This summer has felt pretty much like one long heatwave – you’re probably ready for an ice cold beverage. If you really want to bring your core temp down ‘though, go for a frozen cocktail. With everything from margaritas and mudslides to slushies and sno cones (and plenty of frosé, of course!), this handy little rundown will help you keep cool through the hottest days of the season. Read on for a slew of refreshing options.
Buttermilk & Bourbon – Margarita Bleue
You can lean into the steamy, mid-summer heat with the Margarita Bleue at Buttermilk & Bourbon, chef Jason Santos‘ NOLA-inspired restaurant in the Back Bay. This glorious (and gorgeous) concoction, featuring Hornitos tequila, blueberry, hibiscus, lime and agave, will keep you cool as a cucumber even as the temps rise.
Capo – Frozen Mudslides
You can make your summer days cooler and sweeter at Capo. The team at the spacious South Boston mainstay have brought their Frozen Mudslides back for the season so don’t miss your chance to enjoy the decadent summer sipper, made with vodka, cacao, cold brew, Irish cream & chocolate topped with chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and shaved chocolate.
Citrus & Salt – Piña Colada
There’s nothing basic about the Piña Colada at Citrus & Salt, the over-the-top Fort Point’s newcomer from chef Jason Santos. Made with Bacardi rum, coconut, pineapple, lime and toasted coconut, this iconic version of the classic can even be dressed up with a dark rum float if you want to take your ice cold cocktail to cool new heights.
Eastern Standard – Frosé of the Day
Your pink-hued summer favorite gets the Jackson Cannon treatment at Eastern Standard Kitchen & Drinks where the Frosé of the Day is made with Lillet rosé, Select aperitivo, strawberry and, of course, rosé. Fruit may vary based on availability but you’re drink is in award-winning, drink-slinging hands so pretty much can’t go wrong.
The Harp Patriot Place – Margaritas, Mudslides & Pina Coladas
Chill out with refreshing, frozen cocktails at The Harp Patriot Place. The Foxboro spot, overlooking Gillette Stadium, has a roster full of MVPs including the Strawberry Margarita made with tequila, triple sec and cirtusy margarita mix; the Mudslide made with vodka, Kahlua, Irish cream and ice cream); and the Pina Colada made with Bacardi rum, pineapple and coconut.
The Hourly – Milkshakes
Frozen drinks are a year-round thing at The Hourly, where they’ve got a rotating selection of milkshakes (two boozy and one non) that change every month. Make a beeline for Harvard Square during July to try the Nutella Milkshake with bourbon, Frangelico, Nutella and chocolate soft serve; the Horchata Milkshake with cinnamon-infused Medford rum, horchata liqueur and vanilla soft serve; or the Cookies & Cream Milkshake, a classic blend of crushed Oreos and vanilla soft serve.
Kings – Margaritas, Daiquiris & Pina Coladas
If you work up a sweat bowling a few frames at any of the local outposts of Kings (that’s Back Bay, Seaport, Burlington, Dedham and Lynnfield), you can cool down with fun frozen beverages like the Frozen Mango Margarita with El Jimador tequila, fresh lemon and lime and Mango Monin; the Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri with Bacardi, fresh lime juice and Strawberry Monin and the Frozen Pina Colada with rum, coconut cream pineapple juice and whipped cream.
Less Than Greater Than – Orange Creamsicle Spirits & Cream
Half way between a drink and a dessert, the Orange Creamsicle Spirits & Cream at Less Than Greater Than will satisfy hankerings for something boozy and something sweet. Find your way to the Hudson speakeasy to try the tasty combination which includes a sweet cream base blended with orange liqueur, rum and orange-soaked vanilla wafer, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of orange zest.
Lincoln Tavern – Frozen Aperol Spritz
Find your way to West Broadway’s Lincoln Tavern in South Boston to beat the heat in style with a Frozen Aperol Spritz. The refreshing, not-too-sweet combination of Aperol, prosecco and a hint of orange is the ultimate cool-down drink for the dog days of summer.
Noir – Mt. Otemanu
Whatever the weather, you can grab a table on the terrace (or in the dining room if you prefer AC) at Noir to unwind with an icy Mt. Otemanu. Named for the mountain located on the island of Bora Bora, the tropical refresher will transport you to the South Pacific with an intoxicating combination of rum, banana, mango, brown sugar, lime and salted coconut.
Northern Spy – Frosé & More
Thanks to their brand new Frosty Factory frozen-drink machine (named Amy), the folks at Canton’s Northern Spy have a slew of slushy beverages to see you through the hottest days of the season. They’ve got frosé, made with rosé, vodka and raspberry, all day every day and on weekends (Friday-Sunday from 3:00pm-close), a whole menu, complete with mudslides, pina coladas, strawberry daiquiris and Miami Vices, available in their garden bar.
One Reason Garden Bar – Classic Margarita
Enjoy backyard vibes and classic margaritas in the heart of Harvard Square at One Reason Garden Bar at The Charles Hotel. Complete with picnic tables, yard games and a curated menu from the folks at Taqueria El Barrio, the seasonal courtyard pop-up makes their version with tequila, lime, tequila, orange, tequila, tequila and tequila.
Pier 6 – Mudslide
If you’re in the market for a cool-down cocktail while you’re out and about in Charlestown, head to Pier 6 on the waterfront for a classic Mudslide. Made with Tito’s Handmade vodka, coffee liqueur, ice cream and Hershey’s chocolate syrup, it’s a 90s throwback that’s like a milkshake — only better (and boozier)!
Play Boston – Frozen Slushies
If you grew up hitting the Slush Puppy machine whenever tank top season rolled around, you’re going to love Play Boston’s Blue Raspberry and Red Cherry Frozen Slushies. Cool down before a big show at TD Garden or just come over to cool off in the AC over some killer arcade games, just beware of brain freeze from either the virgin or boozy versions of these summer chillers.
ReelHouse East Boston – Watermelon Frosé
Take in stunning harbor views as you enjoy the ultimate summer refreshment at ReelHouse in East Boston. The Watermelon Frosé, made with Three Olives rosé vodka, fresh watermelon and a splash of lime, strikes the perfect balance of sweet and tart so you can cool off with a vibrant and refreshing drink while you take in the going-on on the water (and catch some sea breezes).
State Park – Sno Cones
Remember the days when you went off to camp for the summer? State Park remembers, which is why their Summer Camp Bar is officially open for the season and serving up boozy sno cones while the weather is hot. The tiny outdoor bar (formerly known as Bar by the Elevator) is only open Wednesday through Friday from 4:00pm until dusk, so pack your backpacks and get down to Kendall Square for a few (actual) arts and crafts and sno cones flavors like Pineapple Daiquiri and Bourbon Old Fashioned to get you through the week.
Vermillion Club – Piña Colada
Forget what you think you know about piña coladas and head to the brand-new Vermillion Club downtown for the most elevated colada you’ve ever tried. Made with Santa Teresa rum, fresh coconut, pineapple and lime (sickly-sweet canned syrup is out), it’ll make you’ll fall in love with tropical cocktails all over again. Plus! It’s the perfect excuse to check out the fabulous new space on the second floor of The Connector.
Yellow Door Taqueria – Frozen Margaritas
Skip the rocks and go straight for the blender drinks at Yellow Door Taqueria in Lower Mills, South End and Mission Hill this summer. Their frozen margaritas, in flavors like Strawberry Coconut and Spicy Passion Fruit, will chill you down from the inside while you fill up on chips and fresh guac after the beach, or make a dinner of signature tacos folded up with house-made tortillas.
