Cocktail Lovers! | The Valpo 2025 Cocktail Challenge!
Calling all Cocktail Lovers! Are you game for the Valpo 2025 Cocktail Challenge? If you’re a fan of Valpo Restaurants with outdoor drinking, this blog is for you, and it’s a mix of fun!
Valparaiso’s cocktail culture is thriving in 2025, and this guide showcases a curated collection of mixed drinks you need to try this year. These standout creations cover every mood and moment, from outdoor dining to indulgent nights out.
Today, you’ll discover 15 Valpo cocktails and drinks you should try in 2025. But don’t expect your typical cocktails and drinks you’ll find at any restaurant or bar. After all, Valparaiso is a restaurant town, and a great culinary experience is defined by innovation.
Take the 2025 Valpo Cocktail Challenge! Can You Sip All 15?
Ready to raise the bar on your Valpo experience? Embark on the ultimate cocktail tasting adventure by trying every drink featured in our 2025 Cocktail Cheat Sheet. From smoky mezcal creations to fizzy fruit-forward brunch classics, this self-guided challenge is the perfect way to explore Valpo’s thriving bar scene and its incredible outdoor dining patios.
Valpo Restaurants Cocktail Challenge 2025
“Sip, Snap, Share — and Win!”
Calling all cocktail lovers, brunch fans, and adventurous sippers!
We’re inviting YOU to take on the Valpo Restaurants Cocktail Challenge — your mission: try all 15 featured drinks from our Valpo Cocktails & Drinks You Must Try in 2025 blog. Share your experience on the Valpo Restaurants Facebook page — and earn bragging rights (and maybe a prize)!
How It Works:
Visit the participating Valpo restaurants featured in the blog.
Order the featured drink from the blog list
Snap a creative photo of the drink — bonus points for including yourself, friends, or fun context!
Post your photo on the Valpo Restaurants Facebook page, tagging the restaurant and using the hashtag: #ValpoCocktailChallenge2025.
Keep track! After you’ve posted all 15 drinks, submit your final post with the caption: “I completed the Valpo Cocktail Challenge!”
Snap a photo with each drink, share it on Valpo Restaurants Facebook, Valpo Culture Facebook, tag your location, and use the hashtag #ValpoCocktailChallenge2025 to join fellow enthusiasts as they sip their way through Valparaiso in the summer of 2025! Whether you take it on in one week or one season, you’ll experience some of the best cocktails and views Valparaiso has to offer.
So without further ado, let’s get mixing!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Top 20 Traditional Drinks
Valparaiso’s Best Cocktails | Featured Valpo Mixed Drinks
The Best Restaurants with Outdoor Drinking!
The Best Valpo Cocktails You Need to Try in 2025
A Flavorful Collection of Must-Try Cocktails (2025 Edition)
Featured Valpo Espresso Martini | Martinis in Valpo
We couldn’t think of a better place to start our list than at Martinis Valpo, Valparaiso’s original scratch kitchen. However, don’t confuse their recognition as Valpo’s best martini simply because it’s in their name. This place makes everything from scratch, including the drinks and cocktails. But it gets better! Martini’s serves over 40 martinis! See for yourself, here is the link to the Martinis’ Cocktail page! So, how does a restaurant create over 40 innovative martinis? Martinis in Valpo Bar Manager is a full-time mixologist named Kristin. A mixologist spends a significant portion of their job behind the scenes, creating new craft cocktails and putting their signature twist on existing favorites. To learn more about a mixologist, check out the latest Bar Pages on Martinis’ website.
Having a mixologist who creates scratch-made cocktails might seem impressive, until you look closer! The martini mixologist takes her cue from Martinis owners Sophie and Louie, who ensure that everything is fresh, authentic, and made from scratch. Martinis’ is a scratch kitchen to the bone! Everything in the restaurant is made from scratch! Even the award-winning dining spaces. This restaurant with outdoor drinking is mostly covered and reminiscent of a Mediterranean oasis! Martinis recent renovation was honored with the Community Improvement Award by the Valpo Chamber and the City of Valpo.
With nearly 40 martinis to choose from, how do you decide which one is best? We recommend you try each one. It’s a great excuse to catch up with a friend. Just tell them, “Meet me at Martinis.”
A luxurious pick-me-up after dinner or on a date night.
