The Best Summer Cocktails in Dallas

When it’s this hot, a cold beer simply won’t do. We crave something more refreshing—something frozen or fruity, perhaps. So we set out to find our fair city’s best summer libations.

Between your nominations and our editors’ picks, we had our research cut out for us. Despite countless brain freezes and about a dozen hangovers, we were able to sip and slurp our way to finding the best summer cocktails in Dallas.

The Splendita at Jorge’s Tex Mex. If you have a weakness for margaritas, like us, then perhaps you should consider the Splendita. It tastes just like a regular margarita, but it has only half the calories (approx. 150). So you’re free to sip without the guilt. Try one on Margarita Mondays for only $5. Regular price is $8.

The Mambo Taxi at Mi Cocina. Words cannot even begin to express our love for the Mambo Taxi. The delicious frozen margarita with a succulent swirl of sangria and Chambord makes us weak in the knees with every sip. $8.

The Mojito at La Cubanita. We’ve never met a mojito we didn’t like, but we found our favorite at La Cubanita. The refreshing Cuban cocktail is made with fresh juices, lime, white rum, muddled mint, and cane sugar. But the best part is the price. During happy hour (daily, 4–7 pm; Sun–Thu, 9 pm–close; Fri–Sat, 9:30 pm–close), they’re only $3. Everything tastes better when it’s cheaper.

The Maximo Heat at Maximo. The new restaurant in Far North Dallas is heating things up with their traditional Mexican entrées and unique cocktails. We fell in love with the Maximo Heat, a margarita made with fresh puréed jalapenos for a spicy kick. $12. Cocktails are only $4.25 during happy hour: Mon-Fri, 4-7 pm.

The Bloody Mary at Bolsa. It was hard pick a favorite at Bolsa, because they’re all so delicious. But the Bloody Mary won over our taste buds—and helped cure a recent Sunday-morning hangover. $8. Only $6 on Sundays.

The Jewel at PM. If you want to feel fancy, sip on PM’s The Jewel. The Champagne cocktail is mixed with calvados, agave nectar, pear purée, and garnished with Rock Candy. $15.

Sparkling Sangria at Sangria Tapas y Bar. Okay, you know it’s gotta be good to live up to the restaurant’s name. Sangria also serves the red and white varieties, but the sparkling stole our hearts. Maybe it’s the bubbles. $5.95 per glass or $21.95 per pitcher. Pitchers are half-price on Monday nights; glasses are only $3 during happy hour and reverse happy hour (Mon–Fri, 4–7 pm; Mon–Sat, 9:30–11 pm).

Frozen Bellini at Patrizio. There’s something about the sweet nectar of Patrizio’s frozen Bellini that makes us giddy. We could sit on the tree-covered patio in Highland Park Village and sip the ice-cold peach concoction all day long. $6 for regular size; $1 for Baby Bellinis through July (regular price: $4).

The Perfect Summer at Central 214. The long and lovely cocktail list at this swanky hotel lounge makes decision-making difficult. But one sip of this refreshing drink and your summer will be just that: perfect. The smooth, frosty libation is made with pear vodka, Citroen, fresh cucumber, fresh squeezed lemon juice, grapefruit juice, and served tall. $12.

Banana Margarita at Agave’s Tex Mex Grill. Sounds strange, but it tastes amazing (assuming you’re into the whole banana thing). The unlikely pairing—puréed banana and house margarita—is a tropical treat your taste buds. $8.

The Sazerac at Victor Tango’s. If a fruity, frozen cocktail isn’t your cup of tea alcohol, then try Victor’s Tango’s Sazerac, made with cognac or rye whiskey, Peychaud and Angostura Bitters, and the house simple syrup. $8. Cocktails are $2 off during happy hour (all day Mon and Tue–Fri, 5–7 pm).