The upcoming Labor Day holiday marks the beginning of autumn – and fall sports. But, there are plenty of dog days left, and best cooled down with refreshing summer cocktails.
From spots on the East Coast, West Coast and in between, we have the scoop on where to sip on delish fruit-forward or cool and creamy cocktails – garnished with paper umbrellas or flamingo sizzle sticks.
EAST COAST
My Friend Duke – New York
From the team behind Attaboy, this upscale hotspot in Manhattan’s Kips Bay has a wraparound bar, bi-level seating, plus, a skylight – all great spots to enjoy their craft cocktails and bites
Five and Dime
Bombay Dry Gin, Giffard Apricot Liqueur, Orgeat Syrup, Lemon, Peychaud’s and Angostura Bitters.
383 3rd Avenue, New York, NY; @myfriendduke
Peppi’s Cellar – New York
Enter this basement speakeasy, in NYC’s NoLita neighborhood, through the Gran Tivoli Restaurant.
Clover Club
Gin, Egg White, Raspberry Syrup and Lemon Juice.
406 Broome Street, New York, NY; @Peppiscellar
The Ledge – Brooklyn
The Ledge, a 1970s California-style rooftop bar and restaurant in Brooklyn’s Bushwick neighborhood, serves small plates and craft cocktails.
Watermelon Tonic
Hendricks Gin, Chareau Aloe Liqueur and fresh Watermelon Juice, topped with Cucumber Tonic.
321 Starr Street, Brooklyn, NY; theledgebk.com; @theledgebk
SOUTH
Kaido – Miami
James Beard-nominated chef and restauranteur Brad Kilgore’s cozy Tokyo-style drinking den, located in Miami’s Design District, features innovative cocktails by in-house mixologist Nico de Soto.
Blue Okinawan
Banks 7 Golden Age Rum, Plantation OFTD Overproof Rum, Batavia Arrack, Pineapple, Tamarind, Ceylan Black Tea, Coconut Water, Milk Washed and Blue Magic.
151 NE 41st Street, Unit 217, Miami, FL; @kaidomiami
Sweet Liberty – Miami Beach
Sweet Liberty Drinks and Supply Co., honored as one of the World’s 50 Best Bars, offers world-class cocktails and creative American food.
Pimm’s Cup
A refreshing summer classic made with Pimm’s Liqueur, fresh Cucumber, Mint, and Ginger Beer.
237-B 20th Street, Miami Beach, FL; @mysweetliberty; @sweetlibertymia
BLT Prime – Doral
BLT Prime, the famed New American steakhouse -and Doral’s premier dining destination, features a welcoming bar that overlooks the famed Blue Monster golf course.
Monkey on the Shoulder
Monkey Shoulder Scotch, Pear Liquor, Key Lime Juice and Orange Bitters.
4400 NW 87th Avenue, Doral, FL; @bltrestaurants
Sparrow at Dalmar – Fort Lauderdale
Downtown Fort Lauderdale’s newest and best rooftop cocktail destination, Sparrow Lounge and Patio, has a unique style and cocktail menu created by the team behind cocktail institution, Death & Co.
Pale Emperor
Saint Louise Brandy, Avua Amburana Cachaca, Coconut Cream, Salted Macadamia, Pineapple Juice and Cacao.
299 North Federal Highway (rooftop of The Dalmar), Downtown Fort Lauderdale, FL; @SparrowRooftop
L.A. Jackson – Nashville
This swanky indoor-outdoor rooftop bar and restaurant, located on the top floor of the Thompson Nashville, offers craft cocktails and small plates with incredible views of downtown Nashville’s skyline.
Tropic Like It’s Hot
Blended with Vodka, Coco Lopez Cream of Coconut, Aperol, Passion Fruit Puree, Lime Juice, Lemongrass Syrup and Ice Cubes.
401 11th Avenue S, Nashville, TN; lajacksonbar.com; @LAJacksonBar
WEST COAST
District – Los Angeles
Opium
A rose bouquet in a glass; prepared with Bombay East Gin, Grapefruit, Rose Water, Lemon, Campari, Lillet Rose, Riesling, and garnished with Fresh Rose Petals.
700 W 7th Street (Plaza Level in The Bloc), Los Angeles, CA; @DistrictDTLA
Jasper’s Corner Tap & Kitchen – San Francisco
A local favorite, Jasper’s creates a lively scene for indulging in upscale gastropub fare, handcrafted cocktails and over 18 locally brewed beers.
Avocado Dream
Smoky and creamy; made with Fidencio Mezcal, House-Made Avocado Puree, Orange and Angostura Bitters, with a rim of Tajin and a twist of Lime and Serrano Pepper.
401 Taylor Street, San Francisco, CA; @JaspersCornerTap
Momofuku – Las Vegas
David Chang first West Coast outpost of Momofuku offers inventive Asian fare and impressive cocktails at the Cosmopolitan.
Peaches for Me
Old Forester Bourbon, Giffard Crème de Pêche de Vigne, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, and Aquafaba; topped with Bearded Iris Homestyle Hazy IPA and garnished with fresh Peach Slices.
3708 Las Vegas Blvd S, (on Level 2 of Boulevard Tower in the Cosmopolitan), Las Vegas, NV; @momofukulasvegas; cosmopolitanlasvegas.com/momofuku
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