San Diego's Cocktail Week dove into everything from legendary dive bars to the ever-evolving craft cocktail movement. As you take in this week's cocktail suggestions around town, take this final learning lesson with you: You don't need to skimp on liquor quality to find a cocktail for under $8 in San Diego. Be sure to hit these upscale spots during times of the day when it'll only cost you a Lincoln and a few George Washington bills to throw back classy concoctions. You're welcome!
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A Few Spots To Nab A Cocktail For Under $8
Great cocktails normally don't come cheap, but here are some exceptions.

Sea & Smoke
Sea & Smoke's happy hour every day from 3-6 pm includes fantastic beverages ranging from $6 to $7, including Honey Bee (dark & spiced rum, honey, lemon); Revel Mule (spiced whiskey, lime, ginger beer); Sweet Tea (sweet tea infused bourbon or vodka and lemonade); and Partridge in a Pear Tree (organic lemon vodka, pear syrup, lemon).
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Beaumont's Eatery
Locals flock to this Bird Rock favorite for the $6 beer cocktail, Michilada, made with Pacifico, lime, tabasco, lime juice and finished off with a salted rim. A daily happy hour from 3-6:30 pm calls for $6 Mules, Mojitos, and Margaritas and $3 off any hand-crafted speciality cocktails.
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Polite Provisions
The award-winning bar keeps patrons' wallets full, thanks to five select cocktails for $5 Monday to Thursday, from 11:30-6 pm. The lineup generally changes monthly, and today it includes the Sleepyhead, Monte Carlo, French 75, Dunlop and Death in the Afternoon.
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Fairweather/Rare Form
Hit this cocktail corner near the ballpark on weekdays to imbibe on a Basil G&T or Rare Form Whiskey Cocktail for $5 each from 4-7 pm at Rare Form. The five-buck trend continues upstairs at Fairweather from 5-7 pm for a Daiquiri, Piña Colada, or Margarita.
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SEA180º Coastal Tavern
During daily happy hour from 2:30-5 pm, the hardest part of your day will be deciding between five tropical-themed liquors for $5: Watermelon Infused Svedka Vodka; Cinnamon Infused Bourbon; Bruleed Banana Infused Rum; Pineapple Infused Svedka Vodka; and Jalepeno Infused Tequila.
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CUCINA urbana
Happy hour daily from 3-6 pm entails $6 well cocktails and $6 sangria, which is also valid at its North County sister, CUCINA enoteca in Del Mar.
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Don Chido
This new Mexican staple in the Gaslamp clearly wants to get Taco Tuesday patrons buzzed, with $5 house margaritas every Tuesday from 4pm all the way until close. (Puesto also celebrates the weekly holiday, with $6 Margaritas from 3-6 pm.)
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Sycamore Den
This woodsy alcove's specialty cocktails are typically $9 but only $6 during happy hour (5-7pm Monday to Thursday and 4-7 pm Friday through Sunday). Pick from names like Hardly Wallbanger (Vodka, Galliano, OJ, Lemon, Vanilla, Soda) or Wolf Ticket (Dickel Whisky, Orchard Peach, Lemon, Simple Syrup, Angostura Bitters, Lemon Zest).
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Counterpoint
For $7 each, this Golden Hill hot spot knows what's up, serving a Pauper (Rittenhouse Rye, Pineapple, Lemon, Luxardo, Topped with Prosecco) and Old Hickory (Dolin Sweet Vermouth, Dolin Dry Vermouth, Housemade Orange Bitters, Peychaud’s) for $7 a pop during happy hour.
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Prepkitchen
Prepkitchen's always had a solid happy hour, with craft cocktails fully on board. A Last Knight (Rittenhouse, Fernet, Apricot Brandy and RX #7 Bitters) and La Pharmacia (Mezcal, Peach, Ginger and Lemon) will only set you back $5 for each during happy hour. Also available at its Little Italy and La Jolla locales.
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