Drinking With Nolan

It’s National Strawberry Shortcake Day weekend, so naturally I had to celebrate with a cocktail.

Meet my Strawberry Shortcake Cocktail — a sweet little tribute to one of my favorite desserts. Made with homemade strawberry cheong, Broken Shed Vodka, yellow chartreuse, and a splash of lemon, it strikes that perfect balance between bright, fruity, herbal, and refreshing. The strawberry cheong brings a rich berry flavor, the chartreuse adds an unexpected layer of complexity, and the lemon keeps everything lively and balanced.

And because presentation matters, I topped it off with a mini strawberry shortcake for garnish. Because if you’re going to celebrate Strawberry Shortcake Day, you might as well go all in.

Dessert? Cocktail? Why not both?

Best Cocktails

Let’s head back to Hawaii for one of my all-time tiki favorites — the Navy Grog

This classic is a rum lover’s dream, built with a powerhouse blend of Real McCoy 3, Banks 7, Smith & Cross, and St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram, then balanced with grapefruit, lime, and demerara. The result is bold, complex, and incredibly refreshing.

What I love about a great Navy Grog is how it evolves with every sip. First you get the bright citrus, then the rich layers of rum start to shine through, followed by those warm allspice notes that tie everything together. It’s tropical without being overly sweet, strong without being overwhelming, and a perfect reminder of why tiki classics have stood the test of time.

One sip and I’m soaking up island vibes and dreaming about my next tropical escape.

Welcome to Laguna Beach, !

I was so excited to see the new location open up just steps from the beach. The best part? It’s everything I love about El Matatan — the same incredible food, the same amazing cocktails, and of course, the same awesome Oscar behind the bar.

After spending some time watching those absolutely crazy waves roll in, I settled in with a La Roma, and it was exactly what I needed. Bright, refreshing, and packed with flavor, it paired perfectly with the ocean views and salty sea air.

It’s always great to see your favorite spots grow, especially when they bring the same quality, hospitality, and creativity that made you fall in love with them in the first place. Here’s to beachside cocktails, great food, and many more visits to the newest El Matatan location.