It’s Summer in NYC → Time for Summer Cocktails.

Let’s face it. As much as you want to drink rosé all day, there are still some other amazing cocktails out there. I’m not saying to neglect the pink, but here are some “appetizers” if you will before you hit the wine bottle.

1. Extra Fancy (Williamsburg)

Frozemonade. I told you I wouldn’t steer you too fare from rosé. At this fun and no frills Brooklyn spot you can get a frozen rosé lemonade combo. No, I’m not lying.

2. The Standard Grill (West Village)

Penny Drop. A fancier name for a Moscow Mule with vodka, housemade ginger cordial, lime juice, ginger beer.

3. Happiest Hour (West Village)

The palm tree and vibrant vibe will make you forget you are inside. Pretend you are in Mexico with the spicy Belle of the Ball – red pepper, lemon, habañero shrub, mezcal.

4. Union Pool (Brooklyn)

Outdoor backyard, live music, frozen tequila lemonades, a taco truck? Done.

5. Goodnight Sonny (East Village)

Sick of going so far east to get to They Wayland? Well, you can go to a similar and larger bar opened by some of their team members on second avenue. The Lavender of Love cocktail with vodka, lemon juice, basil, and sea salt will keep you thirsty all night. Grab so oysters to wash it down as well, and there you have a perfect night.

6. Alta Linea (Chelsea)

When your out of town friends insist you go to the Highline, you insistFrozen Negroni’s at Alta Linea after.

7. Middle Branch (Murray Hill)

Need a spot close to midtown, but want to get out of there? Sister of Little Branch isn’t too far south from your office. Try the Vaya con Sofia which is tequila and cucumber or Kips Punch which is gin, chartreuse, cynar, pineapple, and soda.

8. Saxon + Parole (Bowery)

You might think celery sounds too healthy for a cocktail, but the crispness and refreshing vegetable will throw you for a whirl. The Celery Gimlet is composed of gin, green chartreuse, St. Germain, fresh celery juice, lime, citrus, salt, verjus.

9. Dream Downtown Beach (Meatpacking)

If you are lucky enough to get to a pool in the city (or if you want to pay $60 for a day pass), treat yourself with the frozen Kelvin Slushie line which includes a Moscow Mule with Absolute Elyx, Citrus Slush, Ginger Beer or Slushy Bubbles with Chandon float and Citrush Slush. (photo courtesy of Dream)

The List

Extra Fancy
302 Metropolitan Ave
b/t Driggs Ave & Roebling St
Williamsburg — North Side

The Standard Grill
848 Washington St
b/t 13th St & Little W 12th St
Meatpacking District, West Village

Happiest Hour
121 W 10th St
b/t 17th St & 18th St
West Village

Union Pool
484 Union Ave
Williamsburg — North Side

Goodnight Sonny
134 1st Ave
b/t St Marks Pl & 9th St
East Village

Alta Linea
180 10th Ave
b/t 21st St & 20th St
Chelsea

Middle Branch
154 E 33rd St
b/t Lexington Ave & 3rd Ave
Midtown East, Murray Hill, Kips Bay

Saxon + Parole
316 Bowery
b/t Bond St & 2nd St
NoHo

Dream Downtown Beach
355 W 16th St
b/t 9th Ave & 8th Ave
Chelsea

Originally published in Chekmark Eats by Alex Reichek.