Patrón XO Cafe
Kahlúa
Frangelico
Mozart Milk Chocolate Liqueur
The Mangonadita: El Salto Valparaiso’s Boldest Summer Sip
There’s no better match for a sunny Valparaiso afternoon on El Salto’s patio than the Mangonadita. This spicy-sweet frozen cocktail blends lush mango purée with a splash of zesty lime juice, swirls of tangy chamoy, and a kick of Tajín for that unmistakable chili-lime edge—all elevated by a generous pour of Don Julio tequila.
Served ice-cold with vibrant color and bold flavor, the Mangonadita is the ultimate refresher for outdoor dining. It’s playful, fiery, and tropical—the perfect complement to sizzling fajitas, sunshine, and good vibes under the open sky at El Salto.
Don Julio tequilas are renowned for their exceptional smoothness and bright, agave-forward flavor, without the harsh bite often associated with lower-quality tequilas. A lesser tequila could taste sharp or clash with these bold layers.
Don Julio, with its clean citrus and herbal notes, naturally complements and enhances the mango + lime + chamoy + Tajín profile.
According to El Salto’s loyal fans, adding Don Julio elevates the Mangonadita from “fun fruity frozen drink” to a craft cocktail experience.
Don Julio tequila.
mango
lime
chamoy
Tajín profile
Balero | A Spanish Cocktail Worthy of Don Quijote’s 40th Anniversary Celebration
Image from Don Quijote-Valpo
Don Quijote Restaurant has been a cornerstone of authentic Spanish dining for 40 years, celebrating the flavors, culture, and spirit of Spain in the heart of the community.
Reaching this milestone reflects a steadfast commitment to quality and tradition. It’s also a celebration of Spanish artistry and romance, much like its literary namesake, Don Quijote de la Mancha, a timeless story of passion, dreams, and resilience.
Why the “Bolero 40” is a Perfect Tribute to Don Quijote
The Bolero 40 cocktail is inspired by the Bolero, a slow, romantic Spanish dance and musical form that embodies the grace, depth, and emotional warmth of Spanish culture — much like the dining experience at Don Quijote.
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Bacardi Rum — honoring Spain’s historical ties to the Caribbean and its rich rum culture. Rum adds warmth and depth, perfect for a celebratory drink.
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Apple Brandy — a nod to Spain’s beloved regional brandies (like those of Jerez) and the country’s many orchard traditions. Apple adds soft fruit and a touch of elegance.
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Sweet Vermouth — vermouth is central to Spain’s aperitivo and tapas culture. It contributes aromatic complexity and balances the drink with herbal and spiced notes.
The Bolero 45 isn’t just a drink — it’s a liquid toast to 45 years of culinary passion.
It honors the romance, artistry, and timeless charm of Spain, just as Don Quijote has done on every plate and in every glass for nearly half a century.
Bacardi Rum
Apple Brandy
Sweet Vermouth
“SIT. SIP. STAY… GOOD BOY!” | One of Downtown’s Best Vodka Cocktails
If the name doesn’t make you smile, the first sip definitely will. Radius’ newest vodka cocktail is a playful tropical escape in a glass, and it’s already stealing the show in the 2025 Valpo Cocktail Challenge.
Crafted with Good Boy Vodka, banana liqueur, Licor 43, banana purée, and pineapple juice, this smooth sipper is finished with a full 12 oz can of Good Boy Tropical Lemonade right on top. Think beach vibes, brunch energy, and patio-season perfection all rolled into one refreshingly wild drink.
Chef Chris Reveals the Secret to Valpo’s Best Vodka Cocktail
According to Chef Chris Pavlou, Good Boy Vodka is ultra-smooth and clean, allowing the brighter tropical flavors, like pineapple, banana, coconut, or citrus, to shine. It doesn’t overpower fruity mixers or liqueurs, making it an ideal base for vibrant cocktails.
The Radius bar team likes to leverage the brand’s pre-mixed canned beverages like Good Boy Tropical Lemonade, which, according to Pavlou, complements vodka cocktails perfectly. Bartenders can top off a drink with one of these for extra flavor, fizz, and flair, like Radius does in their cocktail.
