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, these libations are the perfect way to cheers to the beach trips, smell of sunscreen, and fun in the sun we all deserve.
Sage Against the Machine at Augustine’s Salumeria
Would you expect anything short of extraordinary out of Augustine’s talented mixologist Sam Bismark? I think not. A fun play on some underrated summer flavors, Sage Against the Machine provides a juicy, earthy sip that pairs perfectly with the sun setting at 8PM. Vodka, locally made Heimat white peach liquor, freshly mashed white peach puree, recently plucked sage, and a whisper of sage-infused honey swirl into a glass for the best way to finish off your day (or start your night, we don’t judge here).
The Limoncello Margarita 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. A welcome twist on a classic, the drink utilizes limoncello and fresh lemon juice (don’t forget the salted rim) with tequila for a bev that’s vibrant but not too heavy next to nosh like owner Frank Donato’s brick oven pizzas and ricotta truffle honey fig crostini.
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Purple Panties at The Blind Pig of Westchester
174 Martine Ave, White Plains; 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.
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 their 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.
Jill’s El Diablo at Jill’s Bar & Restaurant
100 W Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck; 914.341.1776
Don’t let the name fool you—there’s nothing devilish about this divine cocktail. Smoky mezcal mingles with house-juiced pineapple and spicy tequila for a feast of the senses. Presented beautifully and dressed for the occasion, saunter up to the bar at this new restaurant for a heck of a time (see what we did there?).
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 Tennessee Sour at Smokehouse Tailgate Grill
587 North Ave, New Rochelle; 914.813.8686 (additional locations in Mamaroneck and Somers)
Drag out your foldable chair because this cocktail tastes like lawn seats at a county concert. Jack Daniels Honey headlines this drink, along with simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and a vegan foam topping, all over the (far superior) pellet ice. Is this that endless sunshine we’ve been hearing all about?
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Pretty much everything at The Tasty Table
21 Campwoods Rd, Ossining; 914.762.4000
Mimosa tree? Frozen Aperol spritz? Strawberry pineapple sangria? Don’t bother trying to choose, because The Tasty Table has it all. Known across the county for creative cocktails and playful presentations, the summer specials are no different. We say reach for the prickly pear mimosa for a fun iteration on a classic, but we also desperately want the Oreo iced latte, so maybe just listen to your heart on this one (our heart says get both).
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The Awkward DM Slide at Town House
559 Main St, New Rochelle; 914.278.9278
Town House knows what the people want, and the people want sparkling drinks that are delicious and sophisticated. Offering a dazzling lineup of their bubbly bevvies for only $11 a pop, the eatery invites guests to imbibe on drinks fantastically named like the Awkward DM Slide (Empress 1908 indigo gin, crème de violette, lemon, sparkling wine) and the Random County Fair (spiced rum, ancho chile, lime, sparkling cider). We’ll take all five, thanks.
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Dragon Eyes at Tre Dici North
578 Anderson Hill Rd, Purchase; 914.997.4113
Starting off with immediate freshness that should be enjoyed by a beach somewhere, this pretty cocktail still packs a punch. Made with classic Grey Goose vodka, guava juice, and muddled with dragon fruit and mint, the drink goes down smooth and sweet. The fresh-squeezed lime and simple syrup balance it out, making for the perfect summer sip that’ll keep you coming back for more.
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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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