Summer Guide: Liquid Cool Fronts

| Print Post This | Like (0) | Comments (0)

WITH THE FLIP-FLOPS and bad tan lines comes the desire to lounge outdoors and partake of refreshing beverages. So, we did some slurping around and found five of the tastiest summer drinks you can sip in the sunshine. Feel free to thank us with one later.

» CLASSIC MARGARITAS AT LAURIOL PLAZA:
It would have been wrong to kick off such a list with anything else. This popular Dupont Circle Mexican establishment is known for two things: its margaritas and its rooftop. "People love to be up there," says manager Juan Lopez. "They take their time to relax with a margarita after work." And considering it's only $5.75, that actually might mean a margarita or two.
» Lauriol Plaza, 1835 18th St. NW; 202-387-0035. (Dupont Circle)

» KEY LIME MARTINI AT SOUSSI:
If you could drink a key lime pie, this would be it. It's extremely tempting to lick every last bit of the foamy topping from the bottom of your glass to get what's left of this smooth combo of Smirnoff Lime Vodka, melon liqueur, Triple Sec and creme ($8.95). Unfortunately, then you might attract attention from the other folks sitting in the bar's large porch area. Slow-turning fans overhead and worn wooden tables give a low-key vibe at this African-inspired spot, so don't ruin the ambience by desperately draining the last drop. Just order another! A great follow-up is the Grantini. The blend of orange vodka, Triple Sec and cranberry, splashed with orange juice and a sweep of sour, makes for a Sunkist taste ... with a kick, of course ($7.25).
» Soussi, 2228 18th St. NW; 202-299-9314. (Woodley Park-Zoo)

» MOJITOS AT KARMA:
A cozy coffeehouse by day becomes a low-key patio joint in the evening. This is the first time the patio — which holds about 100 — has been open this early in the year, and already people are taking advantage of it. A quick glance around and you notice everyone is drinking mojitos. "It's truly the best in the world, not just D.C.," says owner Ellie Djavadkhani. "No exceptions. No shortcuts, fresh and they are custom-made every time, every order." The tricky part is deciding which flavor one wants.

In addition to the classic flavor, Karma offers pear, coconut, pineapple, mango, raspberry, peach and pomegranate variations ($8.95). Our advice? Snag a table with pals and pass around glasses.
» Karma, 1919 Pennsylvania Ave. NW (entrance at 19th and I streets); 202-331-5800. (Farragut West)

» OH PEAR AT HELIX LOUNGE:
It isn't too surprising that the cocktail menu at one of Washington's most eclectic hotels is just as funky as the atmosphere. Swish through the Hotel Helix's automatic door curtains and walk down the hallway decorated with Andy Warhol images and you'll find yourself in a sleek and mod looking bar. But it's the outdoor patio, with colored-lights sets strewn overhead and the wooden porch furniture that make you feel like you're at a chill backyard party. High-end cocktails here have quirky names like Sup Peaaaaach (Stoli Peach, peach schnapps, sour and Sprite, $10) but it's the Oh Pear (Grey Goose Pear, pomegranate juice, Triple Sec and fresh lime juice, $11) that you'll order twice. And if you're looking for a third glass to top off the evening, give the Pajama Party (Stoli Raspberry, Sprite and lime juice with a touch of champagne) a try before heading home to bed.
» Helix Lounge, 1430 Rhode Island Ave. NW; 202-234-1454. (Dupont Circle)

» MANGO MARGARITAS AT CABANAS:
It's warm out, so, naturally, everyone's flocking to the Georgetown waterfront. Take a break from the crowded scenes at Tony and Joe's or Nick's and walk around the fountain to Cabanas. Yeah, its patio area doesn't get as much sun, but for the hotter months that's a plus. And unlike its neighbors, you don't have to order food to score a seat. The house hit is clearly the frozen Mango Madness Margarita ($8.25), as nearly everyone on deck is sipping something orange.
» Cabanas, 3050 K St. NW; 202-944-4242.

Photo by Gabriela Bulisova for Express