I recently stopped by Leila, the new Persian-Middle Eastern restaurant in North Park, for a casual evening out, and I have to say their cocktails made a lasting impression. The restaurant itself is beautifully designed, typical from Consortium Holdings, but with beautiful cocktails to match. After chatting with the bartender, I was excited to try something new—and the Azadeh was the perfect choice.

The drink arrived in a Nick & Nora glass with a sad-looking garnish. The first sip was everything I was hoping for—smooth, balanced, and flavorful. The scotch provided a solid base, but it was the combination of apple, fig, and lavender that really made the drink shine. The hint of bergamot added a unique twist, while the slight sweetness from the apple brandy and amaro tied everything together without being overpowering.

What I loved most about this cocktail was how easy it was to drink. It had just the right amount of complexity without feeling too sweet or bitter as a spirit-forward drink. I loved it so much I ordered another!

Beyond the drink itself, the experience at Leila was nice. The venue is gorgeous, and the three bartenders were friendly and knowledgeable, offering great recommendations and paying attention to everyone at the bar. I wasn’t able to get a table reservation, but I walked in and stood at the bar waiting for an open seat for at least half an hour. They let me order a drink and some snacks, and I was too busy enjoying my delicious cocktail to mind waiting for a seat to open up.

If you get a chance to stop by Leila, I’d highly recommend trying the Azadeh. Next time I hope to explore more of the food!