Between the blazing sun beating down, the record-breaking temperatures, and the high-level humidity of late summer, tipplers are seeking icy refreshments. To celebrate this #ThirstyThursday, here are 9 fantastic frozen cocktails worth the brain freeze.
Blood Orange Margarita at Avenue, Long Beach, New Jersey
This tasty tipple follows the KISS rule: Keep It Simple, Stupid. It’s made with tequila, fresh lime juice, fresh blood orange juice, and ice. Simple and simply delicious. Make a reservation at Avenue.
Frozen Negroni at Foreign Cinema, San Francisco, California
Bar manager Nicky Beyries has come up with an ingenious use for the restaurant’s slushy machine. She fills it with Nolet’s Silver Gin, Cocchi Americano, and just-squeezed grapefruit juice. After adding a touch of Campari to the glass, she pours the icy mixture on top and finishes it all with a wheel of blood orange. Make a reservation at Foreign Cinema.
Summer Time Love at DÔA, Miami Beach, Florida
Consider it a cross between a daiquiri and a piña colada. Ron Barceló Platinum is blended with coconut cream, pineapple chunks, strawberry, and fresh basil. It’s topped off with coconut flakes and a strawberry. Make a reservation at DÔA.
Frozen Zombie at Spoonbar, Healdsburg, California
Get freaky with the tiki! The Polynesian-themed potable is powered by a trio of rums: Rum Fire, Plantation dark rum, and Flor de Caña Grand Reserve. Grapefruit, lime, pomegranate, and cinnamon add to its tropical sensibility. Make a reservation at Spoonbar.
Spicy Strawberry at I|O Godfrey, Chicago, Illinois
Drink pink. Basil-infused mezcal, strawberry and rhubarb shrub, habañero syrup, and freshly squeezed lime juice create a cocktail that’s sweet, smoky, and spicy. We’ll take two, thanks. Make a reservation at I|O Godfrey.
The LN2 Caipirinha at The Bazaar by José Andrés, Los Angeles, California
Standing at the table, a magician-like mixologist will add liquid nitrogen to the cocktail’s core components. Guests get a front row seat for an enchanting display as it transforms into a frozen boozy treat. Have your spoon ready to dig in once it has iced up. Make a reservation at The Bazaar by José Andrés.
Frosé and Bourbon Slushies at Evening Star Café, Alexandria, Virginia
Sit outside on the restaurant’s Front Porch to score these polar potables. It’s your choice of going the frosé way or belting down some bourbon. Either way, you’ve chosen wisely. Make a reservation at Evening Star Café.
Sweet Days of Summer at Westbound, Los Angeles, California
The restaurant partnered up with ice cream maker Coolhaus to create a series of cooling cocktails. This one features the scoop shop’s mango sorbet, as well as Avuá cachaça, fresh lime juice, pandan (a vanilla accented leaf), coconut, and ginger. For a flash of fire, it’s finished off with a chili pepper. Make a reservation at Westbound.
The Butt Dial Slush at DNV Rooftop Lounge, Washington, D.C.
We would order this cocktail for its name alone. The pale green sipper made with Absolut Citron, Midori sour, mint tea, shiso, and lime. Its BFF is the Pocket Text Slush, a ruddy cocktail featuring Absolut Mandarin, Drambuie, grapefruit juice, and red pepper puree. Make a reservation at DNV Rooftop Lounge.
Where have you been ordering frozen cocktails this summer? Let us know here or over on Facebook, G+, Instagram, Pinterest, or Twitter. And, remember to snap + share your #dishpics with us on Instagram for a chance to win in our weekly giveaway.
Nevin Martell is a Washington, D.C.-based food and travel writer and the author of several books, including Freak Show Without A Tent: Swimming with Piranhas, Getting Stoned in Fiji and Other Family Vacations. Find him on Twitter @nevinmartell and Instagram @nevinmartell.
