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All across the nation, people are a little hot, a little cooped up, and definitely in need of some refreshment. Meanwhile, bars and restaurants are springing back to life and eager to serve — can you see where we’re going with this?
Yep, there’s never been a better time to support your local rum bar, cocktail lounge, pub, or just that one restaurant that makes a surprisingly solid frosé — hence this guide to the best places to get a drink right now, from coast to coast. Regulations vary from state to state, but all the establishments ahead are ready to serve your favorite refreshment to-go or to sip on a patio. And if you’re in need of some ordering inspiration, we’re calling out some of the most popular menu items, from sophisticated hand-crafted cocktails like a Paris Mule or Miso Old-Fashioned, to (let’s not overthink it) stone classics like a frosty rum punch, Berry Mojito, or ST~GERMAIN Spritz.
Read ahead for 194 answers to the question, “So, what’ll you have?”
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This East Point tavern with lots of yummy pub grub also brings on the booze. Opt for a fishbowl or something with mango (Mango Overboard, Mango-Fusion punch, or Mango-Fusion margarita) for that fresh-from-the-tropics taste of BACARDÍ Mango Rum. 3560 Camp Creek Pkwy, Atlanta.
To wash down the Brookhaven restaurant’s down-home favorites, including seafood gumbo and Southern-fried catfish, you’re going to want a stiff drink with some character. Turn to Roc’s Old Fashion, a funky combo of D’USSÉ, Filthy black cherry juice, and bitters. 3009 Buford Hwy NE, Brookhaven.
What used to be Flying Crust Pizza and Wings in Buckhead is now a lounge with a gorgeous plant-strewn back patio that’s just begging to be your summer chill spot. Relax with a hookah and some swank GREY GOOSE cocktails. 3186 Roswell Rd NW, Atlanta.
It’s all about the late-night bottle service at this downtown ATL club. If cognac is your summer kryptonite, go with D’USSÉ (XO if you’re feeling extra fancy), or get a bottle of BOMBAY SAPPHIRE and GREY GOOSE with some mixers. 257 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta.
With its expanse of white couches and moody lighting, this lounge is a true party destination — birthdays are especially popular here, but you’ll find something popping every night of the week. Kick back to the sounds of DJ D’USSÉ, order from their globe-spanning menu, and sip on a classic margarita made with PATRÓN Tequila — feeling good already, right? 1098 Herrington RD, Lawrenceville.
Part coffee shop and part speakeasy, this Inman Park stop on the Beltline covers summer sipping territory. Mellow out on the patio with one of the bar’s craft cocktails, made to beat the heat and dressed with Instagram-worthy garnishes. 661 Auburn Ave NE, Suite 280, Atlanta.
It’s hot, summer’s crankin’, and you want a dressed-to-impress place to hang with your crew? This high-energy Buckhead party lounge—with three bars, live DJs, and a patio—is where to let loose and nab sparkler-popping bottle service (BACARDÍ anyone?). 3115 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta.
Let your cares disappear at this Midtown gay bar with DJs and karaoke to keep the party going all summer. Bartenders pour whatever drink you fancy from the fully stocked bar—to sip in the lounge or out on the patio. 1492 Piedmont Ave NE, Ste B, Atlanta.
Atlanta’s premiere gay club, Bulldogs has been serving the city for over 30 years, and still going strong. Patrons pack its dance floor during DJ nights, while the outside bar is perfect for those looking to sip al fresco. Drinks are known to be generous here, so sip slowly — a BACARDÍ Silver mojito is the ideal way to kick off your night. 893 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta.
Nothing says summer like a hot dog, and this downtown joint serves up all types, including a fully loaded Chicago dog. The full bar gives you permission to add a BACARDÍ-spiked lemonade to your order of American nostalgia. 75 Piedmont Ave NE, No. 150, Atlanta.
This bistro at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta serves up Paris via steak frites and steamed mussels. Patio dining is especially refreshing with a Paris Mule in hand, made with GREY GOOSE Citron, ginger, lime, Fever Tree, and ginger beer. 3027 Bolling Way NE, Atlanta.
At this Buckhead restaurant, the creative fare requires a sophisticated cocktail. And that’s where the Old Cuban, made with BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho Rum, comes into play—even better if it’s taken on the chill patio. 3550 Lenox Rd NE, Atlanta.
This Buckhead neighborhood sports bar hits the cocktails out of the park, like the BACARDÍ Superior-laced frozen daiquiri, a drink made for hot Georgia nights. Nachos, burgers, and other bar foods bring it in for the win. 322 E Paces Ferry NE, Atlanta, GA 30305.
This Westside Italian put the focus on typical Roman dishes along the lines of cacio e pepe. From the bar—central to the space—that regional focus translates to sips like spritzes and a very of-the-moment frosé. 1198 Howell Mill Rd No. 020, Atlanta
Don’t miss the cocktails at this tres-chic French-Vietnamese restaurant at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta. Toast the season with the GREY GOOSE-based lychee martini or the Cam Ranh Bay Bay (BACARDÍ Lime Rum, ginger juice, cream of coconut, pineapple, and star anise). 3035 Peachtree Rd NE Unit A201, Atlanta.
The Estrella rooftop delivers flavors of the Yucatan Peninsula, both in its tacos and margaritas. You’ve got choices in a skinny version, the estrella (with curacao), and the fruta (seasonal fruit)—all with a big lift from CAZADORES. 550 Somerset Terrace NE, No. 102, Atlanta.
It’s all about the goblets of booze at this spacious candy-themed restaurant in Midtown. Go BACARDÍ Rum-based and have your goblet filled with something fruity and summery. Options abound and there’s often a gimmick, like gummy worms or cotton candy. 1080 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta.
You can’t go to a Cuban restaurant named “Mojitos” in the summer and not get a mojito (preferably one made with BACARDÍ Superior). At this Norcross branch of the restaurant, they come in an array of summer-ready flavors—choose among mango, strawberry, coconut, guava, and orange. 5161 Peachtree Pkwy No. 630, Peachtree Corners.
Load up on guac, flautas, and tostadas—and to accompany the fare at this Buckhead Mexican restaurant, there’s the very chill Lecho de Coco, a mix of the Venezualan rum SANTA TERESA 1796, plus pineapple juice, orange juice, and coconut mix. 312 Pharr Rd NE, Atlanta.
This divey spot in Buckhead proffers a voluminous food menu and a frosé that begs to be sipped on the bar’s patio. The beguiling blend is a combo of Martini and Rossi rosé, BACARDÍ Grapefruit Rum, lemonade, and peach puree. 248 Pharr Rd NE, Atlanta.
If the name of the drink at this Midtown bar—Something Fun With Vodka, Not Too Fruity, Not Too Sweet—doesn’t scream summer in a glass, then what does? To translate, that’s a pitch-perfect mix of GREY GOOSE Vodka, ST~GERMAIN, aperol, lime, and bubbles. 1197 Peachtree St NE, Suite 517, Atlanta.
Treat yourself to a summer escape at this tapas restaurant with a rooftop perch at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta. The Seville Rose cocktail—with GREY GOOSE, ginger, lemon, and a rose-spice infusion—is the glass to match the modern Spanish plates. 3035 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta.
