Sure, you could go for a drink on the rocks or a cold can of Boh, but when temps really start to peak, there’s nothing quite like a frosted glass filled with a boozy slushie. If frozen is your thing, here are a few sips at local bars to help cool off this summer:
Blue Pit BBQ & Whiskey Bar: The swirling slushie machines behind the bar at this Hampden fixture churn out a rotating roster of refreshing cocktails this time of year. (Think: a frozen Paloma and an icy Thai iced tea blended with rum.) Sample one of the frozen drinks on the sunny back patio while digging into a pulled pork plate or the famous Pimento Piggle sandwich.
Bowley’s on the Bay: When it comes to its frozen drinks, this dock bar in Middle River is all about the classics. Take in the views (and try to avoid a brain freeze) while enjoying summer piña coladas, strawberry daiquiris, mudslides, or a nostalgic Orange Dreamsicle.
Cross Street Public House: Lots of additions have been made to this East Cross Street establishment throughout the years (including the monster square pizzas and thoughtful themed trivia nights) but it’s still the OG spot for frozen bevvies—a tradition that’s been upheld since the Stalking Horse days. Beat the heat in Fed Hill with spiked slushies in flavors like Orange Crush, rum runner, and the Kahlua-infused Dirty Banana.
Dutch Courage: In addition to its gin, punch, flight, and non-alcoholic options, the pages-long beverage menu at this Old Goucher favorite has a section dedicated to it’s signature frozen “Frosties.” The creative concoctions include icy odes to a classic saturn and pisco sour.
Ellie’s Tavern: Ever since taking over the former home of Cardinal Tavern, Ellie’s has made a name for itself in the Canton community for its comforting dishes, rotating drink specials, and specialty cocktails. Among them are house frozen Palomas and espresso martinis.
Game On Bar + Arcade: Spins on childhood faves are plentiful at this retro hangout in Federal Hill, which offers old-school games like Duck Hunt, Galaga, and NBA Jam. Aside from the Jello shots and 21-and-over Capri Sun pouches, Game On features spiked slushies with fitting names: “Level One” and “Level Two.” The former fuses Deep Eddy’s orange vodka with St. Germain, pineapple, and Red Bull, while the latter combines vodka, rum, orange juice, and blue curaçao.
Papi’s Tacos: All three locations of this taco joint in Fells Point, Hampden, and Towson offer their margaritas on the rocks or frozen. Chow down on chips and salsa while sipping one of the tequila and house sour-infused margs in flavors such as mango, guava, watermelon, and pineapple chile. You can also kick it up a notch with an added Grand Marnier or mezcal floater.
The Royal Blue: This Station North hangout celebrates summer in style. Not only does the team offer its housemade “Frizzy Frosé,” but they also swirl the frosé with a frozen piña colada to whip up their aptly named “Frozadas.” Grab one to beat the heat, and be sure to line your stomach with a smashburger while you’re at it.
Sagamore Pendry Pool Bar: A weekday pool pass to Fells Point’s luxe hotel on the waterfront is the ultimate summer staycation. Treat yourself by lounging at the open-air oasis while sipping a frozen Crush with Sagamore Spirit rye, agave, lemon, and blood orange. You can also opt for the house frosé (rosé with Absolut lime vodka and strawberry puree) or a boozy Baltimore snowball, in flavors like lemon, strawberry, watermelon, or classic egg custard.
Sally O’s: The colorful cocktails fit in perfectly at this buzzy Highlandtown haunt, which is decorated with vibrant wallpaper and tons of interior greenery. As temperatures continue to peak, go for the strawberry basil margarita with basil-infused tequila, strawberry syrup, dry curaçao, and lime. There are also frozen bevvies that rotate based on the season.
Snake Hill: The Highlandtown hangout has been known to offer a rotating selection of frosé, frozen strawberry mojitos, frozen espresso martinis, frozen grasshoppers, and a lineup of other refreshing daily delights.
Wet City: The famous slushies at this go-to watering hole in Mt. Vernon have come in dozens of different flavors throughout the years. (Everything from an icy watermelon pisco sour to a blended pineapple mezcalita.) This summer, patrons have already enjoyed chilled spins on a Mai Tai and a nostalgic Orange Julius.
Fact-checking by Caset Bacot