The Season’s Most Refreshing Summer Cocktails
Any summer day (or afternoon, or evening) spent without a frosty, fruity, refreshing cocktail kind of seems like a summer day wasted, doesn’t it? That’s why we’ve rounded up our favorite, seasonal libations — from Frozen Negronis at Alta Linea near the High Line, to boozy Sno Cones from Branch Ofc in Brooklyn.
Alta Linea
This new, outdoor spot from the Epicurean Group (dell’anima, L’Artusi, L’Apicio), located in the High Line Hotel’s courtyard is inspired by the Italian tradition of aperitivi; low-proof drinks paired with tasty nibbles and snacks. Which means it’s a real showcase for talented beverage director, Joe Campanale — don’t miss his Frozen Negronis, a collaboration with one of our favorites, Kelvin Natural Slush Co., a classic Aperol Spritz, or “The Punto,” made with Cocchi Americano, soda, sparkling wine and grapefruit.
Read MoreSeamore’s
The Meatball Shop’s Michael Chernow just launched his very own restaurant in Little Italy, and since it specializes in seafood, you know there are all sorts of summer-friendly libations to go alongside. (Did we mention it’s been packed since opening day? Guess the secret’s out.) Try the “Shore Thing” with vodka, sage, nectarine and yellow chartreuse, the “Swipe Right Mojito,” featuring rum, agave, blackberries and mint, and the “Ode to Wilson,” made with maraschino, honey, and sparkling rose.
Read MoreFuku
By the time you’ve finally reached the front of the epic line at Fuku, David Chang’s new, Fried Chicken Sandwich storefront, you’ll doubtless be desperate for a cocktail. Thankfully, the drinks list isn’t quite as abbreviated as the food menu; think Whiskey Gingers, a take on a Long Island Iced Tea, a Daiquiri Royale, and the Fuku Michelada; a can of Tecate rimmed with chili salt and daubed with Ssam sauce.
Read MoreBranch Ofc
Thought Sno Cones were only for kiddies? Think again! In addition to refreshing house cocktails, like the “Vero Beach Fizz” (Cruzan, grapefruit and ginger), this spacious Brooklyn bar offers paper twists of shaved ice topped with sloe gin and cherry syrup (the “Sloelita”), rum and pineapple (“The Bodhi Brah”), and the “Hierba Buena,” drizzled with lime, mezcal and Tabasco.
Read MoreThe Daily
We don’t remember lemonade stands quite like this growing up. At Nolita bar and lounge, The Daily, head barman Nacho Jimenez offers up a house lemonade each day, such as Lavender, Cucumber-Mint and Strawberry Lime, and patrons are allowed to fill their cups for free. Unless they want theirs spiked, that is, with tequila, vodka, or gin, for only $6 a glass!
Read MoreMace
With a cocktail menu completely inspired and informed by spices, you’ll probably want to skip the namesake “Mace” option until mid fall. In the meantime, tipples like the “Thai Chili” (gin, cucumber, elderflower liquor) and the “Pandan” couldn’t be more seasonal — the latter is made with Trinidadian and Jamaican rums, coconut water, pineapple and ginger juice, and Batavia Arrack infused with pandan leaves; a tropical herb tasting faintly of vanilla.
Read MoreJavelina
No matter whether or not you believe Javelina’s cheesy, beany Tex Mex fare lives up to the hype, they’ve definitely delivered on the Margarita front. In addition to classic lime, you’ll also find strawberry, prickly pear, mango and mint, habanero and white peach, and even an avocado cilantro version, which, not to worry, tastes absolutely nothing like a glass of frozen guacamole.
Read MorePark Avenue Summer
Since Park Avenue entirely reinvents itself — from the décor to the menu — each season, you can bet they’ve brightened up their drinks list for summer. Try the “Day Tripper” with strawberries, rhubarb, gin and fresh-picked basil, the “Pimms 3,” featuring Pimms and housemade lemonade over strawberry and cucumber ice cubes, and Hampton’s Sangria sold by the pitcher or glass, with sweet peaches and St. Germain.
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