Y’all know what goes best with the Southern and Caribbean fare—everything from fish ‘n’ grits to oxtails—at this Decatur establishment? That would be red lemonade, in which GREY GOOSE Vodka, fresh muddled cranberry, and thyme combine to negate the Atlanta summer heat. 1371 Clairmont Rd, Decatur.
There’s no reason to get a margarita in a glass when you can get one in a pitcher at this midtown Mexican restaurant. The margaritas come in a variety of summer-y flavors, from tamarindo to cucumber—ask for your favorite CAZADORES. 900 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta.
The smooth balance of SANTA TERESA 1796 Rum gets elevated in The Passion of Santa Teresa made with passion fruit liqueur, grapefruit lavender bitters, basil, and lime. Other cravings to pursue at this Buckhead Italian include the dynamite fresh pastas. 3167 Peachtree Rd NE Suite S, Atlanta.
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It’s the Wild West with a foodie bent at this West Town restaurant specializing in whole animal cookery. The expansive patio bar is the spot to down Front Porch cocktails, an easy-drinking concoction of BACARDÍ Superior, lemon and simple syrup. 1072 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago.
This West Loop spot’s 14,500-square-foot outdoor patio allows ample room to socialize, munch bar bites, and sip shareable cocktails. Or, have a summer-perfect Hurricane all to yourself, made with BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho Rum, passion fruit, pineapple, and lime. 838 W Kinzie St, Chicago.
Your new summer jam has arrived, and it’s the On Some Faraway Beach cocktail, a tropical spin on the negroni—made with BACARDÍ Superior, the rhubarb aperitif Zucca, Cynar, and a pineapple-and-lime aperol. Augment with American fare from the Loop eatery. 24 S Michigan Ave, Chicago.
This sports bar near Wrigley Field with a patio is all about baseball. Come to watch the game, drink, dine, and pair the experience with a drink like a classic daiquiri, fueled by BACARDÍ Rum and boosted by plenty of lime. 3505 N Clark St, Chicago.
A pretty patio in River West and delish cocktails like the frozen mai tai—a blend of BACARDÍ Superior and BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho Rum, plus lime and Island Spice—make this River West restaurant a summer favorite. Take the party home with to-go cocktails. 730 W Grand Ave., Chicago.
Summer calls for something fizzy, and this Near North Side bistro delivers with Le Grand Fizz, made with GREY GOOSE, ST~GERMAIN, Citron Vert, sparkling wine, and club soda. A cute sidewalk patio, brunch, and modern French fare seal the deal. 840 N Wabash Ave, Chicago.
Take flight at this ethereal Fulton Market cocktail bar where drinks might smoke or come in unusual glassware. You can’t go wrong, especially with a GREY GOOSE base. Soak up the inventive cocktailing with bites like edamame and duck salad. 955 W Fulton Market, Chicago.
Summer pick-me-ups come in all shapes, and at this River North cocktail bar, they come in bear-shaped jars. From the to-go menu, the Cold Brew Bear delivers a 9-ounce serving of GREY GOOSE, Irish cream liqueur, and house-made cold brew. 112 W Grand Ave, Chicago.
At 36,000 square feet, this rooftop bar on Navy Pier claims to be the country’s largest, and it provides stunning views and cocktails too. The Ultralight Beam cocktail cools with BOMBAY SAPPHIRE gin, lychee liqueur, cucumber, ginger, and lemon. 1000 E Grand Ave, Chicago.
This West Loop local chain branch serves up wood-fired pizzas with pop culture-inspired names like Burrata Be Kidding Me and Al Pas-THOR. The puns sound even better with a Mother Punch—BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho Rum, strawberry, lime, pineapple and bitters—in hand. 108 N Green St, Chicago.
A menu of dressed-up bar favorites at this River North spot augments a robust drinking list, including the Pear of Kings. The drink cuts through the sticky Chicago heat with GREY GOOSE La Poire, sake, ST~GERMAIN, lemon, and lemon-lime soda. 400 N State, Chicago.
This South Side venue has been a music mecca since 2007. It’s also good for a bite and a drink on the patio or rooftop. Order a beer and a shot of CAZADORES Tequila—all in the name of rock ‘n’ roll. 2105 S State St, Chicago.
Taste the flavors of summer—blueberry, lavender, lemon, peach, and a bubbly prosecco—in the No. 2 cocktail at this River North Italian restaurant. Among the fare to be savored on the patio are pasta, pizza, and mains like pan-seared scallops, any of which go great with the house specialty GREY GOOSE cocktail. 51 W Kinzie St, Chicago.
This River North rooftop bar has nailed the summer drinking thing, both with frozen cocktails and bottle service. GREY GOOSE and BACARDÍ come with mixers and attentive staff. There’s a short food menu—pizza, tacos, wings—to soak up the booze-addled fun. 112 W Hubbard St, Chicago.
Why not order something a little fancy with your wings, empanadas and Buffalo chicken sliders—something like a Bombay French 75, an ideal summer sipper. This Wicker Park bar and grill offers brunch, themed nights, and happy hour specials too. 1540 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago.
This River North tapas bar wins with brunch, patio dining, and plenty of classic cocktails to keep summer humming along. The Lucky Rebound—BACARDÍ Superior, yellow chartreuse, lime, and sugar—is a good place to start. Upstairs is the Blue Violet cocktail lounge. 110 W Hubbard, Chicago.
The 22nd floor rooftop offers sweeping views from the Chicago River to the Magnificent Mile. Large-format cocktails are available, as are classics like the LH Martini, a nicely dirty version with GREY GOOSE, olive brine, and a blue cheese-stuffed olive. 85 E Wacker Dr, Chicago.
A summery I|O Cosmo—with GREY GOOSE Le Citron, fresh grapefruit, and a touch of cherry—goes well with the rooftop views from the Godfrey Hotel in River North, whether for brunch, late-night dining or sometime in between. 127 W Huron St, Chicago.
Any day with a martini is a lucky day. The one at this Wicker Park spot charms with BOMBAY SAPPHIRE gin, dry vermouth, orange bitters, and a lemon twist. It makes an excellent opener to calamari, linguini, and other Italian fare. 1824 W Wabansia Ave, Chicago.
This River North steakhouse isn’t afraid to have fun—in its decor (animal prints), its food menu (bacon drizzled in chocolate) or on its cocktail list. The latter includes the Hemingway Daiquiri with BACARDÍ Superior, maraschino liqueur, grapefruit, lime, and simple syrup. 222 N LaSalle St, Chicago.
This clubby spot with DJs and bottles provides the hot nights that summer promises. There’s also brunch, a food menu, and TVs streaming sports on game days. Opt for custom GREY GOOSE and soda to stay light on your toes. 7 W Division St, Chicago.
Summers are made for drinks like the watermelon mojito, a mix of BACARDÍ Superior, lime, watermelon, mint, demerara, and sparkling water. This Old Town spot surprises with a crave-worthy and mostly vegan menu (with a few carnivore nods too). 1500 N Wells St., Chicago.
