Bottoms Up! Craft cocktails in the Sierra Foothills

GOLDEN ERA LOUNGE
Golden Era serves perfect hand-crafted cocktails (with names such as “Miner’s Punch,” “Gold Rush Sour” or “Nevada City Swizzle”), as well as craft beers, local wines and homemade non-alcoholic soda fountain drinks. Weekend music includes piano or soft jazz. Nevada City. GoldenEraLounge.com

LEFTY’S GRILL
Lefty’s serves “the perfect cocktail.” Customers can order their old, favorite cocktail or a new craft cocktail, just like they can order a delicious Napa-style pizza or from the menu. Drinks include a Dirty Martini, Moscow Mule and Old Fashioned. The Bloody Mary mix is made from scratch. Nevada City. LeftysGrill.com

MARIA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT
Maria’s has a spectacular circular bar that offers top-shelf margaritas and other cocktails. Features over 70 high-quality tequillas and fresh, frozen drinks. GrassValley. MariasGrassValley.com

MONKEY CAT
An exotic setting, ideal for a classic martini, Manhattan or more adventurous cocktail.
Cosmopolitans, Moscow Mules, Lemon Drops, Apple-tini and melon martinis in a comfortable lounge and bar. Specialty drinks include a “Monkey Tai.” Expertly shaken martinis are $6 during happy hour. Auburn. MonkeyCat.com

TOFANELLI’S
A classic Gold Rush-era bar. The best Lemon Drops in town (made with a whole lemon); fresh-squeezed OJ in your Mimosa; and an excellent Bloody Mary (with homemade mix and fresh fixings). The bar menu also includes Darjeeling Gin from California Distilled Spirits in Auburn. Grass Valley. Tofanellis.com

MOODY’S BISTRO BAR & BEATS
A ‘50s-style restaurant and bar located in the historic Truckee Hotel. Specialty drinks include the Sour Cherry Side Car, Jalapeño Cucumber Margarita, Wry Rye Martini and Moody’s Mule. Truckee. MoodysBistro.com

Wine vs. Beer
The West Shore Café at Lake Tahoe is hosting a five-week series of live music, wine tasting, beer tasting, and food pairings this summer.

Flights of wine or beer will be offered from 3-6 p.m. each Wednesday through August 7, alternating each week until a final showdown.

During the showdown on August 7 the two will go head to head to select the best varietal (wine) or style (beer) to go along with a crafted small bite. The winners will be chosen by guests along with a panel of judges, including a cicerone and sommelier.

(Photo: Kial James)