King Cocktail's Summer Drinks

299 10th Ave, New York, NY 10001 (map)

Pair Bongo's Sakepolitan--made with plum wine and herb- and fruit-flavored OP vodka--with a nice plate of oysters. Finish your visit with a Bongo Snowball, a dollop of lemon Italian ice in a martini glass covered with Vox vodka.

87 7th Ave S, New York, NY 10014 (map)

This season Paul, the beverage manager, is doing flavored caipirinhas (I recommend the mango) and other cocktails strongly suited to the food. Try the Mora Negra, a rum drink with muddled blackberry, fresh lime and mango juices, or the Emerald Forest with coconut rum, melon liquor, fresh mango, pineapple and lime juices.

25 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019 (map)

Cross Fifth Avenue for a glass of Alain Renardat-Fache Cerdon du Bugey Rose, a sparkling rose from a small French town. Chef/owner Waldy Malouf's thin crust bar pizza is this wine's perfect companion.

116 E 27th St, New York, NY 10016 (map)

Get to the bar early and settle in for an Anchor Summer Beer, Anchor Steam's new wheat beer (a Blue Smoke has exclusive for a couple months), and a plate of Danny Meyer's much-discussed ribs.

42 E 20th St, New York, NY 10003 (map)

Take a leisurely walk down the avenue for more fine wheat beers, like the Brooklyner Weisse on tap or a bottled import. And don't forget to nosh on Gramercy's seasonal summer fare.

2 Park Ave, New York, NY 10016 (map)

What could go better with Lancashire fondue than a Golden Apple cocktail? Alize Gold, Van Gogh apple vodka and a splash of pineapple end the argument.