La Ceviche by De Mole is turning up the summer in Astoria with a bright, beachy lineup of cocktails—and a marquee hire behind the bar. The neighborhood favorite, known for its vibrant Peruvian-Mexican flavors and relaxed, convivial vibe, is debuting four new warm‑weather sippers: La Toronjita, Coconita, Estrellita, and a Passionfruit Caipirinha.
The timing couldn’t be better: weekday Happy Hour runs a generous 1–8 p.m., and weekends bring a two‑hour bottomless brunch. Even better, the restaurant’s tapas, family‑style format invites lingering, mixing, and sharing—drinks included—for just $56 per person.
Watch the new cocktails in action by local Astoria food influencer, John Sanchez, on Instagram.
At the center of this refresh is Eugenio, La Ceviche by De Mole’s newly minted bartender, who arrives with serious pedigree: over 25 years at the famed Gotham in Manhattan. His move to Astoria is a win for cocktail lovers borough‑wide. Eugenio brings hospitality that’s confident yet unpretentious, coupled with a craftsman’s touch for balance and presentation. “I want guests to taste the seasons—citrus at its peak, herbs when they’re fragrant, and spirits that tell a story,” he says, setting the tone for a bar program that’s both polished and playful.
La Toronjita is a crisp, grapefruit‑forward cooler that lands like a sea breeze—bright, lightly bitter, and refreshing with a zesty salted rim that begs for another sip. Coconita leans lush and tropical, pairing coconut and lime with a whisper of vanilla for a silky, sun‑on‑skin finish. Estrellita—“little star”—twinkles with starfruit and pineapple, rounded by agave and a squeeze of lemon for a clean, high‑tone sparkle. And the Passionfruit Caipirinha riffs on Brazil’s classic with fragrant passionfruit pulp, muddled lime, and cachaça over crushed ice, the kind of golden, tangy cocktail that turns a table into a mini‑vacation.
Food remains the heartbeat here, with a menu designed for sharing and discovery. Think bracing, lime‑kissed ceviches that snap with freshness; crispy calamari and yuca that deliver satisfying crunch; and warm tortillas ferrying grilled seafood, citrus, and herbs. The family‑style, tapas approach encourages guests to try everything—and the mix‑and‑match drinks format means each course can meet its perfect cocktail partner. Whether you’re chasing citrus with La Toronjita or letting Coconita mellow the heat, every pairing feels intentional.
For planners (and spontaneous friends who become planners by 4 p.m.), the value is clear. Weekday Happy Hour from 1–8 p.m. stretches well past office hours, ideal for late lunches, early dinners, or that sweet in‑between. On weekends, the two‑hour bottomless brunch transforms the day into a leisurely feast: tapas passed around the table, cocktails refreshed with a smile, and the whole experience—meals served tapas family‑style plus mix‑and‑match drinks—priced at just $56 per person. With Eugenio steering the bar and summer in full swing, La Ceviche by De Mole isn’t just pouring drinks; it’s pouring a mood. Grab your friends, bring your appetite, and let the afternoon drift into evening—Astoria style.