Inspired by Chef Chris’s inventive summer menu and the lively energy of outdoor dining in downtown Valpo, this cocktail was made for the Radius patio, where guests come to sip, savor, and be seen. But this cocktail isn’t just a drink, it’s a mood. And it pairs perfectly with some of Radius’ most crave-worthy dishes. A few fan favorites include the Jalapeño Popper Smashburger, the Sweet & Spicy Cauliflower, and Baja Shrimp Tacos.
Whether you’re soaking up the sunshine with live music, grabbing a seat at one of Valpo’s top-rated patios, or diving into Radius’ award-winning menu, this drink sets the tone for a summer to remember. Only at Radius in downtown Valpo| served with a wink and a tail wag.
The Valpo 2025 Valpo Cocktail Challenge- Tag your heatwave moment with #ValpoCocktailCrawl2025 And let Valpo know you’re here for the flavor.
Good Boy vodka
banana liqueur
licor 43
banana puree
pineapple juice
topped with a 12 oz Good Boy Tropical Lemonade
BUCKET NOT FOR SALE
Negroni | The Cocktail that Optimizes Chef Rob’s Seafood
Photo from McGowan & Sons
The Negroni is a perfect cocktail pairing for Chef Rob McGowan’s seafood creations at McGowan & Sons. With its bold balance of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, the Negroni offers a bittersweet profile that both complements and enhances the bright, clean flavors of expertly prepared seafood. Its natural citrus and botanical notes mirror the fresh qualities of the ocean, while the drink’s cleansing bitterness cuts through the richness of dishes like scallops, crudo, or buttery shellfish.
At the same time, the Negroni’s intensity holds up beautifully to Chef Rob’s globally inspired seasonings and layered textures. Much like McGowan & Sons’ approach to seafood- rooted in craft, precision, and ingredient-driven cooking, the Negroni is a cocktail for those who appreciate balance and artistry. Together, they create a sophisticated and memorable dining experience that celebrates both the flavors of the sea and the timeless appeal of a well-made cocktail.
And for fans of both Rob McGowan’s Cooking classes and his amazing cocktails, the chef is planning a few classes on making mixed drinks and culinary cocktails. The best part? You drink what you make! Here is a link to Rob’s Chef Classes.
This gin-based cocktail boasts a distinct flavor profile, making it a favorite among discerning gin enthusiasts. The combination of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth yields a bittersweet flavor that is sure to please. The Negroni was once described as the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and bitter.
1 shot of gin
1 shot Campari
1 shot sweet vermouth
Aperol Spritz | Why an Aperol Spritz at Pikk’s is the Festival Drink of 2025
Photo by Jano-Digital
There’s something magical about downtown Valparaiso in the summer—live music echoing down Lincolnway, streetlights glowing, and the electric energy of a festival night. And there’s no better seat for it all than Pikk’s outdoor patio with a crisp, vibrant Aperol Spritz in hand. Light, bubbly, and effortlessly refreshing, this Italian classic blends Aperol, Prosecco, and a splash of soda water into the ultimate open-air indulgence.
Whether you’re people-watching, catching a concert, or simply soaking in the downtown vibe, the Aperol Spritz at Pikk’s is the perfect pairing for a warm Valpo night. It’s not just a drink—it’s a summer ritual. Make it your 2025 must-stop.
The Aperol Spritz has taken Valpo by storm, and many credit Pikk’s Tavern. It’s a fan favourite with Pikk’s outdoor dining crowd, especially around sunset. The cocktail is stunning and a perfect complement to a night out with friends.
A spritz is an Italian wine-based cocktail commonly served as an aperitif in Northeast Italy. It consists of prosecco, digestive bitters, and soda water.
2 shots Aperol
2 shots Prosecco
2 shots of soda
Paloma | Veleros Cocktail that Puts the Wind in Your Sail!
The Paloma is the perfect cocktail to pair with the vibrant flavors of Veleros Mexican cuisine. Light, refreshing, and delightfully balanced, this classic drink combines tequila with bright grapefruit, zesty lime, and a touch of effervescence—an ideal match for the bold, spicy, and savory notes found in traditional Mexican dishes. Whether you’re enjoying fresh ceviche, sizzling fajitas, or house-made tacos, the Paloma’s crisp citrus profile cleanses the palate and enhances each bite without overpowering it.
