By Danielle Davies
In many ways, a cocktail is a cocktail, regardless of the time of year. After all, a gin and tonic is just as tasty in the middle of January as it is in the heat of summer. But some cocktails are particularly weather-dependent. Let’s face it — it’s strange to think of someone kicking back with an eggnog at a beach bar or enjoying a watermelon mojito with their Thanksgiving turkey. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of warm-weather cocktails popping up at some of our favorite bars and restaurants. Here, we’ve rounded up five of the best summer sips that are perfect for the beach, the boat, or wherever your lazy days of summer take you.
1. Watermelon Margarita Watermelon simply screams summer, and there’s nothing like enjoying it in every variation, from giant hunks of it on the beach to icy cold-pressed watermelon juice. But if you want it in a cocktail, you can’t beat a Watermelon Margarita at Margaritaville. Made with Margaritaville Silver Tequila, Margaritaville Triple Sec, watermelon puree and their house margarita blend, this delightful concoction is served on the rocks. Located at Resorts at 1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City. MargaritavilleAtlanticCity.com
2. Somer’s Comin’ The name practically says summer itself! This refreshing cocktail from Queen Jayne’s Lounge & Royal Drinkery in Somers Point comes to us from people who seriously know drinks (Queen Jayne’s is the new project from Passion VInes owner Michael Bray). Made with Hendrick’s Gin, Chareau Aloe Liqueur, lime, cucumber, mint and eucalyptus, Somer’s Comin’ is full of some of summer’s easiest breeziest flavors. Located at 264 New Rd., Somers Point. QueenJaynes.com
3. Don’t Mez with Me Some like it hot, especially when the weather warms up. Try the Don’t Mez with Me at La Mesa in Galloway — made with Banhez Mezcal Tequila, Ancho Reyes and perfectly delicious pineapple, this icy cold cocktail is exactly what you need to enjoy an extra hot day. Located at 325 E. Jimmie Leeds Rd., Galloway. LaMesaGalloway.com
4. Tito’s Blueberry Lemonade July is National Blueberry Month — it’s when these sweet little bites of deliciousness hit their peak here in New Jersey, making them prime cocktail ingredients. At Vagabond Kitchen & Tap House, try a Tito’s Blueberry Lemonade, made with Tito’s handmade vodka, lemonade and yummy blueberry puree — Dee-lish. Located at 672 N. Trenton Ave., Atlantic City. VagabondAC.com
5. Nola The Nola specialty cocktail at Nola’s Bar & Lounge at Ocean Casino Resort isn’t your standard summer cocktail. Made with Botanist Gin, Domaine De Canton Ginger, fresh lemon, and B’lure Butterfly Pea Flower Extract, this sweet, flavorful cocktail adds a little botanical twist to any otherwise ho-hum day. Located at Ocean Casino Resort at 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City. TheOceanAC.com
Danielle’s been a writer and storyteller for the past fifteen years—her work has appeared everywhere from Philadelphia Style Magazine and The Press of Atlantic City to Cape May Magazine and The WC Press in West Chester. Nationally, her short stories have been published in Typehouse Magazine and Scary Mommy. She lives in South Jersey with her husband and two children.
