THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED
El Camino Real, the Royal Highway, is the very footprint of civilisation in California. It connected the missions and presidios of the Spanish colonial era. Towns along it grew to become the major population centres of ‘Alta California’. It also, conveniently, connects some of the best gin distilleries in Central and Southern California.
Between Dead Kennedys’ Land to the north and Beach Boys’ Land to the south, is the Rastafarian enclave of Santa Cruz, a university town known for Mission Santa Cruz, surfing, skateboarding, seaside roller coasters, organic food and ganja. It is now getting known for great gin.
The outdoor seating at Venus Spirits Cocktails and Kitchen has become the place to relax in the shade, or bake in the sun, with cocktails made from its gins and house-made tonics; signature cocktails include the summer refresher Beach Don’t Kill My Vibe, featuring strawberry, lemon and basil.
