7 Cocktails to Help You Cool Down This Summer
Summer in Atlanta is HOT. And what’s a better way to cool down this summer than with an ice cold cocktail? Luckily Atlanta is home to some pretty killer drink menus and sweet spots for you to chill and relax. Here are a few of our favorite cocktails to help you stay cool in the summer months!
1. Kimball House
Kimball House has long been a heavyweight in the cocktail scene. They’re known for tons of creative concoctions and you can’t go wrong with anything, but at the risk of being basic, we do recommend you start your evening off with their classic Sapelo Spritz. It’s similar to an Aperol Spritz, bu made with local aperitivo, Sapelo instead of Aperol. Sapelo is a recent invention by Creature Comforts, made with sour oranges grown on Georgia’s Sapelo Island, which originally descended from Spain’s Seville oranges. Kimball House’s rendition of the Sapelo Spritz is perfectly balanced, not too sweet and the perfect summer refresher on these scorching Atlanta days.
2. Gypsy Kitchen
With some serious rooftop views and a truly #aesthetic atmosphere, Gypsy Kitchen is a great place to enjoy the summer weather without sweating. Try the lovely 50 Shades of Purple, made with flower infused gin, for a drink that’s just as beautiful as it is refreshing. Pair your drinks with some of their incredible tapas and appetizers for a fun evening in the sun.
3. Burle’s Bar
This elegant lounge on the Beltline, right above the Victorian Atlanta plant shop, is a relaxed green oasis that’s the perfect place to enjoy a great cocktail or a shot and beer with friends. Their patio is a fabulous place to hang, and their Tuesday night jazz sessions are a total hit!
4. Casi Cielo
This Oaxacan-inspired hotspot pairs one of the city’s most impressive agave collections with beautifully crafted cocktails that showcase mezcal, tequila, and bold Mexican flavors. Casi Cielo originally opened in Sandy Springs a few years ago, but has recently opened up a second location on the Beltline. And I truly hate to say it as a Sandy Springs resident, but their new Beltline location is phenomenal. It’s truly stunning, and the patio even keeps you cool with their misters in this hot Georgia heat.
5. Nam Kitchen
So if you’re reading this blog post, you’re probably an avid cocktail consumer, but have you ever tried one mixed with green-tea infused vodka? If the answer is yes, then wow cool you’re pretty fancy, but you have to try one from Nam Kitchen! If the answer is no, then also cool, and guess what, you still HAVE to try one from Nam Kitchen! We recommend the Saigon Night to anyone and everyone! Made with royal green tea vodka, this drink is fit for a king or queen and is only 70 calories if you’re trying to look svelte this summer!
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6. Blackjack Bar & Tapas
This Midtown spot is such a sleeper hit. The name is a bit of a curveball, because the food is actually fantastic Asian fusion with an A tier list of cocktails. The menu is delicious, serving everything from crispy rice tuna and lobster wontons. Pair it with one of the city’s most creative cocktail programs—think Peanut Noodle Old Fashioneds, Mango Sticky Rice cocktails, and Japanese whisky pours—and you’ve got a night that’s as memorable as it is delicious. Come hungry, order for the table, and don’t be surprised if every dish steals the show.
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7. Block & Drum
Block & Drum does it all. Tucked away in Chamblee, this one-of-a-kind destination blends a working distillery, inventive cocktails, and an indoor-outdoor music venue into one unforgettable experience. Come for the craft spirits infused with botanicals grown on-site, stay for the vinyl DJs, live bands, and the kind of energy that feels unmistakably Atlanta. Whether it’s a World Cup watch party or a late-night dance session, Block & Drum proves that great eats, drinks, and beats are even better together.