The Hyde Park restaurant makes the most of summer with its patio and rooftop seating. A BOMBAY SAPPHIRE gin and tonic provides a foil to hearty dishes that come from the open brick hearth. There’s a live music venue too. 5311 S Lake Park, Chicago.
On the sixth floor of the Art Deco hotel in Wicker Park sits Cabana Club and—bonus—a pool. Order up the seasonally apropos Summertime Madness and revel in the GREY GOOSE, passion fruit, lime, and demerara cocktail before the temps drop. 2018 W North Ave, Chicago.
The socially distant greenhouses in the West Loop restaurant’s outdoor dining area are cute and timely. The perfect cocktail for your sequestered group is the by-the-pitcher English Rose—a concoction of prosecco, GREY GOOSE, ST~GERMAIN, muddled mint, and lime. 1925 W Cortland St, Chicago.
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The flavors of southeast Asia headline at this River Oaks District restaurant. On the drinks side, there’s the summer fling of a cocktail, the Trai Vai (GREY GOOSE, lychee liqueur, and lime), while fare leans to dumplings and half-roasted duck. 4444 Westheimer Rd, Houston.
Fresh-squeezed juices make their way into this Montrose coastal Mexican restaurant’s refreshing cocktails, such as the Carlos Danger with jalapeño and pineapple-infused CAZADORES Blanco Tequila, triple sec, lime, and agave. Of its three bars, two are outside. 2517 Ralph St, Houston.
This upscale Montrose steakhouse is serious about its USDA Prime meats, with hefty cuts like a porterhouse sharing space with fish entrees. To lighten the mood, try the coconut daiquiri, a cooling blend of BACARDÍ Superior, BACARDÍ Coconut, and lime. 2815 S Shepherd Dr, Houston.
Brunch, lunch, dinner—it’s all accompanied by bubbles at this River Oaks champagne bar. To get a taste of the bartenders’ talents, opt for an A’bouzy Mule, made with a cool mix of GREY GOOSE, ginger liqueur, prosecco, lime, and mint. 2300 Westheimer Rd, Houston.
Any time is good to quench your thirst with a mojito at this Heights bar’s huge patio. But aim to sip your mix of BACARDÍ Superior, lime, simple syrup, mint, and Angostura bitters on Tuesday for tacos or Wednesday for steak. 1027 W 19th St, Houston.
So your tropical vacation got cancelled. Lift your spirits at this Fourth Ward tiki bar. Its pina colada is a tour de force with HAVANA CLUB Añejo Blanco, pineapple juice, housemade coconut cream, lime, demerara syrup, and tiki bitters. 311 Travis Street, Houston.
Main Kitchen and 806 Lounge at JW Marriott Downtown
Who among us couldn’t use a change from the current 2020 situation? Despite everything, this downtown hotel’s cocktail the Game Changer should at least lighten your mood thanks to GREY GOOSE, cucumber, orange, lemon, and butterfly pea flower tea. 806 Main Street, Houston.
Go beyond standard Southern fare at this Midtown restaurant with jerk chicken and waffles or cheeseburger waffles. Pair them with the breezy Coco Loco cocktail, a mix of BACARDÍ Superior, BACARDÍ Coconut, peach liqueur, peaches n’ cream rum, and lime. 3015 Bagby, Houston.
This Upper Kirby restaurant highlights dishes from seven regions in Mexico, with some Tex-Mex goodies too. That means plates like Mole Coloradito (lamb or wild boar) alongside nachos. The Pico Rita—CAZADORES Blanco Tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime juice—thankfully goes with everything. 3601 Kirby Dr., Houston.
Drinking is big at this 20,000-square-foot Fourth Ward spot that’s part restaurant, part nightlife venue. Party with the Pour Star, a summer-ready cocktail of GREY GOOSE La Vanille, passion fruit puree, citrus, and a mini-sized Martini & Rossi Prosecco bottle. 2211 Travis St, Houston.
Light up your summer with the Prospect Punch—a fruity mix of BACARDÍ Superior, BACARDÍ Mango, blue curacao, Island Pucker, and pineapple and orange juices served in a fish bowl—at this Galleria branch of the local sports bar and lounge chain. 3100 Fountainview, Houston.
This chic Highland Village restaurant does summer refreshment right with its Mint to Be Melon (GREY GOOSE Le Melon vodka, ST~GERMAIN, watermelon, and lemon). It’s a perfect match to the menu of roasted beets, tuna tartare, and rack of lamb. 4444 Westheimer, Houston.
Like a childhood ice cream truck but with booze, that’s the schtick behind this operation—and it’s a good one. Enjoy being a grown-up with a frozen daiquiri—perfected with BACARDÍ Superior Rum, lime, and simple syrup and available in three sizes. Location varies, check website above for details.
While it’s not quite Paris in summer, this Downtown French bistro showcases a menu of classics a la steak frites. The cocktails, like Blue on Blue with GREY GOOSE Vodka, blueberry compote, and Topo Chico, show a flirty summer side. 1440 Lamar St, Houston.
This River Oaks restaurant offers a homey vibe and a menu that knits together Southern, Creole, Asian, and other inspirations. Sip the chill Garden Mule, made of GREY GOOSE, lime, ginger beer, cucumber, and mint on its New Orleans-style patio. 1103 S Shepherd Dr, Houston.
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The ocean view from this Santa Monica rooftop bar is enviable—so too are the cocktails. Salute summer with the Good Neighbor, a beachy mix of SANTA TERESA 1796 Rum and pineapple with bitter notes from nochino, cacao, and hazelnut. 1332 2nd St, Santa Monica.
Bound into summer romance with the Hounds of Love, a sophisticated sipper of BOMBAY SAPPHIRE gin, Cocchi Americano, cranberry, curaçao, and lime at this Brentwood steakhouse with a chic bar and outdoor seating. 11647 San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles.
Summer in a pitcher? Yes, please. Sink deep into the season on the dazzling L.P. rooftop in West Hollywood with the Kickstart My Heart cocktail—GREY GOOSE, watermelon, agave, lemon, and rhubarb, sided by a watermelon wedge. 603 N La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood.
No shame in getting a brain freeze when sucking down a lavender margarita in the dining room or out in the restaurant’s West Hollywood garden. The sophisticated take blends CAZADORES with cointreau, lavender, and lemon for a subtly sweet treat. 7984 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood.
Of all the bespoke cocktails at this West Hollywood stunner, the pitch-perfect reflection of the season, Olivia, is where to start. Dive into the mix of GREY GOOSE Vodka, pepper-infused ST~GERMAIN, fresh blackberries, and shiso leaf. 945 N Fairfax Ave, West Hollywood.
Hot summer nights call for crisp, cool drinks, like this sumptuous West Hollywood lounge’s Dirty Bleu martini, an expert concoction of GREY GOOSE, bleu cheese-infused NOILLY PRAT dry vermouth, with kalamata and castelvetrano olives. 9010 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood 90069.
How to multitask in LA: Soak up the Venice vibes at this all-day restaurant and taste summer with a F.A.D.E.D., a frozen mix of CAZADORES Blanco Tequila, aperol, cointreau, strawberry, grapefruit, lemon, rosé, and angostura bitters. 220 Rose Ave, Venice.
