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Is it really summer if you’re not sipping on a veranda somewhere? Check out this list of refreshing cocktails in Westchester.
Christen the warm months with these creative cocktails that really get to the reason for the season (drinking outside, duh). Refreshing, crisp, and Insta-worthy, cheers to the beach trips, the smell of sunscreen, and the fun in the sun we all deserve.
The 24 Carrot Gold at Augustine’s Salumeria
213 Halsted Ave, Mamaroneck; 914.315.6541
To just state the obvious, cotton candy makes everything more whimsical. This hydrating cocktail is a tantalizing blend of vodka, carrot juice, and ginger beer, served high in a coup glass for endless refreshment. And yes, those are gold flakes in the cotton candy and duh, you can totally eat them. We’ll take two.
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The Sicilian Orange Martini at Bellacosa Wine & Tapas
147 Main St, Dobbs Ferry; 914.693.6259 #2
Have a mini European vacation in your mind the second this scrumptious sip hits your lips. Blood orange vodka, orange juice, lime juice, and cranberry juice splash into a chilled martini glass for a summery drink that’s vibrant but not too heavy next to nosh like Frank’s brick oven pizzas and ricotta truffle honey fig crostini.
Purple Panties at The Blind Pig of Westchester
174 Martine Ave; 914.607.2686
We wouldn’t be doing our readers justice if we did not include a drink from The Blind Pig. This speakeasy-themed cocktail bar is known for its unique concoctions, but this signature definitely stands out. Sweet, bubbly, and citrusy, this sparkly gin drink is made with elderflower, citrus, and prosecco. This violet masterpiece is sure to wow you and the peering eyes from surrounding tables.
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Salted Bourbon at Bona Bona Ice Cream
10 Westchester Ave, Port Chester; 914.481.5712
This unconventional ice cream shop adds a spiked twist to everyone’s favorite summer treat: the milkshake. The salty and sweet contrast is key in this creamy cocktail with salted caramel ice cream, bourbon, and caramel and chocolate sauce. And with more spiked milkshake options to choose from, Bona Bona is the perfect place to cool down with friends or cool off with the whole family.
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The Croatian Breeze at Dubrovnik
71 Main St, New Rochelle; 914.637.3777
Relax on the back patio with the (non-Aegean, but who has to know) breeze in your hair with this citrusy take on a traditional spritz. Light, refreshing, and packed with fresh fruit, this glass of sunshine pairs well with Dubrovnik’s exceptionally fresh seafood selection.
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Related: The Dessert Cocktails Your Sweet Tooth Needs in Westchester
I’m Nocturnal at Gleason’s
911 South St, Peekskill; 914.402.1950
For those who absolutely dread Aperol Spritz season but love a little bitter kick to your drink, allow us to introduce “I’m Nocturnal,” a concoction of blood orange Campari, Myer’s dark rum, pineapple, simple syrup, lime, and mint. A fun balance of booze and fruits, this drink will surely kick summer up a notch. Take THAT, purists.
Sticky fingers at Greca Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar
189 Main St, White Plains; 914.448.880
Capitalizing on last year’s momentum, Veronica Kallas was declared the victor of Westchester’s 5th Annual Bartender Shake-Off. Sticky fingers, a tribute to the Rolling Stones album, is the ultimate creative triumph with hints of brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon, roots diktamo, and a base of bourbon. This spicy and tangy drink will have you eagerly scouring the rest of Greca’s imaginatively named cocktail list for more.
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Tiki-tails at Salsa Verde
325 NY-100, Somers; 914.556.6626
Warm weather equals tiki bar weather, and Salsa Verde has a lot to offer in that department. El Diablo fills the bill handily with a tanteo habanero-infused tequila, Ancho Reyes liqueur, blood orange and lime juice, and a habanero garnish. Or, mentally transport yourself to the islands with the Coqueñojito fashioned from Bacardi coconut rum, lime juice, coconut cream, and a topping of mint, jalapeño, and sugar. For something completely different, consider a mezcal specialty like the Felicidad Ahumada featuring smoked pineapple syrup.
The Haa-low haa-low at Town House
559 Main St, New Rochelle; 914.278.9278
Once you stop reeling from how absolutely gorgeous this drink’s hue is, take a sip and reel once more about how something can be so flavorful. It’s all about the playful blend of peanut butter, Bacardi rum, oat milk, coconut, ube, and lime. If you’re looking for more cocktail fun, slink away to the upstairs speakeasy for special rotating cocktails (sometimes served out of large Buddha).
Dragon Eyes at Tre Dici North
578 Anderson Hill Rd, Purchase; 914.997.4113
Starting off with immediate freshness from the guava, this pretty cocktail still packs a punch. Made with classic Grey Goose vodka and muddled dragonfruit, the drink goes down smooth and sweet. The fresh-squeezed lime and simple syrup balance out the drink, making for the perfect summer sip.
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Strawberry Limoncello at Via Forno Wood Fired Pizza & Vinoteca
2 Garth Rd, Scarsdale; 914.556.6464
Cool down on a hot summer day with this refreshing frosé. Via Forno in Scarsdale has perfected the classic cocktail with a blend of frozen limoncello and fresh strawberry purée. You can enjoy this getaway-in-a-cup at one of Via Forno’s jazz brunches, which feature live jazz music on the outdoor patio every Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
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