6 Local Summer Cocktails to Beat the Heat
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It’s hot, it’s humid, and you’re craving an ice cold beverage with a little kick — we’ve got you covered! These six cocktails are tasty and will give you major summer feels while keeping you cool. Happy sipping!
— by RVAx Team
Image: @cirrusvodka
Cirrus Vodka Taproom: Strawberry Mule
The Cirrus Vodka taproom is constantly whipping up fresh and delicious cocktails making it the perfect place to hit when you are out and about — plus, they have a great patio! They are located next to Main Line Brewing, just down from Hardywood, on Ownby Lane.
Strawberries are truly the fruit of the summer which is why you need to try the strawberry mule available in their taproom! We’ll even give you the recipe below so you can make it at home if you’re so inclined.
1.5 oz Cirrus Vodka
1.5 oz strawberry basil simple syrup Crescent Simples (local)
1 oz lime juice
.25 oz MOTHER shrub ginger (local)
Shake with ice then strain and top with ginger beer
Address: 1603 Ownby Ln (East of Scott’s Addition)
Hours: Thursday, 5 - 9 pm; Friday - Saturday, 5 - 10 pm; Sunday, 1 - 6 pm
Image: @brennerpassrva
Brenner Pass: Snow Bunny
Don't let the name fool you — the Snow Bunny is a well-balanced and perfectly refreshing cocktail to sip on the patio in the heat. The cocktail has become so popular it's now a year-round staple at Brenner Pass, an Alpine-inspired restaurant featuring contemporary and modern twists on French, European, Italian, and Swiss cuisine.
The Snow Bunny is made with vodka (typically Tito's), a pineapple-lavender syrup, Green Chartreuse, Cocchi Americano, and sparkling wine.
Address: 3200 Rockbridge St (Scott’s Addition)
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 5 - 9 pm
Image: @quirkhotelrva
Quirk Hotel: The Creamsicle
National Creamsicle day was this past Saturday, and what better way to celebrate than turning this sweet summer treat into a sippable beverage?! This frosted cocktail is made with vodka, Bailey’s, half and half, and fresh-squeezed orange juice. Super light, super tasty, and available for a limited time, so don’t wait!
Address: 201 W Broad St (Arts District)
Hours: Sunday - Wednesday, 5 - 10 pm; Thursday - Saturday 5 - 11 pm
Image: @alewiferva
Alewife: Coastal Brake
Located in the historic Church Hill neighborhood, Alewife serves Mid-Atlantic seafood, influenced by the Chesapeake Bay and the foodways of Virginia. With conservation of natural habitat as a primary focus, the restaurant chooses seasonal items and promotes sustainability. Last year, Alewife was named The South's Best New Restaurant by Southern Living magazine.
Regardless of what you decide to order on their ever-changing menu, don't miss the Coastal Brake, a seaside-inspired gin and tonic made with gin, coastal tonic syrup, sparkling coconut water, and fernet.
Address: 3120 E Marshall St (Church Hill)
Hours: Monday - Saturday, 5 - 9 pm; Sunday, 10:30 am - 2 pm
Image: @perch_rva
Perch: Apartment Story Spritz
Made with hibiscus syrup and vinho verde, this cocktail just screams summer! It also pairs well with many of the fresh, seafood-forward dishes available at Perch, a Pacific-inspired restaurant. The Apartment Story Spritz is made with vodka, Suze (a French liqueur made from gentian root), hibiscus syrup, lime, vinho verde wine, and soda water.
Address: 2918 W Broad St (Scott’s Addition)
Hours: Wednesday - Thursday, 5 - 9 pm; Friday 11 am - 3 pm then 5 pm - 10 pm; Saturday 11 am - 2 pm then 5 pm - 10 pm; Sunday 11 am - 4 pm
Image: @hangrygirlrva
The Jasper: Caribbean Kween
According to an award-winning bartender, the Jasper Bar was named one of the 10 best bars in this USA Today 10 Best article! And we are not surprised. The Jasper is a solid spot for a great craft cocktail, and it seems like they are regularly scheduling some awesome popups.
They are giving us major summer vibes with this tiki drink! The Caribbean Kween is made with Blackstrap tequila, Cappelletti aperitivo, Ancho Reyes chili liqueur, pineapple, lime, and tiki bitters.
Address: 3113 W Cary St (Carytown)
Hours: Sunday - Thursday, 5 pm - 12 am; Friday - Saturday, 5 pm - 2 am
Still thirsty?
Thanks to Cirrus Vodka for sponsoring this City Guide!