No shame in numbing away the pain of 2020 in this Beverley Grove bar’s classic environs with the Codeine. Find summer solace in its bracing mix of TEELING Whiskey, Ginger of the Indies, honey, lemon, and a whiskey float. 8480 W 3rd St, Los Angeles.
What goes better with blazing heat and tacos than an ice-cold margarita? This light and airy, beach-ready restaurant in downtown Santa Monica serves margaritas with CAZADORES, fresh lime, Demerara sugar, and orange liqueur. Surf’s up. 217 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401.
Pair this Venice spot’s quirky dishes like Gnarly mushrooms, Rico Suave gnocchi, and the Tremendous burger with an equally good-times lovin’ margarita. Order up the house version with CAZADORES for the just-right tequila bite. 80 Windward Ave, Venice.
What was once a cathedral is now a chic downtown restaurant home to fancy plates from chef Neal Fraser. To keep the focus on the food, stick with a summer classic in the glass—the house margarita with CAZADORES Tequila. 114 E 2nd St, Los Angeles.
What’s more American summer than hanging at a sports bar near the ocean? The pub fare at this Hermosa Beach bar matches well with the mango jalapeño margarita, a mix of the two headliners, plus CAZADORES Tequila, sour mix, and lime. 68 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach.
Ah the spicy cucumber margarita, the perfect mix of soothing-cool cucumber, spicy-prickly jalapeño, and a tequila rush. This Pasadena Mexican restaurant does them right with CAZADORES, cucumber, kumquat liqueur, and house jalapeño purée, with a chipotle-salted rim. 140 S Lake Ave, Suite 101, Pasadena.
Spice up your summer in a good way with this West Hollywood restaurant’s jalapeños margarita, made to perfection with CAZADORES Tequila. It’s a fitting foil for the menu of chilaquiles, guac and chips, nachos, and crowd-pleasers like carne asada. 616 N Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood.
The recipe for a good summer at this West Hollywood hang is simple: friends, pub grub, and Left Arm of God cocktails. The signature margarita’s winning formula is CAZADORES Tequila, agave, lots of fresh lime juice, and orange bitters. 8933 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood.
This West Hollywood restaurant draws neighborhood regulars for its varied New American-leaning menu. The Taste Spicy margarita is equally alluring, thanks to its summery mix of jalapeño-infused CAZADORES Tequila, lime juice, agave, and jalapeño. 8454 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood.
Kick your summer bar jaunts into high gear at this 80-plus-year-old dive bar in Culver City. Don’t be afraid of the cocktail menu. The El Diablo margarita, made with CAZADORES Tequila Reposado, pineapple, jalapeños, and fresh lime hits the spot. 10400 Culver Blvd, Culver City.
This Hermosa Beach restaurant does beachy Mexican food just right, with dishes like fried fish tacos a perfect match for the Pepino Diablo. The drink’s muddled jalapeño and cucumber add a kick to CAZADORES Blanco Tequila, agave, and lime juice. 39 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach.
Make it a date night at this Studio City charmer with shareable dishes and inventive cocktails that’ll cool you right off, like the Son of a Beesting, a pleasing concoction of BOMBAY Dry gin, honey, lemon, ginger, and rose water. 11915 Ventura Blvd, Studio City.
There’s no improving on the ocean views at this Malibu restaurant perched over the water. For all-day summer sipping, try the Passion Flower, made from the divine combo of GREY GOOSE and ST~GERMAIN. 20356 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu.
Travel back in time via this Studio City lounge’s mid-century decor. Then, jump through space to a tropical paradise with the Cuban Holiday, a vacation-inducing cocktail based around HAVANA CLUB Rum, with lime and pineapple juices, and simple syrup. 11838 Ventura Blvd, Studio City.
This Little Tokyo bar beckons patrons to dive in. It’s not quite a tiki bar, but the Drink Like a Fish party punch—made with several rums, including BACARDÍ Superior, and tempered by hibiscus, lime, and bergamot—flirts with the territory. 428 E 2nd St, Los Angeles.
A stone’s throw from LAX, this longtime bar is a favorite of locals and weary travelers. While flying may not be on your summer to-dos, take a virtual trip with the bar’s Melody rum punch, made with BACARDÍ Superior. 9132 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles.
Steve’s Lemonade at this Culver City hangout is all the goodness of the childhood favorite with the very adult addition of GREY GOOSE Le Citron. A kick of soda water, Sprite, and orange bitters fancies things up nicely. 9546 Washington Blvd, Culver City.
Escape your home and head to this fun-loving, casual pub on the Sunset Strip with a solid cocktail list. The easy-drinking Wild Goose—made with GREY GOOSE, ST~GERMAIN, lime and soda—is a good way to start your afternoon of drinking. 8782 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood.
Dreaming of that island escape? It’s closer than you think. Grab a Dreadlock cocktail at this Westside bar — the blend of BACARDÍ Superior and other rums, plus OJ and pineapple juices, get topped with an amaretto float to take you away. 12012 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles.
With plenty of TVs, this is your Culver City summer headquarters for football (no, not the American kind) and whatever other live sports are managing to slip through COVID’s grasp. For double relaxation mode, order up a gingery TEELING Whiskey mule. 11168 Washington Blvd, Culver City.
Hotel Erwin, High Rooftop Lounge
Plan an evening staycation at this chic hotel’s rooftop lounge in Venice with enviable sunset views. The Frose—with its blend of sparkling rosé wine, BACARDÍ Grapefruit Rum, lemonade, and peach puree—is summer in a glass. 1697 Pacific Ave, Venice.
The swank lobby lounge at this 1920s Culver City hotel seduces with gorgeous cocktails, like the aptly named Pretty Grape Mojito, made with BACARDÍ Superior Rum, muddled green grapes, fresh basil, and plenty of lime juice. 9400 Culver Blvd, Culver City.
Part sports bar, part club, part restaurant, this Westchester spot wears many hats. No matter why you come, try the Pear of Tits cocktail—a potent combo of vodka, ST~GERMAIN, lime, apple juice, cucumber, and a splash of sour mix. 5630 W Manchester Ave, Los Angeles.
The California summer sensibility is readily apparent on this Huntington Beach restaurant’s food menu (uni risotto) and on the drinks side, too. Give the El Chapo a go; it’s heavy with CAZADORES Tequila, ST~GERMAIN, jalapeño-infused agave, citrus, and cucumber. 21016 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648.
There’s really only one drink to get at this Sunset Beach hangout: the Rainbow. The frozen concoction resembles a very artful slushie, with bright, colorful layers sitting atop one another—plenty of BACARDÍ Rum suffuses the whole glorious drink. 16821 Pacific Coast Hwy, Sunset Beach.
Cannonball into summer at this sweet Long Beach Mexican restaurant with beachy food (ahi tostada) and killer cocktails, like the Mamba, a beguiling mix of tequila, ST~GERMAIN, lemon, grapefruit bitters, butterfly pea flower tea, and—wowsers—a gold-dusted rim. 301 The Promenade, Long Beach.
A staple for 50-plus years, this Huntington Beach Mexican restaurant knows how to make a margarita sing for summer. You can’t go wrong, but as a good foil for the rib-sticking menudo, get a spicy margarita made with CAZADORES. 318 Main St, Huntington Beach, 92648.
