Signature Cocktails You Must Try at Tartan of Redlands
When you step into Tartan of Redlands, you’re entering more than just a steakhouse. You’re walking into a destination where craft cocktails meet Scottish-inspired ambiance, where every drink tells a story, and where the bar program has become just as legendary as the Saturday Prime Rib. Since 1964, this Redlands institution has perfected the art of pairing exceptional food with equally impressive beverages.
The Bar That Built a Reputation
The cocktail program at Tartan isn’t an afterthought to the steakhouse experience—it’s an integral part of what makes this establishment special. The bar serves as both a social hub and a destination in its own right, drawing locals who appreciate quality drinks in an atmosphere that encourages genuine connection rather than shouting over pounding music.
What sets Tartan’s cocktail offerings apart is the commitment to balance. These aren’t overly complicated creations that require a mixology degree to appreciate. Instead, they’re thoughtfully crafted drinks that enhance your dining experience, whether you’re settling in for a ribeye or just stopping by for happy hour with friends.
Classic Cocktails Done Right
Sometimes the best signature is perfecting the classics. At Tartan, you’ll find timeless cocktails executed with precision and care. A properly made Old Fashioned here showcases quality bourbon with just the right balance of bitters and sweetness. The martinis arrive crisp and cold, made to your exact specifications—whether you prefer gin or vodka, dirty or dry.
These aren’t fussy interpretations trying to reinvent the wheel. They’re well-made drinks prepared by bartenders who understand that technique matters, that fresh ingredients make a difference, and that consistency keeps customers coming back week after week.
Seasonal Creations That Capture California
The cocktail menu at Tartan evolves with the seasons, incorporating fresh ingredients that reflect Southern California’s incredible bounty. When citrus season arrives, expect drinks that highlight blood oranges, Meyer lemons, and ruby red grapefruits. Summer brings refreshing combinations featuring berries, stone fruits, and herbs.
This seasonal approach ensures that regular visitors always have something new to discover while maintaining beloved favorites that become part of the Tartan tradition. The bartenders take pride in sourcing quality ingredients, sometimes featuring local elements like tea from Summit Tea in Redlands.
Whiskey: A Scottish Tribute
Given Tartan’s Scottish heritage, it’s no surprise that the whiskey selection deserves special attention. From smooth bourbon to peaty Scotch, the back bar offers options for everyone from whiskey newcomers to serious enthusiasts.
The bartenders here can guide you through whiskey flights, help you discover new favorites, or craft whiskey-based cocktails that showcase the spirit’s complexity. Whether you prefer it neat, on the rocks, or in a classic cocktail like a Manhattan or Whiskey Sour, you’ll find what you’re looking for.
Margaritas with a Twist
Margaritas have become a California staple, and Tartan puts its own spin on this beloved cocktail. Fresh citrus juice makes all the difference, transforming what could be a sweet, artificial concoction into a balanced, refreshing drink that complements the restaurant’s bold flavors.
Variations might include fruit-forward options featuring mango, strawberry, or blackberry, each bringing its own character while maintaining the margarita’s essential balance of tequila, citrus, and sweetness. The salt rim is always optional, and quality tequila ensures you’re getting the real thing.
Bourbon-Based Creations
Bourbon’s caramel and vanilla notes make it a natural partner for steakhouse fare. Tartan’s bourbon cocktail lineup spans everything from bold, whiskey-led classics to smoother, more inviting creations that balance the spirit’s strength with carefully chosen complementary notes.
A bourbon smash featuring muddled berries and fresh mint offers refreshing contrast to rich steaks. Bourbon-based old fashioneds provide that perfect pre-dinner contemplation moment. These drinks showcase the versatility of American whiskey while honoring its traditional preparation methods.
The Perfect Wine Pairing Alternative
While wine traditionally pairs with steak, craft cocktails offer creative alternatives that can be just as harmonious. A well-made cocktail can cut through fatty richness, cleanse the palate, and provide flavor contrasts that enhance your meal in unexpected ways.
The bartenders at Tartan understand these principles and can recommend drinks that complement specific menu items. Whether you’re having seafood, chicken, or a prime cut of beef, there’s a cocktail that will elevate your dining experience.
