How does that Louis Armstrong song go again? "Summertime and the livin' is easy…" In New Orleans, when that summer breeze hits and the sun is feeling a little spicy, there's nothing quite like sippin' on a refreshing summer cocktail and soaking in the charms of our historic little-big city.

You can always treat yourself to a Hansen's Sno-Bliz, or perhaps indulge in a charming mocktail for that cool rush, but the options are endless. Sometimes, in the height of a summer day in the Crescent City, you just need a splash of something-something to give you that extra kick of the forever vacation state of mind!

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Photo by Randy Schmidt, Courtesy of Willa Jean)

Frosé

All your favorite things about drinking Rosé, but frozen? I mean, if you didn’t already know, consider us shocked! But, a cold glass of Frosé will bring out the rose-colored sunglasses and pairs well when out at a festival or wandering the streets of the city. Over at Willa Jean in the Arts/Warehouse District, you can take in the galleries along Julia Street with a pink cup overflowing with joy. Skip on over to the French Quarter and pick up a Frosé at American Townhouse before you take in the dining, shopping, and historic buildings. Or at sunset, why not scoop another one up at Wrong Iron? I mean, you know what they say: Frosé-All-Day, and what better way to take in the sunset along Bayou Saint John?

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Paul Broussard, NOTMC

Mint Julep

In the summertime, all one needs are four simple things: Kentucky Whiskey, simple syrup, mint leaves, and crushed ice. It’s Mint Julep’s prime season, y’all! Whiskey making you feel lucky? Bet big with a Mint Julep at the Fairgrounds Race Course & Slots in the Mid-City neighborhood. Prefer the chance to ride a horse yourself? Well, you can do so with a Julep in hand! Spin around on the iconic Carousel Bar itself in the famous Hotel Monteleone; we mean, after all, you did just win, right? Along the shops of Freret St., we can find you a cure for the heat at Cure. A cozy space with Mint Juleps served up alongside many other delectable sips and bites—don’t sleep on the bites!

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Andy Kutcher, New Orleans & Co.

Frozen Daiquiri

Listen, we did not invent the trend of taking something that's already delicious and making it even better by freezing it. But we're so glad there are people out in the world who do! I mean, hello, a frozen daiquiri makes shaved ice feel like training wheels. In the French Quarter at Manolito’s, you can find one of these sweet treats awaiting you before a stroll down to the French Market for some souvenir shopping. You could also visit the oldest bar in America by grabbing a Voodoo Daiquiri, better known as a purple drink, at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop—it's a local favorite. Deep uptown near Oak St., you can spend the late afternoon shopping, eating, and enjoying fresh fruit frozen daiquiris at Bourrée.

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Zack Smith

Pimm’s Cup

This British cocktail made its way to New Orleans in the 1800s and instantly became a core component of the menu at Napoleon House in the French Quarter. To this day, any local will tell a visitor that this venue makes the best Pimm’s Cup in the city (although there’s certainly worthy competition). The recipe includes Pimm’s #1, lemonade, 7-Up, cucumber garnish, and of course, lots of ice for a chill. Sip this cocktail on a summer evening before dinner at Napoleon House. But, if you are here to compare notes, head Uptown where you can also visit the Columns Hotel Bar on oak tree-lined St. Charles Avenue for their rendition of this classic, or even The Elysian Bar in the Marigny surrounded by colorful Creole cottages, inside a converted church for a boutique hotel experience.

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Paul Broussard, NOTMC

Frozen Irish Coffee

Again, bless the frozen drink trend angels, because this list would be lost without such divine things during the southern summer weather. Two French Quarter haunts are worth stopping by on a summer morning (or afternoon, or whenever) for their frozen Irish coffees. Molly’s at the Market and Erin Rose both serve this cocktail that’s more like a boozy dessert than a drink. We’d advise taking one to-go and grabbing a beignet for breakfast to start your summer day in New Orleans off on the sweetest note.

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Paul Broussard

Paloma

A Paloma at its root is something simple in nature, but there is something so refreshing about the tequila, grapefruit, and lime-citrus notes. Uptown at Hot Tin atop the Pontchartrain Hotel, take in that refreshing Crescent City view. The Second Line Spritz is made with tequila, pamplemousse, bonal, lemon, and sparkling wine. For a traditional Paloma, visit Barracuda or Val’s, both offering the best pairing with tequila: tacos! Or opt for the ultimate summer refreshment–sipping one poolside at The Country Club.