Sure, this Huntington Beach bar and grill has burgers, tacos, and wings, but in summer it’s all about the drinks. Try the 32-ounce Very Berry Mojito (bring a friend?) a mix of BACARDÍ Dragonberry Rum, fresh strawberries, lime, and mint. 200 Main St, Huntington Beach.
If the tapas don’t take you away, the cocktails at this Costa Mesa restaurant will. Start your journey with the Passion in Rio, an addictive mix of LEBLON Cachaça, passion fruit puree, canelita syrup, orange bitters, and lime. 1870 Harbor, Costa Mesa.
Is there anything more summery than a spritz? How about a ST~GERMAIN Spritz? And to enjoy it in an upscale lounge where you can either bring your summer fling or find one seals the deal in Costa Mesa. 725 Baker St, Costa Mesa. Reservations required.
With its ocean views, beachy food (blackened shrimp) and hand-crafted cocktails, this Huntington Beach Mexican restaurant hits all the right notes. Don’t miss the perfect pre-layout sipper: Las Gaviotas mojito, made with BACARDÍ Superior Rum, raspberries, mint, lime, and soda. 21040 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach.
Summertime at this Long Beach music venue means tribute bands and cocktails. Get there early and pregame with the Blood Orange Chili margarita, an ode to the season that’s got CAZADORES Tequila Reposado, ST~GERMAIN, and blood orange juice. 6251 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach.
The food at this Seal Beach locale skews Californian, and the fresh cocktails match. Pair dinner (and some jazz) with the Perfect Pear, a summery mix of GREY GOOSE La Poire Vodka, ginger liqueur, ST~GERMAIN, pear puree, lemon juice, and cilantro agave. 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy Seal Beach.
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Truly one of Miami’s most stylish sipping spots, Baby Jane is once again open seven days a week and serving cocktails that are just the right mix of offbeat and sophisticated. Don’t miss the Spicy Passion Fruit Margarita, made with a healthy pour of CAZADORES Tequila — you might want to fortify yourself with their addictive pork buns or tonkatsu ramen first. 500 Brickell Ave, Unit 105E, Miami.
Bite into homemade pasta or fresh fish from this Coral Gables Italian restaurant and be transported to the restaurant’s namesake, a small marina in Sanremo. Toast your summer vacay with the Rosso di Sera—GREY GOOSE, Aperol, homemade limoncello, and lemon. 2530 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Coral Gables.
This modern Cuban spot in Coral Gables gets inspiration from Havana. The Calle Mule—a hot-weather sipper of GREY GOOSE La Poire, ST~GERMAIN, sage, citrus, and ginger beer—sets the mood, and empanadas keep the summertime good vibes going. 230 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables.
The Bellagio cocktail—GREY GOOSE Le Citron, Cocchi Rosa, elderflower, lemon, and a prosecco splash—melts away cares and ushers in a raw bar feast, bison steak tartare, bucatini carbonara with summer truffles, and other delights at this Coral Gables hot spot. 1500 San Ignacio Ave, Coral Gables.
An oasis in Upper Buena Vista, this Italian restaurant with Latin tinges boasts a rooftop, myriad hanging plants, and banyan tree. Fare runs from pizza to pasta, and the Pinga Loca cocktail—LEBLON Cachaça, guava, coconut cream, and lime—ties everything together. 5020 NE 2nd Ave, Miami.
This Wynwood food hall hosts Asian food vendors ranging from Thai to Japanese, perfect for an undecided summer outing. There’s an outdoor bar too. Order up the Hiroshima Mon Amour cocktail, which borrows punch from SANTA TERESA 1796 Rum. 143 NW 23rd St, Miami.
Set on the Rickenbacker Marina, this waterfront spot lures with its Miami views. Pair the seafood-heavy menu with a drink worthy of its perch, the Bay Blossom, a mix of GREY GOOSE, ST~GERMAIN, ginger syrup, lemon juice, and hibiscus leaf. 3201 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne.
Beat the heat with Summer Shade, an eminently drinkable cocktail that gets zip from GREY GOOSE and grapefruit and lemon juices and complexity from basil and bitters. Take it on the Midtown spot’s patio with some sushi or a burger. 3201 Buena Vista, Miami.
An energetic steakhouse with a modern vibe in the Browns Hotel, this Miami Beach eatery delivers the goods for a big night out. The bartenders mix up whatever is desired, perhaps a PATRÓN margarita in honor of Miami’s endless summer? 112 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach.
At the edge of Fort Lauderdale’s Victoria Park neighborhood sits this lounge with an inviting front patio. Summer in Florida calls for tropical treats, like Tiki Tales, a cocktail of SANTA TERESA 1796 Rum, passion fruit liqueur, vanilla, orgeat, and lime. 702 East Broward Blvd, Fort Lauderdale.
The American tavern on Las Olas specializes in spiffed-up crowd-pleasers like hand-cut fries with truffle oil and a jerk chicken sandwich. Dive into summer with the Swimming Pool cocktail, with GREY GOOSE L’Orange, muddled strawberries, and lemon and lime juices. 609 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale.
Whether you “dock and dine” at this Intracoastal seafood-heavy spot in Fort Lauderdale or arrive more conventionally, do sit on the dockside patio and gorge on food and pitchers of Ship-Faced Shelley (try saying that fast), a GREY GOOSE-spiked strawberry-lemonade. 1555 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale.
Perched atop the Dalmar hotel in Flagler Village, this rooftop bar provides views across Fort Lauderdale and solid warm-weather beverage options. The A1A pairs PATRÓN Reposado with sherry and doesn’t shy away from flavor with celery, lime, jalapeños, and salt. 299 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale.
When you want special occasion Italian, this Fort Lauderdale restaurant delivers, with handmade pastas and plates of veal chops and strip steak. For something different, there’s the Italicus margarita, which uses PATRON Reposado to great effect. 1201 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale.
A mojito cuts through the summer heat with precision, and at this Coral Springs Cuban restaurant, it’s the signature mojito—made with HAVANA CLUB Rum and fresh-squeezed lime, sugar, mint, plus a soda splash—you want. There’s a Cuban menu to accompany. 6240 Coral Ridge Dr, Coral Springs.
Are you in West Palm Beach or Spain? The edges blur at this tapas bar that’s near the water. Tapas range from patatas bravas to mussels to jamón Iberico. A GREY GOOSE-based cocktail like the Seagoose makes a deliciós pairing. 118 S Clematis St, West Palm Beach.
Seafaring bric-a-brack hangs over the Singer Island bar for a vacation vibe. The drink of choice is the BACARDÍ-spiked Beach Bucket, which comes (as advertised) in a bucket, topped with fruit. Grouper in a bag is another try-it tradition. 2401 N Ocean Ave, Riviera Beach.
This Delray Beach spot’s peach lemonade was made with summer in mind. The drink—GREY GOOSE, peach puree, lemon juice, prosecco—goes well with the seafood-focused menu of fresh oysters, sushi, and a couple of turf options. 213 E Atlantic Ave, Delray Beach.
