When the summer heat and signature humidity returns to DC, there’s only one way to cool off: alcoholic beverages. This season, check out these refreshingly cool cocktails - from frozen libations to tiki drinks, we’ve pulled together a list of must-sip drinks for the summer.   

 

This summer, tiki drinks get a political twist at Barrel’s basement bar. The PoliTiki Pop-up bar features tiki cocktails served in specially designed mugs modeled after past presidents including Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, Richard Nixon and FDR. Try specialty cocktails like the Regal Hawaiian poured in an Obama mug with Barr Hill Gin, white rum, pineapple, lemon, orgeat and passionfruit. In addition to the political offerings, classic tiki cocktails like the Painkiller and the Scorpion Bowl will also be available - sip on your beverage of choice against a tropical backdrop. (613 Pennsylvania Ave, SE; 202-543-3622)

 

Just in time for the summer season, Blue Duck Tavern will be offering four frozen cocktails on its drink menu. Try the Watermelon Vesper made with vodka, watermelon, jalapeno and avocado, or for a twist on the traditional pina colada, opt for the Prickly Pina with rum, prickly pear and pineapple. All frozen cocktails are available for $20 each. (1201 24th St, NW; 202-419-6755)

 

Spritz cocktails reign supreme this summer at the downtown French bistro. Through August, cool down from the muggy DC weather and indulge in sparkling cocktails like the Lillet Spritz made with Lillet Rose, Blueberry Essence, Perrier, and Lemon Zest; and the Apricot Spritz with Giffard Apricot Liqueur, Aperol, Perrier and Orange Zest. New weekly Spritzers will be added to the lineup, joining the two permanent options listed above. (806 15th St, NW; 202-730-8701)

 

Whether you’re pregaming a Nationals game or just looking for a cool, summertime beverage, opt for Osteria Morini’s Sgroppino - made with your choice of Strawberry Basil or Limoncello Sorbet and topped with Prosecco. Pro tip: if Osteria Morini is too crowded, head down to the boardwalk and order up refreshing frozen negronis at the restaurant’s dockside stand, Morini Piccolo. (301 Water St, SE; 202-484-0660)

 

At the rustic Reston restaurant, Bar Manager Justin Winfield has created four new cocktails incorporating rosé - making these the perfect summertime libations. Enjoy the Kiwi Sour (Bulleit bourbon, simple syrup, lemon juice, egg white, Matua Valley Pinot Noir Rose 2016, Angostura bitters), the Reston Rose (Red’s apple pie bourbon, lemon syrup, mint, pinch of salt, lime peel, Sables d’Azur Cotes de Provence Rose 2017), the Sanguine Rose (Bacardi Silver, Sloe gin, lemon juice, date simple syrup, Elk Cove Vineyards Pinot Noir Rose 2016, mint, blackberry), and the Juniper Rose (Matua Valley Pinot Noir Rose 2016, Hendrick’s gin, lemony syrup, muddle tarragon, Sprite, rose water float). The rosé cocktails are $10 each. (11150 South Lakes Drive, Reston; 571-375-7755)

 

Rose is still having a moment and at the U Street cocktail bar, you can Rose All Day with the aptly named cocktail (Rose All Day). Made with Glendalough Wild Botanical Gin, combier rose, clarified grapefruit and lime, raspberry, peach, salt and CO2, it’s the perfect blend of seasonal ingredients. (928 U St, NW; 202-462-7232)

 

The summer rosé garden in Navy Yard  features plenty of wine, beer and, yes, you guessed it, rosés to choose from. But if you’re looking for a cooling libation, opt for one of the frozen offerings: the Pina Colada with Cotton & Reed white rum, El Dorado SPiced rum, pineapple juice, Coco Lopez and nutmeg; or a frozen Cosmopolitan combining Spring 44 Vodka, Triple Sec, Morello cherry, cranberry and lime. (301 Water St, SE; 202-484-8800)