Happy Hour Excellence
Tartan’s happy hour brings vibrant cocktails and delightful small plates together at prices that encourage exploration. It’s the perfect opportunity to try something new without committing to a full dinner, or to meet friends for drinks before heading elsewhere in downtown Redlands.
The happy hour crowd reflects Redlands’ diverse community—young professionals unwinding after work, couples on casual dates, friends catching up over drinks. The atmosphere remains lively but never overwhelming, maintaining that welcoming vibe Tartan has cultivated since 1964.
Cocktails That Travel Well
For those times when you want Tartan’s quality at home, certain cocktails travel surprisingly well. While fresh-poured drinks always taste best, the restaurant understands that sometimes takeout extends beyond food. Inquire about options for enjoying their beverage program at home, especially for special occasions or gatherings.
The Bartenders Make the Difference
Behind every great cocktail program are skilled bartenders who know their regulars’ orders by heart. At Tartan, you’ll find professionals who take pride in their craft, who can recommend drinks based on your preferences, and who genuinely care about your experience.
These aren’t just drink-makers; they’re hospitality professionals who understand that a perfectly crafted cocktail is only part of the equation. The conversation, the service, the atmosphere they help create—all of this contributes to Tartan’s reputation as the “Cheers of Redlands, where everybody knows your name.”
Mocktails Worth Mentioning
Not everyone drinks alcohol, and Tartan recognizes that non-drinkers deserve the same creative attention. The mocktail options provide complexity and flavor without the spirits, ensuring everyone at your table can participate in the craft beverage experience.
Fresh juices, house-made syrups, herbs, and creative combinations mean you’re not settling for soda or basic lemonade. These drinks stand on their own merit, crafted with the same care as their alcoholic counterparts.
The Setting Enhances Every Sip
The environment at Tartan elevates the cocktail experience. Warm lighting casts a golden glow across dark wood and elegant details. The vintage Redlands photographs on the walls remind you of the restaurant’s deep community roots. The comfortable booths and well-spaced tables provide privacy without isolation.
Whether you’re sitting at the bar watching drinks being made or tucked into a booth with friends, the setting encourages you to slow down, savor your drink, and enjoy the moment. In our increasingly hectic world, that invitation to simply be present is its own kind of signature.
Outdoor Patio Drinks
When weather permits—which in Southern California is most of the year—Tartan’s patio offers another dimension to the cocktail experience. There’s something magical about sipping a perfectly made drink under the stars, with string lights twinkling overhead and the gentle California breeze making everything feel just right.
The patio transforms a simple cocktail into an experience, one of those perfect evenings that make you grateful to live in Redlands. Add good company, quality drinks, and perhaps some appetizers to share, and you’ve created the kind of memory that keeps you coming back.
Making Your Visit Count
To get the most from Tartan’s cocktail program, don’t be afraid to ask questions. The bartenders love talking about their craft and can steer you toward drinks that match your taste preferences. If you enjoy bourbon but find it too strong straight, they’ll recommend cocktails that soften its edges. If you love fruity drinks but want something less sweet, they’ll find the right balance.
Trying something outside your usual order can lead to pleasant surprises. That cocktail you’ve never heard of might become your new favorite. The seasonal special could introduce you to flavor combinations you never considered.
The Takeaway
Tartan of Redlands has earned its place in local lore through decades of consistency, quality, and genuine hospitality. The cocktail program reflects these same values—drinks made right, ingredients that matter, service that cares, and an atmosphere that welcomes everyone.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, enjoying a casual night out, or simply want a well-made drink at the end of a long day, Tartan delivers. The signature isn’t any single cocktail but rather the entire experience: the setting, the people, the tradition, and yes, the exceptionally crafted drinks in your hand.
So pull up a barstool, settle into a booth, or claim a spot on the patio. Let the bartenders work their magic while you relax into the knowledge that you’re exactly where you should be—at a Redlands institution that’s been getting it right since 1964, one perfectly crafted cocktail at a time.
About Tartan of Redlands
Located at 24 E. Redlands Blvd in downtown Redlands, Tartan has been serving the community since April 15, 1964. Founded by brothers Velmer, Al, and Art Ctoteau, the restaurant has passed through generations of dedicated owners while maintaining its reputation as the place where everybody knows your name. Current owners Jeff and Lisa Salamon continue the tradition of excellence, ensuring that both the food and drink programs meet the high standards that have made Tartan a Redlands landmark.