The rooftop at The Ben hotel in downtown West Palm Beach has a few advantages, including ocean views and summer vacation-worthy cocktails. Case in point is the Saint Tropez martini, which mixes GREY GOOSE and ST~GERMAIN with cucumber and thyme. 251 N Narcissus Ave, West Palm Beach.
There are worse places to while away summer than at this Singer Island restaurant (open for breakfast through dinner with a fish-heavy menu), with an Intracoastal Waterway view and a drink—like a pineapple margarita made with PATRÓN Reposado—in hand. 98 Lake Dr, Palm Beach Shores.
This Delray Beach pizzeria serves up inventive pies, like the eggplant burrata, and goes all-out on cocktails. For that, the PATRÓN Gran Platinum Truffle margarita—made with the tequila, house-made sour, Grand Marnier, agave, and served with a truffle-salted rim—is king. 5199 W Atlantic, Delray Beach.
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Broken Shaker at Freehand New York
This rooftop bar offers plenty of stylish outdoor seating, copious tropical greenery, and stunning panoramic views of the NYC skyline. What more could you want — cocktails, you say? No problem: Celebrate the season with a Honey Deuce, the official drink of the U.S. Open for over 10 years, and a summer refresher like no other. It’s a mix of GREY GOOSE vodka, fresh-squeezed lemonade, raspberry liqueur, and crushed ice, garnished by honeydew melon balls that look more than a little like tennis balls. 23 Lexington Ave, New York.
Talk Story at McCarren Hotel Rooftop
Looking to score a Honey Deuce on the other side of the East River? Head to Talk Story, the classy cocktail bar that sits high atop Williamsburg’s McCarren Hotel. It’s the best place to take in views of the entire Manhattan skyline — and toast to the U.S. Open at the same time with a sweet, tart, GREY GOOSE-spiked Honey Deuce. Sounds good, doesn’t it? 160 N 12th St, Brooklyn.
Renaissance Hotels: Midtown and Times Square
You can’t go wrong saying “meet me for a drink at the Renaissance.” The boutique-style hotel boasts two luxe Manhattan locations, each serving up stellar dining, drinks, and views of the city. Head to the Times Square location’s R Lounge for an elegant view of the Broadway lights, or the Midtown location on 35th Street for one of NYC’s largest roof decks — an 8,000 square foot oasis with a retractable roof. Both are proudly serving Honey Deuce cocktails now. Midtown location: 218 West 35th Street, New York; Times Square location: 714 Seventh Ave at 48th Street, New York.
Another spot serving the Honey Deuce is lively Irish-style pub Fiddlesticks. Or, if it seems like you’ve been home all summer (you’re not wrong), try the Honey I’m Home cocktail—a mix of ABERFELDY 12, Earl Grey and chamomile teas, ginger, lemon, and honey—from this Irish pub will sooth your shelter-in-place-weary soul. 56 Greenwich Ave, New York.
At this Bronx neighborhood favorite, locals swear by the chicken wings, the house-special burger and the always-relaxing vibe. Ask your bartender to tune into the U.S. Open, order up a Honey Deuce, and chill. 3713 Riverdale Ave, Bronx.
Located 22 floors above Williamsburg, Westlight is as beloved for its views of the Manhattan skyline as it is for its elevated bar menu featuring light bites like burrata and spiced chicken empanadas, and its sophisticated cocktails. Right now their Honey Deuce 2.0 is a sure bet — a sweet, tart blend of GREY GOOSE vodka, raspberry cordial, soda, and honeydew. 111 N. 12th Street, Brooklyn.
Surf’s Out in Kismet is a Fire Island favorite — the beach shack-style restaurant serves lunch and dinner at picnic tables outdoors, and with live music in the outdoor courtyard, it’s always a party. Pair your Honey Deuce with a classic lobster roll for maximum summer vibes. 1 Baywalk, Kismet, Fire Island.
The elegant, Art Deco-style hotel gem on the Upper West Side is one of the swankiest places to order up a Honey Deuce. You can drink yours poolside at the hotel’s fantastic 12th-floor rooftop lounge while overlooking Central Park. Doe it get any better? 44 West 63rd Street, New York.
Super-fresh, authentic Mexican cuisine is the name of the game at Fresco’s Cantina in Astoria. A plate of Cantina Tacos are an excellent choice for a light lunch, and while you can’t go wrong with summertime cocktail classics like margaritas and mojitos, a Honey Deuce is an especially fun way to pay tribute to the season. 12-14 31st Avenue, Astoria, Queens.
This beloved Greenwich Village tavern boasts a menu that combines American bar-food favorites with British pub fare like fish and chips and its popular Sunday Roast complete with Yorkshire pudding. The cozy interior is a prime spot to sip your Honey Deuce or a refreshing Souf Side cocktail, featuring BOMBAY SAPPHIRE gin, ST~GERMAIN, a twist of lime juice and mint. 142 Bleecker Street, New York.
This supremely cozy FiDi destination features plush leather seating, golden light, and a truly masterful menu that holds plenty of surprises, even for cocktail aficionados. The whiskey and bourbon menu alone goes on for a full two pages, but their way with mixed drinks is special — this is a great spot to order up a Honey Deuce or one of their intriguing house specials like Time of the Wolf, featuring BACARDÍ Añejo Cuatro rum, peach, pineapple, and locally-made NYC honey. 9 Maiden Lane, New York.
Enter the hushed lobby of this chic hotel in the heart of bustling NoMad, and head straight up to Mondrian Terrace, a bar-slash-oasis serving clever artisanal cocktails in bohemian-chic surrounds. Pair your Honey Deuce with bucatini and a Sardinian flatbread to share for a very elegant happy hour. 444 Park Ave S, New York.
The newly reopened Scarpetta at The James Hotel has always felt like an escape in the heart of Manhattan thanks to its copious Mediterranean-inspired florals, trees, and ivy. The great pairing here is a Honey Deuce with a similarly summery tuna tartare, and fresh mozzarella in blistered cherry tomato sauce — nothing better. 88 Madison Ave at The James Hotel, New York.
A hot summer evening is ideal for a crisp martini, and this 100-year-old Greenwich Village cafe knows just how to make them. Try the Olivette, which uses both vodka (GREY GOOSE) and gin (BOMBAY SAPPHIRE), plus ST~GERMAIN and NOILLY PRAT. 79-81 MacDougal St, New York.
Wend your way to City Island in the Bronx for hot fried fish in a paper basket and cool frozen cocktails. The D’USSÉ colada, a frozen pina colada made with D’USSÉ VSOP, comes topped with cherries and an orange slice. 1 City Island Ave, The Bronx.
The casual fish shack on the Bronx’s City Island gives off those summer vacation vibes, both in its food menu—fried shrimp is a favorite—and its cocktail list—sip a BACARDÍ-based mojito at the outdoor tiki bar if it’s open. 459 City Island Ave, The Bronx, NY 10464.
Nestled in Koreatown, this Korean gastropub gets props for its food, snacky fare like fried chicken, and its drinks. The Osamil cocktail counters the spicy dishes with ginseng-infused GREY GOOSE, sparkling wine, ginger honey syrup, lime, and grapefruit. 5 W 31st St, New York.
