Hot times in the city call for cold drinks on a patio. Nothing lifts the stress of a steamy commute through sizzling streets and stifling subway stations like the promise of a refreshing cocktail after work. Unwind with a taste of summer captured in these unique libations. Enjoy them al fresco or in the nice, cool air-conditioned bar — the choice is yours!
Drink to summer
A long weekend? That’s cause for celebration in our book. Pop open a bottle of Chandon’s new limited-edition American Summer Bottle — complete with adorable red, white and blue striped packaging — and toast to the barbecues, rooftop parties and spiked popsicles that lay ahead. $22 www.chandon.com
Gilda Gray
Gansevoort Park Avenue Rooftop (420 Park Ave. South, 212-929-0067)
She made her own splash in the 1920s with her famous “shimmy,” and now you can evoke her spirit with a splash of Gilda Gray in your glass. This pretty pink cocktail will get you in the mood for a night of dancing.
2 oz. Plymouth Gin
.5 oz. Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur
2-3 strawberries
Simple syrup
Prosecco
Directions: Muddle the strawberries with the simple syrup. Add Plymouth and Canton. Shake and strain into a martini glass. Top with prosecco and garnish with a strawberry.
Brooklyn Bridge
New York Central at Grand Hyatt New York (109 E. 42nd St., 646-213-6865)
If Brooklyn is more your style, this drink, said to be a bridge between a gimlet and a mojito, is the perfect concoction for keeping you cool in more ways than one. A combination of Hendrick’s Gin, cucumber and agave nectar will have you ready to face the sun.
4 thin cucumber slices
1.5 oz. Hendrick’s Gin
.5 oz. lime juice
.5 oz. agave nectar
Directions: Muddle cucumbers in a tall glass. Add ice and other ingredients. Fill with tonic and stir gently.
Washington Heights
Also at New York Central
If you’re looking to sport your summer finery, head to New York Central and sip on this. A combination of Pyrat XO Rum, lime, ginger beer and pineapple, it’s heralded as summer in a glass — and it’s perfect for those who can’t choose between liquor and beer.
1.5 oz. Pyrat Rum XO
.5 oz. lime juice
Ginger beer
Splash pineapple juice
Directions: Pour rum and lime juice over rocks and top with ginger beer. Add a splash of pineapple juice. Garnish with a lime wedge.
The Sea Mist
La Bottega at The Maritime Hotel (363 W. 16th St., 212-242-4300)
Let your mind wander to the beach with this seafaring take on a pina colada that combines coconut rum, pineapple juice and a slight hint of Blue Curacao.
1 ounce Bacardi Rum Coconut
Splash Blue Curacao
1 ounce triple sec
1 ounce pineapple juice
Directions: Shake all ingredients well and serve in a large rocks glass garnished with a maraschino cherry.
