8 hot spots for summer cocktail cooldowns

I can’t think of a better way to beat our summer’s crazy hot temperatures than with an icy refreshing cocktail. Thankfully for all of us, I’m not the only one with that thought.

Check out these great summer cocktail options at your favorite local dining spots!

• Ben and Jack’s Steakhouse

Basil Buddha Hand Lemon Drop | Get your basil fix with this refreshing cocktail made with Buddha Hand Vodka, Limoncello, Squeezed Lemon Wedges, Simple Syrup, and Basil.

• Grimaldi’s Pizzeria

White & Red Sangria | Grimaldi’s Pizzeria features both red and white wines to make their sweet Sangria drinks. The white Sangria is made with Rex Goliath Moscato and the red Sangria is made with Rex Goliath Free Range Red. Pair this fruity drink with a pizza for a perfect combination!  Grimaldi’s Sangrias are priced at $6 by the glass, $15 for ½ carafes and $28 for a bottle.

• Kelly’s at Southbridge

Signature Sangria | Kelly’s at SouthBridge uses a selection of seasonal red and white wines to make their signature sangria. Each sangria drink is made with fresh fruit daily along with a 100% natural fruit juices and sweeteners. Kelly’s red and white sangria’s are mixed with premium rums, vodkas and flavored liqueurs. All the best ingredients! The rest of the recipe is Kelly’s little secret… Come in to experience the real deal! Kelly’s Sangrias are priced at $10 by the glass or $18 by the carafe.

Strawberry Shamrock | This cooling cocktail features Cruzan Strawberry Ginger, Effen Cucumber, sweet and sour, fresh mint and club soda. It’s super refreshing and perfect for summer! It costs $10 regularly and only $6 during happy hour which is everyday from 3-7pm, all day on Sundays.

Limonata Blossom | Ciroc Peach Vodka, Thatcher’s Elderflower, San Pelligrino, Limonata, Lemon, and Mint

• Pearl Sushi Lounge and Bomber Bar

Sake Sangria | At Pearl Sushi and Bomber Bar, you can enjoy their unique version of the Spanish drink! It’s not your traditional Sangria—this Sake Sangria is made with sake, white wine and peach liquor. This drink will keep you cool during those hot summer months for only $5 a glass.

• Salut Kitchen Bar

Grapefruit Basil Martini | Grapefruit and Basil combine to make a healthy, tart and flavorful drink at Salut Kitchen Bar. The martini is made with Absolut Ruby Red, Grapefruit Juice, St. Germaine and Basil Leaves.

Grapefruit Basil Martini

• Thirsty Lion Pub & Grill

Cucumber Mint Cooler | Smirnoff Citrus Vodka, muddled cucumber and fresh mint, simple syrup and ginger ale and costs $8.

Wild Berry Mojito | A blend of Bacardi Silver rum, triple sec, wildberry puree, mint, lime, simple syrup, soda, & Sprite and costs $7.50.

• Uptown Alley

Strawberry-Lemon Mojito | Order up this cocktail for your daily dose of mint! This Mojito features Bacardi Superior Rum muddled with lemon, sugar, mint leaves and strawberries mixed with soda water and costs $6.99.

• Z’Tejas

Summertime Sangria & Sangria ‘Rita | Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill features two Sangria items on their menu. The Summertime Sangria has Ecco Domani Moscato, Grand Marnier, orange juice, lemon juice, fresh strawberries, oranges and mint and costs $8.50. The Sangria ‘Rita features Canyon Road Cabernet Sauvignon floated on top of their 6th Street Margarita and costs $8.25. Both drinks are essential for hot summer days!

Pineapple Blossom Margarita | This summer drink features el Jimador Reposado Tequila, St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Herradura Agave Nectar, lime juice, fresh pineapple and mint. This sweet, delicious drink costs $8.50 regularly and $7.50 during happy hour.