Summer in the city is fully underway. It’s a time when, yes, the weather is painfully humid. But it’s also when the city comes alive like no other. It’s a time when AC units startlingly drip condensation, rooftop bars, outdoor patios, and secret gardens are always packed, and frozen cocktails soar in popularity. Whether you’re into enjoying pitchers of frozen watermelon margaritas in a tropical outdoor bar while mingling with downtown cool kids or sipping frozen raspberry negronis in a swanky setting, the hotspots and the frozen drinks at The Roxy Hotel and the Soho Grand Hotel will keep you cool all summer long. 

Frozen Raspberry Negroni at Roxy Bar 

Looking to sip your frozen cocktails in an impossibly stylish setting? Then head to Roxy Bar at The Roxy Hotel, a swanky lobby bar with cathedral-high ceilings and old-school jazz club vibes. Every night, hotel guests and in-the-know New Yorkers occupy low-slung leather seating as jazz musicians perform on stage. Try the summertime-friendly “Frozen Raspberry Negroni,” made with gin, raspberry, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Hungry? Pair it with a lobster roll or the hotel’s famed, mouthwatering-inducing “Roxy Burger,” made with a Pat LaFrieda beef brisket blend, New York cheddar, charred radicchio slaw, and a smokey house sauce.

2 6th Ave, New York, NY; T. (212) 519-6661

Frozen Mango Margarita at Soho Diner

There’s nothing like drinking a frozen cocktail after a sweaty summer shopping spree in ever-fashionable Soho. So, pump down West Broadway with your shopping bags in tow and head to Soho Diner, tucked away on the ground floor of the eternally hip Soho Grand Hotel. Outfitted with oversized salmon-colored booths and retro light fixtures, the Instagrammable modern spoon’s menu overflows with every old-school diner staple imaginable, plus larger dinner entrees like shrimp and grits and rigatoni bolognese. But you’re here for the frozen cocktails, and here, it’s all about the “Frozen Mango Margarita,” an icy blend of Blanco tequila, mango, lime, and agave, which will only cost you ten bucks at their summer Happy Hour from 5pm to 7pm.

320 W Broadway; (212) 965-3011

Frozen Watermelon Margarita and Limoncello Piña Colada at Gilligan’s 

IYKYK: Gilligan’s is the place to be all summer. Especially if you’re in the mood to slurp excellent frozen cocktails. Packed with lush palm trees and roomy picnic tables, stepping into this open-air hideaway feels like being transported to a fun-filled beach bar somewhere in the tropics, albeit without ocean views. Then there’s the extensive beach-friendly menu, from gigantic seafood towers and pizzas to chilled bottles of rosé and Gilligan’s newest frozen cocktail, the “Limoncello Piña Colada.” A creamy and cool concoction of Limoncello, white rum, lemon, pineapple, almond, and coconut, this sweet and zesty drink will blow your mind and have you ordering another round. First time here? Then the must-order is Gilligan’s beyond-popular (and much-Instagrammed) “Frozen Watermelon Margarita.” Tequila, uber-fresh watermelon, Triple Sec, and lime combine to make the vibrant flamingo pink head-turner. Feeling adventurous? Order a pitcher. After all, it’s always island time at Gilligan’s. 

310 W Broadway; T. (212) 965-3271

WORDS Alex Catarinella