5 to Try: Summer Drinks

by Whitney Ricketts - Citysearch Contributor - 30 Reviews - 63 Lists

Updated: June 02, 2009

The summer sun is lingering, and Seattleites are emerging from hibernation for booze-filled summer nights. Ditch your standard PBR tallboy and opt for one of these delectable cocktails. In the words of Olivia Newton-John, "Summer sun, something's begun, but uh-oh those summer nights!" Hit the decks, sip a margarita, cause some trouble. Rinse and repeat.

Summer Satiation

  1. 1 3.5 Star Rating: Average Barrio
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    12th & E Pike St, Seattle, WA 98122 (map)

    There's something about a margarita that insists it must be sipped in the summertime, and preferably with a side of tacos. Luckily, Barrio has the goods: margaritas in deep glass goblets and tacos with playful flavor combos like braised pork with raisins. Go for happy hour and the tacos are only $2.

  2. 2 3 Star Rating: Average Odd Fellows Cafe
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    1525 10th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122 (map)

    Capitol Hill's hipster haven boasts a cocktail menu prime for summer debauchery. The champagne cocktail, in all its bubbly glory, is both bitter and sweet, with a sugar cube bobbing in the fizz. Another favorite is the Blood & Sand, which uses house-made blood orange bitters.

  3. 3 4 Star Rating: Recommended Spur Gastropub
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    113 Blanchard St, Seattle, WA 98121 (map)

    Bartender David Nelson’s concoctions are strong on both liquor and taste, merging old school recipes with new twists in this trendy Belltown gastropub. The specialty cocktail list is inventive and eclectic, pushing boundaries with obscure liquors. Ruth Reichl stopped into Spur on her last trip to Seattle and tweeted about their "great bourbon cocktail." She had the Bourbon Swizzle.

  4. 4 The Dray
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    708 NW 65th St, Seattle, WA 98117 (map)

    Expand your beer knowledge beyond PBR and Rainier at this cozy Ballard bar with an extensive rotating beer selection. Open at 11am everyday, you don't have to wait until happy hour to imbibe. Pick a beer from the chalkboard menu and plop down in one of the cushioned benches.

  5. 5 4 Star Rating: Recommended Tini Bigs Lounge
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    100 Denny Way, Seattle, WA 98109 (map)

    Bartender Jamie Boudreau is one of the top ten in the country, according to Playboy. Stop by this lively Lower Queen Anne lounge to judge his handiwork. Try the Martinez, a twist on a martini--made with gin, orange bitters, maraschino liquor, Italian vermouth.