For those looking to elevate their experience, Veleros proudly offers Clase Azul Tequila as an upgrade—its ultra-smooth, complex character adds luxurious depth to the Paloma, turning this simple favorite into a truly exceptional cocktail. Whether crafted with a premium tequila or enjoyed in its classic form, the Paloma captures the spirit of Mexico in every sip—perfectly suited to Veleros’ fresh and flavorful menu.
Camarana 100% Blue Agrave Blanco Tequila
Triple Sec
Lime Citrus
Grapefruit Juice
Squirt
Mimosa at Maple & Bacon | High Energy Fun!
A great mimosa isn’t just orange juice and bubbles — it’s about balance. At Maple & Bacon, our mimosas are crafted with fresh juice and a generous pour of high-quality sparkling wine, served ice-cold and in a glass that allows you to savor and relax. They strike that sweet spot between light and refreshing, with just enough brightness to kick off a perfect brunch. While Maple & Bacon is well-known for its shareable menu options, but don’t often see people sharing this fan favorite. Everyone has one, and they aren’t sharing!
“I’ll Have What She’s Having!”
Watch These Ladies After a Mimosa at M+ B
And then there’s the atmosphere. Maple & Bacon isn’t your typical breakfast and brunch restaurant. This place is high-energy fun! With a full bar and outdoor dining, the experience feels like a celebration. Sitting outside with friends, catching up over plates of creative brunch dishes, and sipping mimosas in the sun — that’s what people come for. It turns an ordinary morning or afternoon into something fun and social.
The full bar also gives Maple & Bacon an edge — guests can customize their drinks, explore mimosa flights, or enjoy variations that go beyond the classic orange. That flexibility, paired with the restaurant’s casual but lively atmosphere, is what keeps the mimosas flowing — and why it’s one of the most popular brunch spots around.
Champagne (Sparkling wine)
Fresh Orange Juice (M+B’s OJ… the Best!)
Shimmerpolitan | Martinis Legendary Outdoor Cocktail Shimmers in the Sunlight!
The Shimmerpolitan at Martinis in Valpo isn’t just a cocktail — it’s a little moment of celebration in a glass. With its vibrant blue azure hue and a swirl of edible shimmer that catches the sunlight, it practically sparkles on the table.
On a beautiful summer day, while dining al fresco on Martinis’ patio, the drink seems to come alive. The shimmer dances in the glass, the citrusy aroma lifts in the warm air, and each sip feels crisp and refreshing. It’s light enough to enjoy in the sun but full of flavor — a perfect balance for relaxed outdoor dining.
And let’s be honest — it’s fun. Watching the shimmer swirl between sips, laughing with friends, and soaking in the downtown Valpo vibe makes this cocktail as much an experience as it is a drink. On a summer day, with live music or the buzz of the city around you, the Shimmerpolitan fits right in — festive, fresh, and unmistakably Instagram-worthy.
lime wedges
Stoli Citros Vodka
Triple Sec
White Cranberry Juices
Top with soda
The Spicy Juan | El Salto’s Vibrant Cocktail Brings a Bold Burst of Sweet Heat
Ditch the ordinary and dive into a bold, vibrant fusion with the Spicy Juan. This one-of-a-kind cocktail is as daring as it is refreshing. This fiery favorite blends smooth Smirnoff vodka, luscious mango purée, and the citrusy sparkle of Squirt, all rimmed with zesty Tajín for that unmistakable Mexican kick. It’s where sweet tropical vibes collide with spicy swagger.
Why It’s Special:
Think of the Spicy Juan as the untamed cousin of a mango margarita with a vodka twist — cleaner, fruitier, and with a surprising citrus pop. It’s got the tropical sweetness of a mango daiquiri, the zing of a Paloma, and a peppery edge that keeps you coming back for more. Not too sweet, not too spicy, and just perfectly rebellious.
The Story Behind El Salto’s Spicy Juan
Inspired by Mexico’s love affair with bold fruit, chili, and fizz, the Spicy Juan was born in Valparaiso to represent the spirit of El Salto: colorful, unapologetic, and full of flavor. It’s a tribute to the street vendors of Jalisco, who mix fresh mango with lime, chili, and salt and to those who like their cocktails with a side of attitude. This cocktail screams, El Salto!
Dare to try something different. Order the Spicy Juan -only at El Salto Valparaiso. Viva el sabor!