Dishes and drinks borrow from Latin America and Spain at this East Village bar that’s perfected chill summer drinks, with sippers including a BACARDÍ Lime-based mojito, a CAZADORES-heavy margarita, and the eminently sippable caipirinha, made with LEBLON Cachaça. 111 Avenue A, New York.
Taste Brazlian summer without the plane trip at this Carroll Gardens favorite. Its Rum Punch gets a kick from BACARDÍ Coconut Rum, and summer sweetness from pineapple, orange, and lemon, plus ginger ale. 548 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11231.
With a focus on tequila and mezcal, this Lower East Side hangout does margaritas right—but that doesn’t mean pretentious. Indulge your summer wild side with the CAZADORES-based frozen agave margarita swirl. Soak up the booze with street tacos. 63 Carmine St, New York.
Whether you appreciate the notes of spice, almond, and cinnamon that D’USSÉ adds to a colada, or you’re just craving that summer colada rush, you won’t be disappointed at this welcoming Washington Heights stop. 4463 Broadway, New York.
Delicious cocktails like the summer spritz, a combo of GREY GOOSE and ST~GERMAIN, are only part of this downtown bar’s charm. Classic fare—burger, wings, and vegan options too—make it a perfect pit stop before a picnic at Battery Park. 55 Stone St, New York.
Keep both hands free—you’ll need one for a cheeseburger and the other to sip the Deer Hunter, a too-smooth frozen blend of CAZADORES Tequila, pomegranate, lemon, and ginger. The East Village bar has cred, as it’s from the Ruffian team. 197 2nd Ave, New York.
Lou Lou Petit Bistro & Speakeasy
If you can’t take a “real” vacation, sip one in swizzle form—the Vacation Swizzle uses SANTA TERESA 1796 Rum and ST~GERMAIN—from this Chelsea French bistro. And if you’re wondering about the canine mascot, it’s owner Mathias Van Leyden’s rescue. 176 8th Ave, New York.
The extra virgin olive oil from Peloponnese and the fish flown in from the Mediterranean leave no doubt about this restaurant’s Greek roots. Wash all that flavor (opa!) down with an espresso martini, expertly made here with GREY GOOSE. 15 W 18th St, New York.
The expert nature of this longtime East Village speakeasy’s drinks is unquestioned. But what summer sipper to order? Opt for Sabor a Mi, in which BACARDÍ Añejo Cuatro, plum wine, cinnamon syrup, pink grapefruit, lemon, and orange blossom water combine for transcendence. 8 Stuyvesant St, New York.
Whether to celebrate summer passion or seek it out, there’s no topping this Chelsea gin joint’s spin on the negroni, Passion of the Negroni, which puts BOMBAY SAPPHIRE gin up against amaro, vermouth, ST~GERMAIN and the flavors of passion fruit. 132 9th Ave, New York.
A restaurant can’t win nods for summer brunch in Williamsburg without having its cocktail game on point. Case in point, the Sucka Punch, which gets its kick from BACARDÍ Añejo Cuatro and SANTA TERESA 1796 Rum. 79 Berry St., Brooklyn.
Is lychee, with its sweet-tart balance, the ultimate summer fruit? It certainly makes for a top-shelf martini at this Asian-leaning restaurant in the East Village. Here the bartenders use GREY GOOSE to compliment the native southeastern China fruit. 190 Avenue B, New York.
Mixologist Dick Bradsell created the espresso martini after a model requested something to “wake her up and f*ck her up.” The East Village cafe’s frozen espresso martini—GREY GOOSE, espresso concentrate, coffee liqueur, and cola syrup—is this summer’s slurpable reply. 94 Avenue A, New York.
Hudson River views, a wine garden, and rooftop deck all set this Westside space apart, but don’t miss out on the cocktails. Among those to order are a CAZADORES margarita that’s just the thing on a warm summer’s night. 233 West St, New York.
Nab a stiff ABERFELDY 12-based julep from this classy train car-themed bar and head to nearby Abingdon Square Park or Bleecker Playground (we see you quarantine-fried NYC parents) and relax. Make it a picnic with a cheese and charcuterie plate. 325 W 11th St, New York.
It’s straight-up summer at this fun-loving Bronx bar and restaurant, especially on the cocktail list where both the BACARDÍ Superior-based strawberry daiquiri and the rum punch, made with BACARDÍ Coconut, vie for attention. The best advice? Get both. 170 W 231 St, Bronx.
The cellar this Flatiron bar occupies has a history—as a Prohibition-era gambling den and speakeasy. That provenance has seeped into the first-rate cocktails, like the summer-ready Glimmer, an unusual mix of BOMBAY SAPPHIRE gin, bergamot liqueur, amaro, matcha, and lemon juice. 20 W 23rd St, New York.
A bit punk, a bit Jamaican diner, and a whole lot of fun—that’s the vibe at this East Village spot with addictive Caribbean summery drinks. Don’t miss the Strawberry Riddum, an addictive slushy of BACARDÍ Añejo Cuatro, strawberries, and lime. 109 Avenue A, New York.
This restaurant located in the former Limelight pleases with upscale Chinese fare and dim sum—a menu that finds a sweet-tart foil in the summer-ready lychee martini, boosted by GREY GOOSE. 49 W 20th St, New York.
What do you get when you combine tequila, bananas, and peaches? At this sprawling, mostly outdoor spot in Harlem it’s the frozen Peachy Nana that just tastes better under the summer sky—ask for it with CAZADORES Tequila. 2153 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York.
Who says that Valentines are for February? At this Harlem hangout, bring your date and order two Valentine in the Summer cocktails. The combo of BACARDÍ Añejo Cuatro, coconut cream, lime, and mint should help spark a summer romance. 321 Malcolm X Blvd, New York.
This place in Astoria has been named one of the best whiskey bars in the U.S. by Whiskey Advocate. Take advantage of that expertise with the Old Friend, a twist on the negroni that’s made with barrel-aged ABERFELDY 12 whisky. 30-13 Broadway, Astoria.
It’s summertime during a pandemic in Harlem and you’re craving a Mexicano roll with a side of Hawaiian salad. Why not toss in a D’USSÉ Colada, a frozen concoction of D’USSÉ VSOP, pineapple juice, triple sec, and cream of coconut? 3569 Broadway, New York.
When you’re dining on classic bistro fare such as steak frites and grilled branzino, you need a tried-and-true cocktail to complement. At this Meatpacking District bistro it’s all about the GREY GOOSE martini, made exactly to your specifications. 52 Gansevoort St, New York.
Get lured in by this Meatpacking District hangout’s Lush lemonade, a drink made with GREY GOOSE, brandy, lemon, vanilla, and fresh-pressed apple juice. Throw in spicy tuna rolls, sashimi, and roasted branzino for a summer picnic extravaganza. 88 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011.
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This gorgeous SOMA book-themed bar makes a summer reading list seem downright sexy. For a taste of its classy drinks—and in honor of Pride—try the Reading Rainbow Package, with bottled hibiscus margarita, Alice White, pisco punch, and BANKS Rum punch cocktails. 662 Mission St, San Francisco.
