It’s officially summer and it looks like the warm weather is here to stay. What better way to cool down than with a tasty and unique summer drink?

Fort Collins is full of crafty bartenders and drink connoisseurs making delicious drinks that go down easy on a hot summer day. So we rounded up some of our most anticipated chilly beverages in the area—from booze-filled cocktails and refreshing beers to kombucha and mocktail creations. No matter what you’re interested in drinking this season, there’s something for you on this list. Cheers!

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Alcoholic | Non-Alcoholic

Alcoholic

The Colorado Herb — Elliot’s Martini Bar

Elliot’s Martini Bar has mastered the light summer drink in the creation of The Colorado Herb, which is one of their most popular cocktails during the warmer months. The refreshing beverage is a perfect mixture of Spring 44 Gin, Lillet, fresh lemon, rosemary and thyme simple syrup. We choose to sip this one on the patio for maximum summer vibes.

 

Irish Iced Coffee — Lucky Joe’s Sidewalk Saloon


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It’s no secret that iced coffee is a year-round favorite for many. But it’s practically essential during the summer, providing a nice hit of caffeine along with a good amount of ice to help cool you down. Lucky Joe’s Sidewalk Saloon has put a boozy twist on their iced coffee—offering an Irish Iced Coffee complete with Jameson Irish Whiskey, brown sugar, coffee and sweet cream all served over ice. After you’ve tried that one, we recommend coming back throughout the season to try their other unique cold drinks, including their Irish Old Fashioned, Dublin Mule and White Russian.

 

Aperol Spritz — Ace Gillett’s Lounge

Ace Gillett’s Aperol Spritz is a classic local cocktail, which can be enjoyed in any season. But there’s just something about the mixture of Aperol, sparkling wine and seltzer that makes it perfect to sip on during a warm summer evening—especially when it’s accompanied by live music.

 

Chocolate Chip Stout — Snowbank Brewery

Summer Drinks Fort Collins
Photo Courtesy of Snowbank Brewery
Snowbank has always focused on innovation and the Colorado lifestyle. That’s why when they came out with a chocolate chip cookie flavored beer—perfect for summer sipping—no one was really surprised. This American Stout is infused with chocolate chip cookies and fresh Ghana cacao nibs from Nuance Chocolate, giving it a sweet, smooth taste unlike any other beer you’ll try this season. 

 

Sereni-Tea — Gilded Goat Brewing Company

We don’t know about you, but when it comes to finding the perfect summer beer, we’re looking for something light and refreshing. And in the NoCo area, the first one that comes to mind is Gilded Goat’s new Sereni-Tea, a Jasmine Tea Sour with a sprinkle of lemon peel that offers a tart backbone, a soft citrus punch and a nice floral dryness. Stop by and grab a pint or two! They are now open for patio drinking.

 

Frozé — Union Bar & Soda Fountain

 
 While rosé has always been a fan favorite, we’ve particularly enjoyed different variations of the drink (think: rosé popsicles, slushies and more), and Union Bar & Soda Fountain’s is the best we’ve found in town. Their bartenders mix up a magic blend of strawberry, peach, lemon and rosé and then freeze it into a heavenly slushie cocktail that is perfect for summer sipping.

 

Non-Alcoholic

Basil Berry Booch — Turtle Mountain Kombucha

NoCo loves some good booch, which means we had to include at least one summer-inspired kombucha on this list. So the next time you’re getting ready to pick up some of this gut-friendly bubbly, choose Turtle Mountain’s Basil Berry flavor! This light and bright brew features a blend of strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and basil to create a refreshing blend packed full of vitamins, nutrients and probiotics.

 

Pop-Tart Milkshake — Stuft Burger Bar


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There’s no better place in town for a milkshake than Stuft Burger Bar. They offer several different flavors of their sky-high shakes—including the option to build your own—like Strawberry Shortcake, Chocolate Chip Cookie and Red Velvet. But if you’re going to treat yourself, we recommend ordering their Pop-Tart Shake, a mixture of vanilla ice cream, a strawberry Pop-Tart and plenty of sprinkles. You can even add some booze if you’re feeling a little adventurous.

 

Iced Brewing Chocolate — Nuance Chocolate

In the winter, there’s nothing better than a mug full of hot drinking chocolate from Nuance Chocolate in Old Town. But in the heat of the summer, hot chocolate sounds a little less refreshing. Luckily, they also offer a smooth and creamy iced version to help keep you nice and cool during these warmer months!

 

E-Z Peazy — Happy Lucky’s Teahouse

Summer Drinks Fort Collins

Photo courtesy of Happy Lucky’s Teahouse

Looking for something easy to drink, ice-cold and completely natural to enjoy this season? Head to Happy Lucky’s Teahouse and order their brand new E-Z Peazy blend, iced. This scrumptious creation is a light, lemony oolong mixture that goes down smooth—perfect for patio sipping, early-morning guzzling, and easy drinking while you peruse the stacks at Firehouse Books next door.

 

Summer Breeze Mocktail — Social

Contrary to popular belief, a summer drink doesn’t have to be alcoholic to be refreshing! Case in point: Social’s Summer Breeze Mocktail, a mixture of raspberry-rhubarb syrup, fresh lemon and cream soda that anyone can enjoy. You can get this one at the bar or add it to your carryout order.

 

What will you sip on this summer?

Do you have a favorite local summer drink? Let us know in the comments!