.- Sun. 5-9pm. Choose your favorite for $16 (serves 2) or try a 4-pack for $60 / 6-pack for $90.
Just shake and serve over ice ¡Ole!
