Photography by Doug Schneider
Nothing says summer better than icy-cold drinks in a range of rainbow hues. Add an interplay of flavors (vodka and/or
tequila being key, of course), a blender, and a comfortable alfresco bar stool, and you may soon be ordering another round. Here, our picks of savory sippers that not only refresh but reinvigorate.
1. Banana Coconut Smoothie
This fruit-based drink is like liquid dessert. Ingredients include honey, bananas, Ciroc coconut vodka, French vanilla ice cream, and ice. Whipped cream optional. ($9)
Rainwater Grill
19 Main St, Hastings-on-Hudson
(914) 478-1147
rainwatergrill.com
2. Tiki Blue-Raspberry Mojito
Bartender Rory Koblick has come up with the perfect blend for a hot happy hour: a cool mixture of Silver rum, blue Curacao, Chambord, and ice blended with Island Oasis mojito mix. We’re suckers for the artistically placed (plastic) mermaid that sits atop the drink, along with four plump blueberries. ($12)
Pier Restaurant & Tiki Bar
1 Playland Pkwy, Rye
(914) 967-1020
pierrestaurantandtikibar.com
3. Sangria Swirl
Talk about a swirling good time. At this Mexican favorite, where happy hour stars at 4 pm Monday to Friday, you get two treats in one: the café’s famous red sangria coupled with its smooth margaritas. The result: a tall (14-ounce) Gibraltar glass layered with red and white twists of burgundy wine, fruit juices, Triple Sec, and tequila. Pure yum. ($7.50)
Blue Moon
7 Pondfield Rd, Bronxville
(914) 337-4000
bluemoonmexicancafe.com
4. Caipirinha
Cool off with this traditional Brazilian drink, made with a magical combination of fresh lime muddled with sugar and cachaça (a rum-like liquor). ($12)
Karma Lounge
175 Main St, Ossining
(914) 488-5999
karmaloungeofwestchester.com
5. Blizzard Myongarita topped with Fleur de Sel Foam
Myong is as serious about serving superior drinks as it is about first-rate food. The progressive world cuisine restaurant does everything with a distinctive flair. And so, bartender/mixologist Al Corbelli delivers the Blizzard “Myongarita” like no other: a golden creation made with Campo Azul Reposado tequila, Cointreau, agave nectar, and fresh-squeezed lime, topped with a dramatic, fleur de sel (French sea salt) foam. Just expect a snowy mustache. ($12)
Myong Gourmet
487 Main St, Mount Kisco
(914) 241-6333
plgourmet.com
6. Peach Margarita
This refreshing option is all about the peach and literally pops with frostiness and flavor. The recipe? Lime juice, fresh frozen peaches, Herradura tequila, and peach schnapps. ($7)
Bistro Z
455 S Broadway, Tarrytown
(914) 524-6410
bistroz.com
7. Watermelon Mojito
Ah, the flavor of watermelon—a seasonal treat that screams summer. Add crushed ice muddled with seedless watermelon, fresh mint (grown in the restaurant’s backyard), fresh lime, Cointreau, and watermelon Bacardi, and you’re instantly transported to the picnic tables of your youth—albeit with a slight alcohol buzz. ($12)
Traditions 118
11 Old Tomahawk St, Granite Springs
(914) 248-7200
traditions118restaurant.com
8. Pogarita
This margarita cocktail boasts a perfect balance between sweet and sour. It features the deliciousness of 40-proof rum, frozen passion fruit, orange sections, and guava. Somehow, it all tastes better when coupled with the sunshine on the patio. ($8)
Ümami Café
325 S Riverside Ave, Croton-on-Hudson
(914) 271-5555
umamicafe.com
9. Red Passion Daiquiri
Daiquiri divas will enjoy the slushy sweetness of this bracing mid-week break. Created to complement the eatery’s popular Red Passion Martini, it’s made with passion-fruit vodka, strawberry purée, and pineapple juice and garnished with an orange slice. Add the bright rooftop bar to the mix and the world is your oyster (or at least your crispy squid or steamed PEI mussels from the menu). ($8)
Elements
161 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains
(914) 358-4930
elementswhiteplains.com
Freelancer Jeanne Muchnick likes her frozen concoctions with a tropical umbrella.
