Beyond the Buffalo Milk: Catalina's Best Cocktails

What does a half shot of creme de cacao, a half shot of Kahlua, a half shot of creme de banana, one shot of vodka, a splash of half and half, and some ice make? Blend all these things together, top with whipped cream, sprinkle with nutmeg, and garnish with a banana slice, and you’ve got yourself the unofficial adult beverage of Catalina Island: the Buffalo Milk. Legend has it that the drink was created at a bar just down the coast from Avalon in Two Harbors. And today, many island establishments offer their take on the popular local blended drink. It tastes better with a view of the ocean, for sure. 

As an island town, it’s only natural for Catalina to be home to many watering holes. However, rather than a regular bar crawl, try a Catalina Food Tour on your visit to Catalina. Not only will you get to sample food along with some favorite local beverages, you’ll be served some sides of history and culture too. And we get it, beverages can be fun. Catalina’s establishments offer a wide array of fun cocktails and non-alcoholic options too. All of the stops along the Catalina Food Tour offer drinks from creative cocktails to frozen favorites. Read on to learn about life beyond the Buffalo Milk, and discover some of Catalina’s best cocktails. 

All aboard at El Galleon: In addition to a Buffalo Milk, this classic Catalina bar and restaurant serves classic frozen drinks like daiquiris, margaritas, and pina coladas. The bar here also serves some great drinks that feature local Catalina Rum Co. rum like Painkillers, Hurricanes and Mai Tais. In search of interesting cocktails? Get the Shipwreck: Malibu, Razmataz, Blue Curacao, cranberry juice, pineapple juice, a Wild Turkey floater, and an El Galleon pirate eye patch.  

Dive into The Marlin Club: As our foodie crew likes to say "All roads lead to the Marlin." This local bar is more kitschy and fun than dark and divey. Try a By the Pool, made of Midori, peach Schnapps, orange juice, and Sprite. Or, sample a tropical Channel Island Chi Chi with Titos Vodka, creme de coconut, and pineapple juice, garnished with whipped cream, cherry, and an orange slice.  

Howl at Coyote Joe's: While there’s an assortment of margaritas to accompany authentic Mexican food at Coyote Joe’s, there are some standout drink options too. Order a Spicy Cucumber Jalapeno margarita, featuring fresh cucumber and jalapeno muddled with Hornitos, Patron Citronage, and sweet and sour mix. For something a little less spicy, try the Vampiro with Hornitos Reposado, sangria, lime, and lemon-lime soda. Not in the mood for a whole cocktail? Get a Cinnamon Toast Crunch Shooter–a mix of Fireball and Rumchata. 

Head up to Topside by NDMK: You can’t beat the views at Topside. Toast to the coastline with bottomless mimosas, sample from an extensive wine list or a solid selection of beers. Mix things up with some hard kombucha or cider. 

Eat (and drink) like a local at NDMK: This Catalina fish house is known for amazing fresh seafood items. To wash down your dinner, try the different flavors of Mela water; they include Watermelon, Chili Mango Watermelon, and Passionfruit Watermelon. Or try a Prickly Pear Margarita; while it's not enedemic, prickly pear are native to Catalina and make delicious margaritas.

Drinks on deck at Bluewater Avalon: This waterfront seafood restaurant overlooking Avalon Harbor is the perfect setting to sip on a Cucumber Mojito or a Coconut Margarita. For patrons seeking a non-alcoholic option, order the “Baja” Mocktail Mule with Ritual Tequila Alternative, cucumber slices, lime juice, passion fruit puree, agave syrup, and Fever Tree ginger beer. 

Surf and turf and sips at Steve’s Steakhouse: Steve’s is great for a fancy dinner in Avalon. At the bar here, order some local favorites: the Catalina Iced Tea with Pinnacle vodka, Beefeater gin, Cruzan aged light rum, DeKuyper triple sec sour mix, and cola, or Steve’s Ultimate Lemonade with Ketel One, Citroen, DeKuyper triple sec, and pink lemonade. 

Interested in something other than cocktails and 21+ drinks? Head to these Catalina Food Tour favorites: 

Cozy up to Catalina Coffee & Cookie Co.  This corner coffee shop has a menu full of gourmet coffee, lattes, tea, matcha, hot breakfast options, pastries, and treats. Be adventurous with a Horchata latte or a Big Train Chai. Tea drinker? Have Ceremonial Grade Matcha or a Lavender London Fog instead. 

Sip something sweet from Lloyd’s of Avalon: This confectionery has made salt water taffy, fudge, and lots of favorite homemade sweets for decades. For drinks, try their frozen coffee concoctions like the Coffee Toffee or a Coconut Vanilla. Want some island flavor? Sip on a Mangonada. Lloyd’s is also a purveyor of ice cream, so you can order cool favorites like malts, shakes, or a Root Beer Freeze. 

Get fresh at Cafe Metropole: The fresh offerings at this cute cafe include an assortment of smoothies: Tropical Mango, Strawberry Banana, Acai Berry, and PB and A with acai berries, peanut butter, and almond milk. Or, opt for a Green Machine with spinach, pineapple, mango, and coconut milk.

Call Catalina Food Tours. This is a lot of tasting to do on your own. Let our expert local guides help you with a tour of Avalon’s favorite cocktails and cuisines! Tours are 2.5 hours, and they’re for customers who are 21 and older. Book online, or visit our website to learn more.