Baby, it’s hot outside and many of us are looking for cool cocktails to beat the heat. Finding a place that is open might be a bit of a challenge these days, but if you call ahead and ask around, you may be able to find a good cocktail program still doing what they do best. Here are a few we’ve found around the city – and some come with a recipe you can try yourself.
Toups’ Meatery (845 Carrollton Ave.) has new COVID temporary hours. The team is trying to adjust to the new world, but until then, the bar manager, Bryson Downham, offers these cool drinks he’s been working on. If you drop by this establishment, tell Bryson “hi” and try one of his awesome summer creations. Downham’s top picks include his Rye or Reason and The Gnar Side.
Rye or Reason
- 1.5 ounces rye whiskey
- 1 ounce poblano juice
- .25 ounces lime juice
- .25 ounces simple syrup
- 3 dashes saline solution
Shake and strain into Collins glass with ice. Top with sparkling wine and gently stir. Enjoy.
The Gnar Side
- 1.5 ounces Thunderbird red label malt liquor
- (If you can find it, otherwise make due with lillet blanc or cocchi Americano)
- 1.25 ounces pineapple juice
- .25 ounces Roulaison rum ( or Wray & nephew)
- .25 ounces Marie brizzard green creme de menthe
- 2 dashes saline
Shake and strain into a coupe glass with a salt and sugar rim (ratio 1:1)
Desi Vega’s (628 St. Charles Ave.) still offers drink specials in their lounge. Here you can get $5 Makers Mark and Tito’s cocktails, $4 well drinks and specialty beer, $6 select wine and $3 domestic beer. You can take advantage of these deals from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
Cure (4905 Freret St.) has adjusted to the COVID restrictions. You can still get cool cocktails, like the frozen drink of the day, a champagne cocktail, Pimm’s Cup, the King’s cobbler and a host of other summer favorites. You will, however, have to make reservations, as they have limited capacity to 25 percent per the mayor’s orders. There is a happy hour Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. and Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., with a list of cocktails for $6, along with other happy hour specials.
No matter where you find a great COVID cocktail experience, we hope you keep us informed. Please let us know if you find a great place that is making the best of our current situation, so we can share it with cocktail lovers everywhere. Cheers!
