March 18, 2025 #1 Local News, Information and Event Source for the Century City/Westwood areas.

A.O.C. Stays True to Their Seasonal Sensibilities With a New Summer Cocktail Menu

SilverFox (tequila with jasmine horchata, lime, genepy and rosemary)
SilverFox: tequila with jasmine horchata, lime, genepy and rosemary (Aaron Cook | AACK Studio).

L.A. during the summer is overflowing with free concerts in unorthodox spaces (re: Santa Monica Pier, Skirball Cultural Center, Century City, etc.) Tie that in with the pool parties, food and drink festivals, and outdoor movie screenings, and you’ve got a recipe for endless fun. This focus on mass gatherings has ramped up the food truck and catering market, prompting special menus only available this estival. With the recent renaissance of seasonal foods and drinks, summer in the city has gotten decidedly tastier this year. Look for fresh summer produce while the days are still long; get items with basil, raspberries, blueberries, cherries, cucumbers, and watermelon.

a.o.c. on West Third Street is one such small plates restaurant that has always taken advantage of seasonal, locally source trends.

One’s of L.A.’s most inspired barmen, Christiaan Röllich, has concocted ten new must-have cocktails at a.o.c. and big sister restaurant, Lucques, for the designed for the summer season designed for perfect California weather, lush landscapes and warming temperatures. Like the rest of the menu, Röllich’s cocktails are motivated and created to pair with Chef Suzanne Goin’s summer menu.

Röllich’s story begins in a small village fifteen minutes outside Amsterdam, where he first knocked on the door of the local tavern in his Sunday’s best on his 14th birthday. Though he was told he was too young, the next birthday Röllich was back knocking on the tavern’s door. He got the job as a dishwasher.

Rothschild: buffalo trace bourbon with cigar liqueur and absinthe bitters (Aaron Cook | AACK Studio).
Rothschild: buffalo trace bourbon with cigar liqueur and absinthe bitters (Aaron Cook | AACK Studio).

As he grew up, he landed a few odd jobs before running away to, literally, join the circus as a carney. True to the typical L.A. narrative, Röllich saved up enough money to come to Hollywood to pursue acting and modeling while working as a busser for extra cash. He worked behind the bar when he could, and people began to mentor him. Once hired as a bartender at Lucques, the rest is history. His first invention: the fan-favorite Greenhouse, of a mix of vodka, grapefruit, cucumber and simple syrup. Though simple, this was a hit and became a real art form for both himself and his patrons.

Röllich relishes to make everything from scratch – from tinctures and syrups, to bitter and absinthe. He’s inspired by sheer experimentation and visits to the Farmers’ Market, an education itself in seasonal recipes.

Dr. Common: absinthe with pistachio, lime, chartreuse and egg white (Aaron Cook | AACK Studio).
Dr. Common: absinthe with pistachio, lime, chartreuse and egg white (Aaron Cook | AACK Studio).

Now, he’s invented this summer’s specialty beverages available throughout the season for brunch, lunch, afternoon, and dinner, at $14. Instead of a White Russian, try the Killerwhale, a Semper Fi Corn Whiskey with pecan, Génépi and Old Rasputin Imperial Stout. Instead of margarita, try the Peach Fever, made of tequila with peach, house tonic, lime, and Benedictine; or the Kent Cob, El Silencio Mezcal with house campari, hazelnut, lemon, and egg white. And if you’re looking for a refreshing spritzer with a kick, opt for the Aristocrat, made with
 Pimm’s with house tonic, Bols Genver, citrus, and soda.

The specialty cocktails also offer their own seasonal twist on the classics: there’s the Tennese Shandy, with Jack Daniel’s, house cola, lemon, ginger, vanilla, and Eagle Rock IPA; Rothschild, with Buffalo Trace bourbon, cigar liqueur, and absinthe bitters; or the Compound, of Compound gin, Suze, Benedictine, and house orange bitters.

Hit up a.o.c.’s Happy Hour, or as they call it “Cocktail Hour,” daily from 5 to 7 pm. Wine by the glass is $6, beer is $4, specialty cocktails are $10, and well drinks are $8.

Food’s important, too, at a.o.c. The Happy Hour tapas menu totes $5 bacon-wrapped dates with parmesan and $10 focaccias, cheese plates, and a Spanish fried chicken dish with romesco aioli and chili-cumin butter.

Aristocrat: pimms with house tonic, bols gender, citrus and soda (Aaron Cook | AACK Studio).
Aristocrat: pimms with house tonic, bols gender, citrus and soda (Aaron Cook | AACK Studio).

