Longer days, warmer weather and a relaxed island vibe are all part of a Galveston summer. And there’s just something about the summer season that makes a unique cocktail feel right.

Maybe you’re looking for an air-conditioned respite from the sweltering summer heat with a front-row seat to the Gulf of Mexico. Perhaps you’re a sidewalk sipper who prefers people watching in a shady spot under a patio umbrella. Maybe live music is your jam.

If you prefer to put your toes in the sand with a cocktail in hand, request your drink to go—many of this month’s featured drinks are available for take-out.

Whichever setting suits your fancy, Galveston Monthly has compiled a list of summer drinks that will put you in a sunny mood. Island bars offer a variety of refreshers from sparkling sangrias and frozen fruit conconctions to drinks that double as light bites.

Many have happy hour prices and menus so be sure to ask your servers for specials. And, if you’re going to imbibe, please call a ride. 

CARIBBEAN DREAM AND STRAWBERRY SANGRIA BLVD
Seafood - 2804 Avenue R 1/2
The Caribbean Dream is created by adding peach vodka and schnapps to a mango puree and whizzed in the Vitamix to form a smooth and silky frozen concoction. A strawberry puree is drizzled around a chilled martini glass and then dropped atop the finished cocktail with a signature design.

The Strawberry Sangria is created by muddling fresh strawberries and mint together with peach schnapps and simple syrup. It is chilled in a shaker before pouring into a goblet and topped with La Marca Prosecco and a squirt of fresh lemon. The finished cocktail is garnished with a fresh strawberry and a sprig of mint.

PHILLY FISHHOUSE PUNCH
Daiquiri Time Out - 2701 Market Street
Watching the bartenders create craft cocktails at DTO is part of the entertainment. Owner Brad Stringer says that’s why there are no televisions at his bar. “We’re about cocktails and conversation,” he said.

To make the Philly Fishhouse Punch he uses Pierre Ferrand 1840 Cognac, Plantation 3 Stars Rum, and Rothman and Winter Peach Liquor. The cocktail is then garnished with powdered sugar.

TEXAS LAVENDER MARGARITA
Hubcap Grill - 2021 Strand Street
Owner Teffeny Caruso originally mixed this purple prize as a batch cocktail but it became so popular, it’s now available on tap. The Texas Lavender Margarita is made by mixing Una Vida Reposado Tequila with the French liquor creme de violet which gives this libation its purple color.

Fresh lemon and lime, triple sec, and simple syrup is added, and the finished cocktail is garnished with sprigs of rosemary and lavender and black Himalayan salt.

THE CATARITA
Mr. Taco - 4112 Seawall Blvd.
This 48-ounce margarita is spiked with a Jarritos hard soda, garnished with a tamarindo stick, and served in a glass rimmed with Chamoy and Tajin.

Smoke bubbles are dropped atop the cocktail where they burst for dramatic effect. Little jewels called popping pearls explode with fruit juice for a sweet finish.

THE FROZEN FLIGHT
Texas Tail Distillery - 2416 Postoffice
If you’re looking for something frozen and refreshing in the hot Texas heat but not sure which flavor will suit you, try the frozen flight. The flight consists of five, three-ounce frozen cocktails of assorted liquors and flavors.

The Pink Drink is made with original Texas Tail vodka and house-made lemonade. The Shinerita is made from Texas Tail 100 proof moonshine, lime, and triple sec. The Islander is made with vodka and fruit punch. The final two in the flight are the Strawberry and Blueberry Shineritas (the five cocktails are pictured from left to right).

THE MICHELADA
Vintage Crown Michelada Bar & Taqueria - 215 23rd Street
Owner Elvira Subia won’t divulge her secret family recipe for Michelada mix but she tells us it is made fresh, in-house every day. Customers choose between vodka or beer, or Topo Chico for a virgin cocktail.

All versions have the same great toppings: cucumber, Takis corn chips, fresh Gulf shrimp and an extra-large serving of beef jerky. Lastly, lime juice, hot sauce, and Tajin are added to the toppings.

HURRICANE AND BAHAMA MAMA
Yaga’s Cafe - 2314 Strand Street
The Hurricane is a popular summer drink made with Bacardi white rum, orange and pineapple juices and grenadine. It is shaken and then topped with Bacardi 151, and garnished with fresh pineapple, orange, and a maraschino cherry. Bahama Mama is a coconutty concoction made with Bacardi white rum, orange and pineapple juices, and cream of coco. It is topped with Meyers dark rum and garnished with fresh fruit.