Baja Cantina

7166 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel (831) 625-2252, carmelcantina.com

Anyone can throw some obnoxious garnish on a drink and entice folks with the visuals, but if it doesn’t taste good you’re just putting lipstick on a pig. The folks at Baja Cantina know how to do it right without the dog and pony show. Salty olives, crisp celery and the perfect booze-to-tomato ratio make this one a favorite. Finished off with a generous hit of heat and your taste buds will be chanting “Feel The Burn!”