Toast one of humankind’s greatest heat-beating inventions, the slushy, with this Outer Sunset bar’s açaí version. You get the antioxidant power of açaí, the creamy goodness of coconut milk, the kick of LEBLON Cachaça, and the flavors of lemongrass and lemon. 3608 Taraval St, San Francisco.
This Cow Hollow restaurant serves Peruvian Nikkei, a Peruvian and Japanese cuisine mashup. On the plate that means scallop tiradito (ceviche). In the cup, it’s Delia Ketchum, a summer refresher of GREY GOOSE, ST~GERMAIN, blood orange, lime, and ginger. 1838 Union St, San Francisco.
You don’t come to this Lower Haight cocktail and small plates bar looking for something ordinary. Spice up your summer with the Five Spot, made with aged BACARDÍ rums, a basil-infused brandy, maple, ginger, lime, and Chinese five-spice powder. 598 Haight St, San Francisco.
This downtown spot made the transformation from underground lair to outdoor drinking and dining garden to great effect. Salute the pandemic-appropriate digs with the patio-perfect Palais-Royal, a salubrious mix of GREY GOOSE, blackberry, rosé, basil, and lemon. 555 California St, San Francisco.
This SOMA lounge and nightlife venue has got the cocktail thing down pat. Keep the party going all summer long with to-go cocktails, such as the Rickshaw, a mix of ST~GERMAIN, gin, grapefruit, lime, and soda. More of a bourbon fan? As the weather changes, order up I Am The Walnut, a warming mix of ANGEL’S ENVY, walnut liqueur, and a twist of orange. 101 6th St, San Francisco.
Summertime calls for a spritz, and the subtly sweet ST~GERMAIN version at this South of Market waterfront hangout is an ideal place for a leisurely afternoon. You won’t go hungry, either thanks to its solid pub grub menu. 760 2nd St, San Francisco, CA 94107.
A summer like 2020 calls for some straight-up whiskey drinking. At this downtown San Jose speakeasy, ask for ANGEL’s ENVY Rye, which spends up to 18 months mellowing in Caribbean rum casks for easy all day (and all night) sipping. 72 S 1st St, San Jose.
You wouldn’t expect anything less than pitch-perfect mojitos at this Cuban restaurant in Evergreen Park. Plenty of BACARDÍ Limon Rum, mint, sugar, lemon, lime go into making the cooling tropical drink. The fare (empanadas, ceviche) is equally praise-worthy. 463 California Ave, Palo Alto.
If you’re gonna stop at a jazz and rum-focused bar called Rum & Sugar, you best be having a Hurricane made with HAVANA CLUB Rum, a Cuban rum with a whiff of cinnamon. This Tenderloin spot hits all the right notes. 823 Geary St, San Francisco.
The bartenders at this Castro cocktail bar seem to thrive on creativity. For June that means a collection of colorful cocktails that benefit LGBTQIA causes. The Pride Pack includes a red CAZADORES-based cocktail and a purple one with GREY GOOSE. 2124 Market St, San Francisco.
Show your support of LGBTQIA causes with this Financial District bar’s Pride Pack, a colorful cocktail assortment, including the March Mule (GREY GOOSE vodka, blood orange, ginger, lime) and the Blue Hawaiian (BACARDÍ Superior, coconut cream, pineapple, blue curacao). 163 Jessie, San Francisco.
Made famous by writer Ian Fleming in his 1953 novel Casino Royale featuring James Bond, the Vesper martini here is simply made right, with GREY GOOSE Vodka, gin, and dry vermouth. If you’re feeling more adventurous, the Bahía Zapata — a mix of CAZADORES Reposado Tequila, strawberry-makrut lime, and a habanero tincture — is the perfect addition to your summer drink rotation. 399 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105.
Given the soothing summer flavors in this Marina bar’s Libertine cocktail, you’d be forgiven for forgetting what 2020 has wrought. Dive into the GREY GOOSE-based drink, accented by basil brandy, strawberry, lemon, and yuzu, and don’t forget the truffle fries. 2001 Chestnut St, San Francisco.
A little sweet and a little bitter (kinda like summer 2020), the Tropicano High Ball is the drink to order at this Alamo Square restaurant. That balance comes from pineapple-infused MARTINI & ROSSI’S Bitter Torino and Riserva Speciale Rubino vermouth. 528 Divisadero St, San Francisco.
This swanky, 1960s-themed Mission District bar proudly pays tribute to the last great era of cocktail culture. Every mix on the menu is a winner, but the Miami Nice, featuring SANTA TERESA 1796 Rum, pink guava, coconut, and lime is an ideal summer pick-me-up, and the Green Emmanuelle, which mixes GREY GOOSE Vodka, kiwi, and ST~GERMAIN is just as winning. 842 Valencia St, San Francisco.
Cocktails at this Sunset District bar get the fresh, hand-made treatment, and that extends to the margaritas. Ask for yours with CAZADORES Tequila and perhaps get the Mission Dolores treatment, which includes lime and pineapple, pineapple syrup, cilantro, and bird’s-eye chili. 1439 Taraval St, San Francisco.
When the temperatures soar, you want Mexican food like sopes, enchiladas, and arroz con leche—and to go with? A margarita, of course. They’re expertly made at this restaurant on Santana Row in San Jose. Get it spicy or sweet, just ask for CAZADORES. 377 Santana Row No. 1120, San Jose.
Like jumping into a chilly pool on a hot summer’s day, the carbonated Paloma from this downtown San Jose speakeasy delivers that happy shock to the sensory system via tequila, ST~GERMAIN, and fresh grapefruit. Cannonball! 43 W San Salvador St, San Jose.
Ah the bramble cocktail, capable of transporting a drinker from downtown San Jose to a field teeming with blackberries and scented with elderflower (aka ST~GERMAIN), one with jammy creme de mure and lemon. Oh, and gin, lots of gin. 55 S. 1st St, San Jose.
Most summer cocktails lean light and fruity, but there are savory options at this Lower Nob Hill bar. Enter the miso old-fashioned, an umami punch of BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho Rum that’s been fat-washed with miso butter, plus Pommeau and bitters. 580 Sutter St, San Francisco.
Escape to the tropics with this Mission Bar’s Hotel National cocktail that’s made for hot summer days and nights thanks to its base of a great rum (BANKS) and tropical fruit flavors both sweet and tart (apricot, pineapple, and lime). 3464 19th St, San Francisco.
Is the espresso martini for breakfast or dinner? At this longtime North Beach lounge, the drink’s bracing cold brew cordial wakes you up, while the smooth GREY GOOSE La Vanille and the sherry lull you back into a summer stupor. 15 Romolo Pl, San Francisco.
Conundrum: It’s the height of summer and you want a mojito but not the work. One fix: Head to this Irish pub in the Mission for an ace mojito with BACARDÍ Superior Rum, muddled mint, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup. 3200 24th St, San Francisco.
Allow the ST~GERMAIN rosé spritz at this Lower Nob Hill restaurant to conjure visions of the Amalfi Coast and other faraway vacation destinations. The cocktail of ST~GERMAIN and rosé comes topped with sparkling water—it’s summer vacation effervescence in a glass. 620 Jones St, San Francisco.
