Sure, you can drink fresh, summery cocktails in the dark of winter, ruing the day you sent your deposit to Northwestern and not USC. But now that summer’s upon us, it’s time to sit outside and enjoy Evanston restaurants’ signature summer cocktails with the sun actually visible.
Margarita – That Little Mexican Café (1010 Church St.)
These margaritas come in a cute little cup that totally belies their deliciousness. And they cost only $4 between 1 and 5 p.m., so they’re a great pick-me-up if you’re hungover or overworked. They may be loaded with tequila, but the fresh ingredients combine to create a light, delicate drink. That Little Mexican Café opens its patio during the summer, so grab a drink, sit outside and make believe you’re in Mexico. We’ll understand.
Aloha Martini – Koi (624 Davis St.)
The name alone might be enough to land this martini on any top-10 summer drinks list, and the taste certainly adds to its credentials. Made with Smirnoff, apricot brandy and pineapple juice, this is a girly drink with a serious kick. At $8, it’s slightly pricy, but don’t worry. Be happy.
Key Lime Martini – Bat 17(1709 Benson Ave.)
The key lime martini at Bat 17 tastes exactly like a key lime pie. Not vodka, not lime juice, but like your grandmother’s Fourth of July, perfect key lime pie. If you like your martinis dry and sour, this may not be for you, but don’t be surprised if your tastes change after one drink of this delicious concoction. On Saturdays, every Bat 17 martini is only $4.95, so there’s no excuse to stop after one.
Pineapple Mojito – Bar Louie (1520 Sherman Ave.)
You may only be familiar with Bar Louie for its Tuesday night Dollar Burger insane-a-thon, but stop back there during the summer for a signature pineapple mojito. Massive chunks of pineapple spice up the summer cocktail traditionally made with rum, soda, sugar, lime juice and mint leafs. The drink may be a bit overpriced at $10, but pair it with a dollar burger for a tasty summer meal.
Mango Mimosa – Prairie Moon (1502 Sherman Ave.)
Free Sunday mornings in the summertime just got better. Include a mango mimosa with your brunch at Prairie Moon. These mimosas, made with Brut champagne, peach schnapps and mango nectar, are perfected by their $6 price point.