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Justen Williams

Margarita

Our favorite thing about Margaritas is not that they come frozen (shocking, we know), but we love them on the rocks too. What can we say? Other than, when it comes to a good one in this city, you might just have a harder time finding a bad one. Just saying. In the heart of the French Quarter, you can find delicious options at Palm & Pine and El Gato Negro. But all around the city, you will find this treat like the seasonal ones at Johnny Sanchez, or the bohemian style at Espiritu.

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Zack Smith

French 75

Enjoy the classic, refreshing French 75 cocktail from Arnaud's on a hot summer day. Crafted with Courvoisier VS, sugar, lemon juice and Moët & Chandon, the cocktail is a staple of the award-winning Arnaud's bar of the same name. And while they may have a leg up on how long they have been serving this classic, Jewel of The South’s rendition of the French 75 tucked away in a Creole cottage will make your heart sing too!

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Justen Williams

Mojito

This classic Cuban highball is the perfect combination of citrus tang and minty sweetness, bringing a bit of that island flavor to the Caribbean’s northernmost city. Magazine Street is the prime location for a great mojito. Take a break from browsing the local boutique scene with drinks and tapas at Baru or bring one of St. Joe’s famous blueberry mojitos along with you as you walk. Or you can pair your classic New Orleans oyster bar experience with a frozen pomegranate mojito at Superior Seafood, or cap off a day of exploring the Arts/Warehouse District with Colombian fare and classic (or fruit-infused) mojitos at Maïs Arepas

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Colton Clifford, New Orleans & Co.

Aperol Spritz

There’s perhaps no cocktail more refreshing than an Aperol spritz. The aperitif is a great choice for keeping it light and breezy. DIY your own custom spritz at Sofía: a base (lemon, lime, orange, or grapefruit) and a flavor (mint, rosemary, basil). You can also enjoy Aperol spritzes at Effervescence, a bubbles and bites lounge in the French Quarter, it is near Armstrong Park where once the summer night blossoms you can take an Instagrammable shot of the illuminated park sign!

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Andy Kutcher, New Orleans & Co.

Martini

A martini may not be the first drink that comes to mind when contemplating refreshing summer cocktails, but the hibiscus martini at Monday Restaurant + Bar is an exception. Made simply with gin, lemon juice, and hibiscus, you’ll taste light notes of the roselle flower. Sake Café offers a range of “tinis,” including a Peachtini, Mangotini, Lycheetini, and the classic French Martini. However, you could head on over to the Chandelier Bar in the Four Seasons New Orleans or take in the Saint Louis Cathedral views in Jackson Square at Fives Bar, where you can pair them with fresh seafood treats to bring back that refreshing vibe.

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Andy Kutcher, New Orleans & Co.

Negroni

Another apéritif for your senses! The Negroni is made of equal parts gin, vermouth rosso, and Campari with a citrus garnish. At Pigeon & Whale Uptown, you can taste the rainbow of Negronis with a curious menu of different flavors to explore. Just a few steps away from the Pontalba building shopping in Jackson Square is Sylvain. Whether you're wanting a courtyard sip or an intimate indoor visit to the bar, their Negroni will make your senses burst too!

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Rebecca Todd

Brews

Listen, y’all. It’s the south. We would be lying if we said that we weren’t going to have a beer while enjoying the bright sun and big blue skies. Why not do so at Urban South where you can have sips in their taproom? Family-friendly and open seven days a week, with delicious summery bites all around. For more fun and shows to add to the roundup, Zony Mash Beer Project has an array of delicious beer treats straight to you from the mind of a food scientist—no, really. Second Line Brewing is also a prime location to stock up the cooler before a day taking in the attractions at New Orleans City Park. However, there is a lot of great beer in the city, check that out here.

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Kat Kimball Photography, Image Courtesy of Tiki Tock

Tiki

Um, hello! Tropical flavors, rum, cool cups? Say less! We could not get away with a list like this without naming names when it comes to delicious Tiki drinks in the city. Over on Frenchmen Street, take in the sounds of live music after savoring the delicious creations at Tiki Tock attached to the Frenchmen Hotel. For a classic beachy vibe, visit Beachbum Berry’s Latitude 29 for a dedicated beach getaway vibe with the Mississippi right across the street. Serving up a menu of rum-based delights, you can also have dinner and tiki all at once over at Cane & Table. Circling back, though, a little bit, The French 75 Bar deserves another shout-out for their seasonally rotated take on the classic tiki, and their presentation on this alone might leave a tear in your eye.

And with all that information, you should be good and “refreshed.” Don’t forget, though, beating the heat doesn’t mean forgetting about hydration or sunscreen. Summertime in New Orleans is as beautiful a time as any to enjoy the culture, but please remember to partake in some light responsibility, vacation or not!