El Salto Mexican Restaurant in Valparaiso has earned its reputation as a local favorite, combining vibrant Mexican flavors with a welcoming, cantina-style atmosphere. Family-owned since its founding by the Mendoza family, it serves up an authentic fiesta of dishes, from sizzling fajitas, flautas, and hearty burritos to perfectly seasoned tacos and fresh, house-made salsas, paired with a lively bar atmosphere that includes some of the area’s most beloved margaritas and the legendary Spicy Juan!.
Smirnoff Vodka
Mango Puree
Squirt
Tajim Rim
Sangria Martini | Don Quijote’s Solution for When Wine Needs a Kick!
Photo by Don Quijote
One of the best-kept secrets in Valpo is that Don Quijote Restaurant boasts a comprehensive bar featuring Mediterranean cocktails and a selection of premium liquors, including imported brandy, grappa, and port. Perhaps the best mixed drink is a Spanish one called a Sangria Martini. Chef Carlos describes the sangria martini as the perfect cocktail for wine lovers who, on occasion, want a bit more kick.
A Sangria Martini is a creative, modern cocktail that combines the flavors of traditional sangria with the elegance of a martini — essentially a fruit-forward, wine-inspired vodka cocktail served up (without ice) in a martini glass.
It’s not a classic cocktail but rather a popular menu item at Authentic Spanish Bars and Restaurants, often used to bridge the gap between wine lovers and cocktail drinkers.
How much kick? Just watch our sangria martini tutorial below. After two takes, you can see Carlos slurring and butchering the English language. Salud!
2 oz. Red Wine
1/2 oz. Cointreau
1/2 oz. Brandy
1 oz. Sweet Vermouth
1/2 oz. Seltzer Water
Ice/Fruit/Shake/Strain
The Bloody Mary | The Legendary Cocktail that Put Radius Valpo on the Map
Quick! What do you think put Radius on the map? If you guessed the hamburger, you’re late. The burger awards and accolades came later. According to Chef Chris Pavlou, it was the bloody mary that made Radius famous. Often overshadowed by the high-energy atmosphere and the creative hamburger portfolio, it’s the Bloody Mary that initially attracted Radius’s huge following.
According to the article, Secrets to Valpo’s Best Bloody Mary, drive through Valpo’s downtown early on a weekend. From the moment Radius opens, every outdoor seat is taken. Now take a closer look and you can’t help but notice that everyone has a Bloody Mary and a smile–in that order!
These drinks are stacked, especially the 32-oz version. The Radius flagship cocktail is topped with the legendary half-pound Prime Burger, featuring your choice of cheese, lettuce, fresh tomatoes, crinkle-cut pickles, and red onions, all on a buttered, toasted brioche bun. If that’s not enough, the 32-oz Bloody Marys also include a skewer containing an onion ring, shrimp cocktail, mac & cheese, hushpuppy, applewood smoked bacon, celery stick, and a Miller Lite Pony on the side.
32 Oz Bloody Mary | Prime Burger with Cheese, Onion Ring, Shrimp Cocktail, Mac & Cheese Hush Puppy, Applewood Smoked Bacon, Celery Stick, and a Miller Lite Pony
24 Oz Bloody Mary | 1 Burger Slider, Onion Ring, Shrimp Cocktail, Mac & Cheese Hush Puppy, Applewood Smoked Bacon, Celery Stick, and a Miller Lite Pony
16 Oz Bloody Mary | Garnish Skewer & Applewood Smoked Bacon. EXTRAS: +$2 Burger Slider, +$3 Extra Shot, +$2 Miller Lite Pony (7oz)
2 shots of Vodka
4 shots of Tomato Juice
3/4 shot Fresh Lemon Juice
3 Dashes of Tabasco
3 Dashes of Worcester Sauce
1/4 of a Teaspoon of Horseradish (optional if available)
Salt & Pepper to Taste (celery salt works best)
You Are My Sunshine | McGowan Makes Cocktails with Class!
“You Are My Sunshine” is the Perfect Match for McGowan & Sons’ Seafood Experience
With the launch of dine-in service and interactive chef classes at McGowan & Sons, the culinary scene in Valparaiso just got a splash more exciting—and nothing complements Chef Rob’s bold, coastal-inspired seafood like a well-crafted cocktail, especially one he calls, You are My Sunshine!
