Cocktail Of The Week: Celebrate The End Of Summer With A Watermelon Colada Slushie At Élephante

Photo Credit: Jakob N. Layman

Santa Monica is the ultimate summertime destination, and though summer is technically drawing to a close, you can hold on all year long at Élephante, Wish You Were Here Group’s answer to year-round summer indulgence by way of southern Italian fare, coastal-inspired cocktails, and ocean views from a rooftop.

The restaurant and bar from seasoned restaurateur Nicholas Mathers aims to transport guests from Los Angeles to the beachside towns of Southern Italy. Punctuated by custom furniture and design touches throughout the over 200-seat space, Élephante surrounds guests with natural wood and stone, copper finishes and design pieces from Northern Africa and Southern Italy to evoke a lavish summer holiday abroad with an unhurried Los Angeles sensibility.

This kind of summery vibe can be found on its menu, which draws inspiration from various southern Mediterranean regions, with light, fresh dishes like the white balsamic-laced Brussels sprouts and burrata with roasted grape, pistachio, beets, saba; rotating pastas; Neapolitan-inspired pizzas; and larger plates including citrus buttered diver scallops.

But now, for cocktail of the week. Have that endless summer you seek with our pick, the watermelon colada slushie. Bar director Julien Calella is responsible for this lovely libation, which is comprised of blanco tequila, lime, watermelon, and coconut. Another of his crowd pleasers is the venue’s signature cocktail, the Élephante, made with passionfruit, lemon, almond orgeat, Montenegro, Calabrian chili and a pick your poison option of tequila, vodka, gin, or rum.

Photo Credit: Jakob N. Layman