Summer in the South Sound has us thirsty for drinks fit for a hot day. Escape the ordinary by visiting one of the many local establishments who offer anything but common drinks.

en Rama

If you’ve been looking for a seriously special summer cocktail, pay a visit to en Rama in downtown Tacoma. Find yourself a seat on their patio or inside their bar located in Tacoma’s historic old post office at Courthouse Square. Enjoy a variety of dynamic seasonal cocktails ranging from punches to pineapple daiquiris. This deliciously unique cocktail lounge has a focus on using sherry in their drinks, but ultimately has something for everyone. Try their seasonal Market Cocktail, which rotates weekly, using fresh ingredients picked up from the Tacoma Farmers Market. Savor different flavors that range from fresh local fruits and berries, to jams and jellies.

Tacoma Cabana
Tacoma Cabana is well known for their award winning rum drinks. Photo credit: Gabriella Kinner

Tacoma Cabana

Transport yourself from Tacoma to Tahiti with one of Tacoma Cabana’s award winning rum drinks. This tiki bar is sure to satisfy your thirst and trick your mind into thinking that you’re on island time. Tacoma Cabana’s menu includes everything from swizzles and grogs, to mai tais and more. Each drink is unique and beautifully prepared, embellished with exotic flowers, extraordinary tiki flare, and even a little fire. Sip on their Boo Loo, made from pineapple, honey and various rums, served up in a pineapple goblet for you to take home.

Frisko Freeze

Not all refreshing summer drinks need to be alcoholic. Sweeten up your summer by visiting an oldie but goodie at Tacoma’s iconic Frisko Freeze. The historic burger joint opened in 1950 and has been serving up diner favorites for nearly 70 years. Beat the heat with one of Frikso’s frothy milkshakes. Indulge in the classics like chocolate, vanilla and strawberry, or take your shake to the next level with flavors ranging from blackberry to wild cherry, and butterscotch to root beer.

An icy glass of North End Social Club’s Frozé. Photo credit: Gabriella Kinner

North End Social Club

Did somebody say boozy slushees? Cool off at North End Social Club and indulge in their rotating slushee blends. Summer is the season to enjoy a nice rosé, so what could be better than a little frozé on a hot summer day? Frozé is simply frozen rosé wine, blended into a refreshing icy drink. North End Social Club also serves up a frozen lemon basil cider slushee guaranteed to get you through the dog days of summer. Stay tuned on their Facebook page in order to catch different varieties and flavors of boozy slushees they have in house.

Corina Bakery

For your new summer go-to, head to Corina Bakery for a dreamy affogato. An affogato is simply espresso poured over vanilla ice cream. Need we say more? The word affogato itself means “drowned,” which is exactly what they do to their ice cream as they brew a bold espresso over top. Corina Bakery offers both vegan and regular vanilla ice cream options. Whether you need an afternoon pick me up or a dessert with a little kick of caffeine, this Italian classic will leave you buzzing with contentment.

Raspado
Raspados La Pasadita’s dreamy coconut raspado topped. Photo courtesy: Raspados La Pasadita

Raspados La Pasadita

Have the urge to indulge a little? Raspados La Pasadita on Pacific Avenue in Tacoma is not only affordable, but is sure to leave you refreshed. A raspado is the Mexican version of a snow cone and is certain to exceed all of your shaved ice expectations. This café features nearly 20 different types of raspados, with something special for every type of palette. Raspados La Pasadita is known to have a line out the door with thirsty patrons on a hot summer day.  With an endless variety of exotic fruit flavors, choose from mango, guava, pineapple, coconut, lime, lemon, plum and peach. Kick it up a notch by ordering one of their extravagant raspados topped with fruit, adorned with popsicles, and topped with everything from candies to spices. Each drink is as delicious as it is refreshing. You won’t want to miss out on their coconut raspado. Enjoy coconut ice cream blended with condensed milk, topped with fresh strawberries, granola, whipped cream and a coconut popsicle. Stop by and try these unique, must-have summer drinks for yourself.

Step outside your comfort zone this summer and beat the heat with one of the South Sound’s many spots to enjoy a unique drink, perfect for cooling down.