Want your date to pucker up? Take her to the Hungry Cat in Hollywood, well-known for its innovative and freshly juiced cocktails, and order her up a Sourpuss ($12).

I had tried one on the recommendation of the bartender. She swore that despite its ingredients of 1792 Bourbon, fresh orange juice and lemon with caramelized simple syrup that it was far from tart. I don't like tart, ya see. According to the bartender, the caramelized simple syrup takes the edge off all that citrus.

But when I took my first sip of the freshly squeezed cocktail I couldn't help but scrunch up my face and suck in some air. It was sorta like sipping fresh but unsweetened lemonade. And I couldn't really taste the bourbon as it was overpowered by the lemons. But if you like all things sour, the Sourpuss may be up your alley.

Oh well, one down, seven drinks to go. The Hungry Cat's cocktail selection features four ever-changing seasonal cocktails and four "classic cats" which tend to stick around the menu longer. Sourpuss belongs in the latter category. Meh.

That seasonal Mad Apple Fizz ($12) sounds good though -- Laird's Applejack, Rainwater Madeira, lemon, egg white and a splash of soda. Fun!

The Hungry Cat's 3rd Anniversary Party: If you want to sample the Cat's cocktails but don't feel like paying full price, you should check out the late-night cocktail party the restaurant/bar is throwing this Saturday, March 8 from 11pm to 2am in celebration of its 3rd anniversary. Cocktails AND draught beers are half price. Oh yeah, and there will be some wine specials as well.

The Hungry Cat
1535 North Vine
Hollywood, California 90028
(323) 462-2155
Hours: Monday-Saturday 12pm-12am, drinks til 2am
Sunday 11am-10pm, drinks til midnight

Photo by Caroline on Crack