The Cocktails of Summer

Pegu Club - Source

As the Autumn gets off to a gray and soggy start I feel compelled to celebrate some of the best cocktails of this past summer. It was a season replete with fine mixologists vying for my imbibing hours.

Here are a few of the standouts, along with some perennial favorites.

And to those who joined me for a toast, a nightcap, one for the road: thank you. The company of fine friends elevates even the best aqua vitae.

Pegu Club Earl Grey Martini

Every cocktail at Pegu Club is a work of art, so no surprise that they make one of my all-time favorites.

Rye House Clara Bow

The mixologist who created this particular bourbon concoction is no longer at Rye House so the drink is not on the menu. But everyone there knows how to make it, so feel free to ask for it by name. I also quite enjoyed their 'Moonshine Cocktail' special in August, using Kings County Distillery Moonshine.

Clover Club Market Street Julip

I'd like to toast the trio that was playing there the night we visited. It was lovely to hear live bar music that was neither drab nor loud.

Milk & Honey Whatever the bartender made me

I couldn't hear what concoction I ended up getting but it was both floral and citrus-based. My companions may have ended up with even better libations.

Hundred Acres Grapefruit Cooler

Very light, very fresh. Go ahead, order another.

Seersucker Dixie Michelada

They've been running low on the secret spice so have taken this one off the menu. But if you're really nice you might get one glass. Or opt for any of their drink specials. I'm not a big beer drinker and I was surprised how much I liked this recipe. 

Frying Pan The Six-Pack of Corona in a Bucket

A summer treat. I really only want beer in summer. When it's hot out. And I'm on the water. This fits the bill.

Mars 2112 Cosmic Cosmo
This drink wasn't anything special, but I was on Mars at the time. With old dear friends and several children. That counts for something.

Stone Park Sidecar

As any of you who have shared a cocktail with me know I am a (huge) fan of the Sidecar, particularly made with bourbon. Ever-reliable Stone Park always delivers on this score. I also enjoyed the elderflower cocktail from last summer, topped with fresh oregano. And they make a true Old Fashioned. 

Clover Club Brooklyn - Source

Alchemy Slippery Slope

Ah, the name says it all.

Rosa Mexicano La Pinela

I'm a sucker for cinnamon.

Coco Roco Pisco Sour

A favorite for many years now.

Qi Coconut Mojito

This Thai restaurant is easily overlooked, but the food and drinks are fresh and incredibly affordable.

Miriam Kansas

Although my real favorites here are the food and the wine list, this light mix is a nice start to a meal.

The Frances Ann Sparkling Pino Noir

Aboard my brother's boat. So really about the location, the company...

En nuestra casa Pimm's Cup, Americano, Sazerac...

We're trying new ones all the time.

What am I missing?

What were your drinks of the season?