5 to Try: Summer Drinks

by Keith Wagstaff - Citysearch Editor - 215 Reviews - 112 Lists

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Updated: July 20, 2009

Summer is a time for irresponsible drinking and ill-advised romances; hence the summer cocktail, a perfect way to cool off before things heat up. Skip the gin and tonic and try something really wild, from spicy Mexican beers to saffron-infused vodka, with our list of New York City's five best summer drinks.

(Photo: Cabrito)

5 to Try

  1. 1 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Cabrito
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    50 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014 (map)

    Like a death sentence for your thirst, the Mexican Firing Squad is an unusual combination of tequila, fresh lime juice, homemade pomegranate grenadine and Mexican chocolate bitters. Wash down a few with Cabrito's namesake dish (slow-roasted, garlic- and chili-rubbed goat) and it's a revolution in your stomach!

  2. 2 4 Star Rating: Recommended Char No. 4
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    196 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 (map)

    Take in summer like a Southern gentleman at this Brooklyn temple to whiskey and meat. The Kentucky Royale, a blend of Henry McKenna bourbon whiskey, sparkling wine, creme de cassis and orange, will leave you feeling mighty fine on a warm summer night and is a sure cure for the vapors, whatever that is.

  3. 3 3.5 Star Rating: Average La Palapa Cocina Mexicana
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    77 Saint Mark's Pl, New York, NY 10003 (map)

    There really isn't anything better on a summer day than a cold Mexican beer. Correction: There isn't anything better on a summer day than a cold Michelada. This East Village resto's version of the classic beer cocktail is made with Sol or Negra Modela mixed with lime juice, Maggi salsa and Valentina salsa picante for a spicy, savory kick.

  4. 4 3.5 Star Rating: Average Mr Jones
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    243 E 14th St, New York, NY 10003 (map)

    In Russia, cocktail pounds you! No, but seriously folks, the Moscow Mule from stylish East Village spot Mr. Jones--a refreshing blend of vodka, ginger ale, lime juice and ginger beer--is a great way to get as drunk as Boris Yeltsin at a ... well, as hammered as Boris Yeltsin.

  5. 5 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Pranna
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    79 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10016 (map)

    The Bengal Tiger (saffron- and cardamom-infused Cape North vodka with Manzanilla sherry, ginger juice and sparkling water) is as seductive and dangerous as the animal it's named after--in that you might like it so much that you'll drink five and start hitting on the waiters. Luckily, you can temper all of that delicious booze with chef Chai Trivedi's adventurous Southeast Asian cuisine.