“You Are My Sunshine”—it’s an extension of the oceanic, chef-driven story McGowan & Sons delivers with every plate. Whether you’re enjoying the catch of the day at their new dine-in tables or learning seafood secrets directly from Chef Rob in an intimate cooking class, the “You Are My Sunshine” adds a laid-back, sun-drenched finish to an already unforgettable experience.
“At Chef Rob’s chef and cocktail class, the bell doesn’t dismiss you — your empty “You Are My Sunshine” glass does.”
The tropical “You Are My Sunshine” makes it a popular choice for outdoor dining at Valpo’s restaurants with bars. The combination of 18th Street Gin with Lemon
Agave, Cava results in a sweet and fruity flavour that is ideal for sipping on a hot day in the Vale of Paradise.
18th Street Gin with Lemon
Agave
Cava
Margarita | The Margarita Flights at Veleros: The Ultimate Outdoor Fiesta in Downtown Valpo
Photos contributed by Veleros Mexican Restaurant
There’s something unforgettable about sipping a vibrant margarita flight at Veleros Mexican while dining outdoors in the heart of downtown Valparaiso. Each handcrafted mini-margarita offers a burst of bold flavor—think classic lime, tropical mango, spicy jalapeño, and tangy tamarind—all served with colorful flair and a side of sunshine.
Whether you’re unwinding after shopping or kicking off a night of live music and festivals, Veleros’ margarita flight turns any outdoor meal into a full-blown celebration. It’s not just a drink—it’s a flavorful adventure that captures the energy of Valpo’s walkable, culture-filled downtown. Taste them all, toast with friends, and let the patio vibes take over.
For good reason, this tequila-based cocktail is a classic. The combination of sweet and sour flavors, along with the distinct taste of the tequila, yields a refreshing and satisfying drink. Veleros also offers an assortment of authentic Bloody Marys on a flight!
1 1/2 shots blanco tequila
1 shot triple sec
3/4 shot of fresh lime juice
Half salt rim
Best Old Fashioned | Valpo’s Best Chicago Cocktail from Pikk’s Tavern!
If you think an Old Fashioned is just whiskey and bitters, think again. At Pikk’s Tavern, this classic cocktail is steeped in Chicago history — and crafted by a man who grew up in the heart of its legendary restaurant scene.
While Paul LoDuca and Carlos Rivero helped establish Valparaiso as a serious culinary destination, LoDuca’s family roots run deep in both Chicago and Northwest Indiana’s culinary scenes. Paul’s story is a great one — it began when he was just a child, working in his father’s legendary Chicago restaurant. While most kids were spending their Friday nights at keg parties, Paul was learning the craft — scrubbing tap lines, mastering the art of the cocktail, and absorbing his father’s philosophy: drinks were crafted to be sold, not just served. His father taught him the secrets of crafting cocktails that would attract and impress Chicago’s most discerning clientele.
Chef Paul LoDuca’s deep connections within Chicago’s top culinary circles have given Pikk’s Tavern access to rare and coveted whiskeys and bourbons that are typically reserved for elite chefs and fine dining establishments. It’s one of the reasons Pikk’s bar program stands apart — here, you’ll find bottles behind the bar that most places can’t get their hands on.”
Today, at Pikk’s, he honors that tradition with an authentic Old Fashioned made the right way: premium whiskey, balanced bitters, sugar, and a perfect citrus twist. It’s not just a drink, it’s a little piece of Chicago served right here in Valpo. That’s why it made our list of Valpo Drinks You Must Try. At Pikk’s, the Old Fashioned is the real deal.
In addition to Pikk’s Tavern, LoDuca owns two famous restaurants in Chicago that are critically acclaimed. Adobo Grill is a neighborhood favorite in Old Town and Vinci is a fan favorite in Lincoln Park. Both have earned high praise from Chicago’s critics.
2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
4 dashes of orange bitters
sugar cube
orange wheel
2 Maraschino cherries
soda.
Margarita | A Veleros Fiesta in Downtown Valpo
Photos contributed by Veleros Mexican Restaurant
There’s something unforgettable about sipping a vibrant margarita at Veleros Mexican while dining outdoors in the heart of downtown Valparaiso. Fans of Veleros are divided over which Margaita is best while enjoying al fresco fun in Valpo’s downtown. We couldn’t decide which to feature, so we are doing both!