In 2002, the Lucques Group (named after the first restaurant) opened a.o.c. to fulfill California’s appetite for French cuisine with Mediterranean influences. Young Westsiders and the West Hollywood chic flock to a.o.c. for both the feasts of the mouth and the eyes. Designer Claire Stansfield curated a design of an airy, sophisticated space, ideal for after-work cocktails or brunch.

a.o.c is located at 8700 W. 3rd St. and open Monday from 11:30 am to 10 pm, Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 am to 11 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 11 pm, and Sunday 10 am to 10 pm.

For more information about a.o.c. call 310.859.9859 or visit aocwinebar.com.

Related Posts

New Cocktails, Sourdough Pizzas & Women-Owned Businesses Take Over K-Town

March 17, 2025

March 17, 2025

Exclusive Pizza & Cocktail Party at Here’s Looking at You: One Night Only The magnificent Koreatown restaurant Here’s Looking at...

Baltaire Celebrates 10 Years with a ‘Decade of Decadence’ Anniversary Bash On Saturday

March 12, 2025

March 12, 2025

Brentwood’s Iconic Steakhouse Marked a Milestone With an Unforgettable Night of Fine Dining Last Saturday night was the official party...

The Ultimate Guide to St. Patrick’s Day 2025 in West Los Angeles, Where to Eat, Drink & Party

March 12, 2025

March 12, 2025

From Irish-Inspired Brunches to Green Beer Towers & Drag Bingo, We’ve Got You Covered Los Angeles is going all out...

Eat + Drink West Hollywood Returns for a Month-Long Culinary Celebration

March 12, 2025

March 12, 2025

Dine, Drink, and Support Hospitality Workers Affected by Wildfires Eat + Drink West Hollywood is making a grand return this...

Michelin Unveils Newest Additions to Its California Guide, Seven Los Angeles Restaurants Recognized

March 12, 2025

March 12, 2025

Exciting New Dining Destinations Join the Michelin Selection in Los Angeles, Culver City, Santa Monica ​The Michelin Guide has recently...

Brazen Burglars Target Pico Robertson Businesses in Early Morning Heist

March 11, 2025

March 11, 2025

Smash-and-Grab Crew Ransacks Kosher Pizza Shop and Pharmacy A trio of burglars wearing hooded sweatshirts ransacked a pizza shop and...

Trump’s New Tariffs on Food Imports Expected to Spike Grocery Prices in Southern California

March 5, 2025

March 5, 2025

Fresh Produce Like Avocados, Strawberries, and Tomatoes Could See Immediate Price Hikes Los Angeles area families will likely see an...

(Video) The Opening of All’Antico Vinaio Firenze Beverly Hills at 419 N. Beverly Drive

March 5, 2025

March 5, 2025

Wonderfully fresh Florentine sandwiches with fresh Italian ingredients. La Paradiso is Mortadella, Stracciatella, Pistachio Cream, Pistachio and the #1 sandwich...

Authentic Vietnamese Bánh Mì Pop-Up Returns to West L.A. for One Day Only

March 5, 2025

March 5, 2025

Tra An Cuisine Brings Incredible Sandwiches to Cardinale du Vin This Weekend   Fans of authentic Vietnamese bánh mì will have...

Famed Italian Sandwich Shop all’Antico Vinaio to Open Flagship Location in Beverly Hills

March 5, 2025

March 5, 2025

Legendary Florentine eatery, with its authentic Tuscan Sandwiches, is Expanding All’Antico Vinaio, the internationally acclaimed Florentine sandwich shop, is expanding...

Where to Watch the Oscars in L.A.—Exclusive Viewing Parties, Prix Fixe Dinners & Signature Cocktails

February 26, 2025

February 26, 2025

Here’s Where to Celebrate the 97th Academy Awards in Style or At Home As Hollywood prepares for the 97th Academy...

Mardi Gras 2025 Takes Over L.A.’s Original Farmers Market: Live Music, Beignets & Pet Parade Await

February 26, 2025

February 26, 2025

Celebrate With Zydeco Bands, Cajun Cuisine, and the Festive Mutti Gras Pet Parade The sights, sounds, and flavors of New...

Inside the Oscars Governors Ball: Wolfgang Puck’s Exclusive Menu & Signature Cocktails Revealed

February 26, 2025

February 26, 2025

Stars Will Indulge in Caviar-Topped “Bougie Tots” and Golden Chocolate Oscars Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck is once again taking the...

Taste Don Julio’s Legacy: LALO Tequila Tasting Event Hits Brentwood This Taco Tuesday

February 25, 2025

February 25, 2025

Exclusive Cocktails Crafted by Don Julio’s Grandson and Gourmet Tacos, Que Rico! When your grandfather is the Don Julio, tequila...

Celebrate National Margarita Day With Specials on the Westside This Saturday

February 20, 2025

February 20, 2025

Weho, Venice, and Santa Monica Bars Serve Up Creative Margaritas For those looking to shake off the start-of-the-year blues, National...