Summertime Sips: Five Cocktails to Try Now
Summer’s officially here, which means it’s time once again to start kicking off early from work to find a shady sipping spot. When the thermometer starts to rise, these five refreshing cocktails can make Portland feel like paradise. Did your favorite make the list?.
Tart Cherry-Aperol Spritzer at The Observatory: The relaxed sophistication of this Southeast Portland spot makes it the perfect place to unwind on a warm evening sipping this cool and fizzy sparkler, which features aperol, balsamic-cherry puree & Champagne on the rocks ($7; 8115 S.E. Stark; 503-445-6284).
Sherry Cobbler at the Teardrop Cocktail Lounge: Every Tom, Dick and Harry fancies himself a mixologist these days, but Teardrop staffers are the real deal, masterfully mixing up age-old classics for the thirsty Pearl District crowd like this gem from an 1888 bartender’s manual: El Tesoro reposado tequila, house sherry blend, agave nectar, citrus oils, seasonal fruit bouquet. It’s like a (locally produced) fruit basket in a glass ($10; 1015 N.W. Everett St.; 503.445.8109).
Blended Margaritas at Sunshine Tavern: What’s better than a cold margarita on a hot day? A slushy one. Especially if you’re at Southeast Portland's Sunshine Tavern, where the typical sketchy machine mix is eschewed for Sauza silver tequila, simple syrup, water and fresh-squeezed lime juice ($8, $5 during happy hour; 3111 S.E. Division St.; 503-688-1750).
Sangria at Cha!: Summer is a perfect time to wave the red, white and blue…or at least the red and white, if you’re sipping the house-made authentic red or white sangria at Nob Hill’s Cha! ($5; 305 N.W. 21st Ave. # 203; 503-295-4077).
Summer Sun at Brix Tavern: The good folks at Brix Tavern know a thing or two about mixing up a gosh-dang refreshing summer drink. Our current favorite starts with Hendrick’s gin and simple syrup, and then throws in a veritable farmers market, with muddled cucumber, green apple and fresh lime ($8, or $4 during happy hour; 1338 N.W. Hoyt St.; 503-943-5995).