The handcrafted mini-margarita offers a burst of bold flavor—think classic lime, tropical mango, spicy jalapeño, and tangy tamarind—all served with colorful flair and a side of sunshine. The flights are a bargain at any price, but Friday’s they are on special!
The Rainbow Margarita is equally as popular and comes in an assortment of sizes, ranging from 12oz, 24 oz and for those that want more, a 60 oz Frozen Rainbow is available!
Whether you’re unwinding after shopping or kicking off a night of live music and festivals, Veleros’ margarita turns any outdoor meal into a full-blown celebration. It’s not just a drink—it’s a flavorful adventure that captures the energy of Valpo’s walkable, culture-filled downtown. Taste them all, toast with friends, and let the patio vibes take over. For good reason, this tequila-based cocktail is a classic. The combination of sweet and sour flavors, along with the distinct taste of the tequila, yields a refreshing and satisfying drink.
1 1/2 shots blanco tequila
1 shot triple sec
3/4 shot of fresh lime juice
Half salt rim
Maple + Bacon Dreamsicle | Breakfast of Champions
Fuel your brunch game with this playful, creamy twist on your morning OJ. Fresh-squeezed orange juice meets whipped vodka, velvety Tippy Cow, and a splash of orange liqueur — it’s sunshine in a glass (with a little kick). Because breakfast sharables are better with friends and a proper pour.
Maple & Bacon has quickly become a go-to spot for golfers, business meetings, and friends looking to gather, and it’s easy to see why. The restaurant offers the perfect combination of a full bar, inviting outdoor dining, and a creative breakfast and brunch menu — an irresistible formula for starting or capping off a day on the course or connecting with others. Golfers appreciate the opportunity to enjoy a craft cocktail or celebratory mimosa after a round, while business groups value the relaxed yet polished atmosphere for casual morning meetings or team gatherings.
M+B 210 Irish Coffee
At Maple + Bacon, the Irish Coffee isn’t just another brunch cocktail — it’s a perfectly crafted blend of rich, locally roasted 210 Coffee and smooth Irish whiskey, creating a drink that’s equal parts comforting and sophisticated. The deep, aromatic flavors of 210 Coffee, roasted just down the road, provide a bold yet balanced base that pairs beautifully with the warmth of premium Irish whiskey.
The combination is elevated with just the right touch of raw sugar and finished with a decadent layer of lightly whipped cream, allowing each sip to be smooth, warm, and indulgent. It’s this attention to ingredient quality and balance that makes Maple + Bacon’s Irish Coffee a true standout — the perfect pairing for a cozy brunch, a chilly morning on the patio, or a well-earned post-round treat for golfers and guests alike.
Happy Hour & Where to Sip These Featured Cocktails in Valpo
Related Reading: Want to brush up on the classics? Check out our Valpo Cocktail Cheat Sheet & Happy Hour Times — your guide to 20 must-know cocktails and the latest Valpo Happy Hour times!
Valpo Happy Hour Times & Places
Here’s a quick look at some of Valpo’s top spots and their current Happy Hour times (be sure to double check with each restaurant for the latest updates — Happy Hour offerings often change seasonally):
1. Martinis in Valpo
Martinis in Valparaiso delivers elegant martinis and signature cocktails in an inviting outdoor setting. Their patio is perfect for sipping on summer evenings.
Happy Hour: Mon–Fri 3–6 PM
Visit website
2. Don Quijote
Happy Hour: Tues–Fri 4–6 PM
Visit website
3. Pikk’s Tavern
Happy Hour: Mon–Fri 3–6 PM
Visit website
4. Radius Valpo
Happy Hour: Mon–Thurs 3–5 PM
Radius Valpo offers a stylish outdoor experience with a contemporary twist. Their cocktails, paired with live music and fire pits, create one of Valpo’s most buzzed-about patios.
Visit website
5. El Salto Valparaiso
Happy Hour:
Mon–Thurs 2–5 PM
Sunday 11-3
Visit website
6. Maple + Bacon
Happy Hour: Coming soon — stay tuned for brunch cocktail specials!
Visit website
7. McGowan & Sons
Happy Hour:
visit website
8. Veleros Mexican
Happy Hour: Mon–Fri 3–6 PM
Visit website
Article by Jim Jano Janesheski
