Afternoon Tea Takes A Boozy Twist At This San Diego Hotel

Afternoon tea is a storied tradition that one San Diego hotel just made a little more debaucherous. How? By adding booze to it.

Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa now has a recurring event called “Boozy Garden Tea Time,” where guests head to the property’s Secret Garden for a classic tea service mixed in with a bit of gin. During the service, guests get two cocktails of choice featuring You & Yours Gin & Tonic, Aviation, French 75, and Etoile, plus gourmet Smith Tea selections, petite pastries, finger sandwiches, and more. And themed dress is encouraged.

“San Diego is known for its bustling spirits scene and beautiful landscape. With the Boozy Tea experience at Estancia La Jolla, we’re able to showcase both in a memorable way,” Eric Jenkins, general manager at Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, told me. “The outdoor spaces at Estancia are a huge part of what makes our hotel experience so special. Through this programming, we’re able to celebrate local makers like You & Yours and offer access to our lush gardens in a unique and interactive way.”

He added, “Estancia’s Boozy Tea experience takes guests on a whimsical journey that piques the senses. Guests are surrounded by colorful florals and perfectly manicured greenery complemented by refreshing cocktails, teas, and bites that really bring the experience together. Combine that with the San Diego sunshine and great company, and you’ve got an unbeatable environment.”

The afternoon tea isn’t the only themed event the hotel offers with a boozy twist. They also host Muscles & Margaritas with F45 La Jolla as part of their #SelfCareSunday Series. This one includes a 45-minute workout class from F45 La Jolla, followed by complimentary margaritas. And another part of the series is back on August 28 with Bubbly & Bloody Mary’s with The Boxing Club. Similar to the F45 class, participants get a 45-minute workout class from The Boxing Club and complimentary Bloody Marys.

What’s more, these booze-themed teas are also becoming popular at other hotels. Last month, Flemings Mayfair Hotel in London launched the “G & Tea” experience in Manetta’s Cocktail Bar. Available Wednesday through Saturday, guests can enjoy all the makings of the OG tea—an assortment of freshly baked patisseries presented on an elegant tiered stand and tea blends from East India Tea Company—alongside a choice of one of three botanical gin tipples. Or, there’s the option to try all three gins for an additional charge.

Plus, another San Diego—the Carte Hotel in downtown—-just launched an “Alice in Wonderland” tea that’s described as an “immersive cocktail adventure” complete with tea, desserts, and treats. “Join us for a theatrical, alternate reality experience that will take you down the rabbit hole and through the looking glass,” a description for the event reads. “It’s tea party to end all tea parties.”

The Alice in Wonderland event is running now through June 26, while the next dates for La Estancia’s Boozy Garden Tea Time are June 5, July 10, and August 7. Pinkies up!