Summer is finally here. After a long, grueling winter that brought snow, snow and more snow, it’s time to bust out the flip-flops and slather on the sunscreen. And on a hot, sunny summer day, nothing beats a cool, refreshing beverage. With everything from fabulous fruit smoothies to marvelous margaritas, raise your glass and quench your thirst with one of these summer sippers. Cheers!
Rudytini
There are a myriad of ways to spend a hot summer evening in White Bear Lake, but one of our favorites has to be sitting on the rooftop at Rudy’s Redeye Grill with one of their specialty cocktails in hand. For the summertime months, we love the Rudytini ($16; $11 on Tuesdays). This spin on the classic martini starts out with Stoli Razberi vodka, which is then combined with the fruity flavors of fresh pineapple juice, lime juice and a splash of cranberry juice. Topped off with a dash of champagne, this is one drink that might just be too beautiful to drink. So grab a spot by the outdoor fireplace or belly up to the bar and enjoy your summer in style. 4940 Highway 61, White Bear Lake; 651.653.6718.
Station Shandy
Don’t stop by Manitou Station this summer without ordering a station shandy, which has made quite a name for itself as the most refreshing summer drink at this favorite White Bear Lake establishment ($6). The famous libation, served in a special 20-ounce glass, starts out with Harp Lager straight from Ireland, is mixed with lemonade and Sierra Mist, and garnished with a fresh lemon wedge. “The station shandy is perfect for those who want a lighter drink and prefer beer,” says owner and general manager Jake McKeague. And make sure to check out the beer-garden theme on Manitou Station’s patio this summer—a great casual atmosphere to sit and enjoy those hot Minnesota summer days. 2171 Fourth St., White Bear Lake; 651.426.2300.
Mojito
In addition to its mouth-watering menu featuring dishes like spicy chicken lettuce wraps and lemon caper chicken penne, this cozy bistro has an impressive cocktail menu to boot. While you’re dreaming your summer days away on the Ingredients Café patio, we suggest sipping one of their fabulous mojitos. The classic mojito combines rum, fragrant mint leaves, tangy lime juice and a splash of soda ($8). If you’re looking for something a little fruity, try the pomegranate mojito, with pomegranate juice in place of lime ($8.50). And that’s not all: If you stop by on Tuesdays, you can grab a classic mojito for just $5 beginning at 5 p.m. 4725 Highway 61, White Bear Lake; 651.426.6611.
Fruit Smoothie
Nothing says summer more than basking on the patio of the Coffee Cottage, soaking up the sunshine with a cool beverage in hand. “Summer at the Cottage is so exciting,” says owner Janel Donegan. “With the farmers market going every Saturday morning, [people] can sit out on our patio and enjoy several great items.” Donegan recommends the fruit smoothies, great for kids and adults alike. Made with fruit concentrate and low-fat vanilla yogurt, this is the perfect remedy for a hot day ($4–$4.50). Choose from flavors including strawberry, wild berry, raspberry, blue raspberry, piña colada, kiwi, banana, tangerine, and the house favorite, strawberry banana. 88 Mahtomedi Ave., Mahtomedi; 651.407.0942.
Chocolate Malt
Enjoyed by both children and adults, Olive Joe’s mouth-watering malts and shakes are a must-try this summer. Choose from flavors like chocolate, vanilla, red raspberry, black cherry, coffee and strawberry ($3.25-$5.50). “We import our syrup for the malts, shakes, egg creams and old-fashioned fountain sodas from the U-bet Syrup Company,” owner Joe Bostany says. “[Fox’s U-bet chocolate flavor syrup] was the original syrup used for egg creams and fountain sodas when every candy shop and drug store had a fountain counter.” 106 Wildwood Road, Willernie; 651.426.3668.
Piña Colada Margarita
Don Julio Authentic Mexican Restaurante
If you can’t make it to the beaches of Mexico anytime soon, the next best thing has got to be sipping on a tasty margarita from Don Julio Authentic Mexican Restaurante. With a long list of fruit-flavored margaritas on, it’s hard to choose, but we love the piña colada margarita for a true beach-like experience (medium $6 and jumbo $8). Other flavors include peach, strawberry, raspberry, mango, lime and banana—all available blended or on the rocks. Make sure to stop by during happy hour any day of the week from 2 to 5 p.m., when jumbo margaritas are just $5.95. 4660 Highway 61, White Bear Lake; 651.407.2888.
Homemade Root Beer
A neighborhood favorite, 4 Seasons is known for its fabulous homemade root beer. The root beer float is oh-so-delicious, with scoops of vanilla ice cream floating in a tall glass of the famous local brew ($4.19). You can also order it by the glass ($2.45) along with your meal while you enjoy the outdoor patio—the perfect spot to spend a hot afternoon. And if one glass isn’t enough, order a half-gallon ($3.35) or gallon ($6.49) of this magical concoction to take home for later. 114 Mahtomedi Ave., Mahtomedi; 651.429.2201.
