We all love summer. But the Northern Virginia heat is already proving to be a challenge. To keep cool, we recommend one of these delicious frozen cocktails.
Big Buns’ Dragon Fruit Adult Slushie
Made with Hornitos Plata tequila, dragon fruit syrup, and lemon juice, this picturesque beverage has a bold magenta color from the dragon fruit and just the right touch of sweetness. If dragon fruit isn’t your thing don’t worry — the venue is also featuring a frozen vodka lemonade and plenty of boozy milkshakes this summer. Multiple locations.
Colada Shop’s Piña Colada
Few things say summer quite like a piña colada. And the Colada Shop makes one that is worth the brain freeze. White rum, pineapple, coconut cream, and coconut milk come together in a creamy tropical cloud that feels and tastes like a beachside vacation in a cup. 2811 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington; 244 19th Court, Suite 35, Arlington; 2920 District Ave., Fairfax
Folklore’s Frozen Gin & Tonic
The frozen gin and tonic at this Charleston-inspired rooftop bar is simple, classic, and refreshing to boot. In other words, its everything you need this summer in a beverage. 314 William St., Fredericksburg
Hi-Tide Lounge’s Kohala Lava
The Kohala Lava Frozen is a summer delight, available at Vola Dockside Grill’s summer tiki pop-up, Hi-Tide Lounge. The drink combines Cruzan single-barrel and light rums blended with cool honeydew, fragrant basil, and a touch of cinnamon and white pepper. Each sip lands sweet, then herbal, then just a little spicy. Come enjoy it while it’s hot (outside). 101 N. Union St., Alexandria
Palette 22’s Orange Crush
The orange crush is beach-bar royalty, and Shirlington’s art-filled Palette 22 gives the summer staple a frozen makeover. Pinnacle orange vodka and triple sec get whirled together with organic orange juice until the whole thing turns to citrusy frost. Think of it as a grown-up creamsicle. 4053 Campbell Ave., Arlington
Royal’s Frozen Espresso Martini
The ever-popular espresso martini takes a cold plunge at the Royal. New Amsterdam vodka, Kahlúa, cold brew coffee, and a touch of simple syrup are turned into a caffeinated slush that pulls triple duty as refreshing cocktail, dessert, and second wind — all in one frozen glass. 730 N. St. Asaph St., Alexandria
Tacombi’s Frozen Margarita
Sometimes you don’t want to overthink it — you just want a frozen margarita and a plate of tacos. Tacombi delivers just this: a classic frozen margarita, tart and tequila-forward and blended to an ice-cold slush. Order one (or spring for a pitcher) order away from their extensive taco menu. 1550 Crystal Dr., Arlington
Taqueria Xochi’s Piña Chamoyada
Feeling adventurous? Try the frozen cocktail piña chamoyada — a pineapple smoothie with a chamoy tamarind candy straw, topped with fresh diced pineapple and chamoy candy. Guests can enjoy this frozen treat alcohol free or opt for a liquor float of their choice like rum or tequila. 1450 S Eads St., Suite 32, Arlington
Vola’s Dockside Grill’s Strawberry Daiquiri
Is there a better perch for a frozen drink than the largest riverside patio in Old Town? Vola’s Dockside Grill offers several frozen drinks to choose from, but the strawberry daiquiri never disappoints. Don Q Cristal rum, house strawberry syrup, and fresh lime juice are combined into a ruby-red swirl that tastes like summer. 101 N. Union St., Alexandria
Feature image of frozen gin & tonic courtesy Folklore
