Summertime in Dallas is a scorcher, and sometimes there's no better way to escape the heat than by sipping on an ice cold cocktail. We set out to find some of the best summertime drinks in Dallas and asked bartenders from around town to create some of their favorite seasonal libations. Here is what they came up with. Feel free to share your favorite summer drink in the comment section, and check out the full slideshow here.
See also: 24 Hours of Drinking in Dallas
Chilled Melon Balls (per glass): 1 1/2 ounces vodka 1/2 ounce watermelon 1/2 ounce honeydew 1/2 oz cantaloupe
Made in a batch, so that the melon balls can soak up the liquor
"It's one of those cocktails/appetizers that gets people talking and kind of brings everybody together." -- Kyle Hilla, Bolsa
Indecent Proposal: 1 1/2 ounces Ford's gin 1/2 ounce Aperol Dash of Orchard Apricot 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice Three dashes of bitters
"I like this drink because it's light and refreshing. ... It turns people on to gin. It's a threshold beverage." -- Scott Melton, The Standard Pour
Ti Punch: 2 ounces Rhum JM Blanc Two bar spoons of JM Sirop Three lime coins Stir with ice and serve
"This is what I drink at the house." -- Michael Martense, Smyth
Ten Gallon: 1 1/2 ounces Genever Muddled Texas peaches 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice 3/4 ounce simple syrup 3/4 ounce apricot liqueur Served with a strawberry, peach and mint garnish
"I wanted to showcase Texas' bounty. We were holding up [on this drink] until the peaches were ripe." -- Emily Perkins, Victor Tangos
The Louise: 1 ounce vodka 2 ounces orange juice 2 ounces strawberry puree Dash of ginger juice and mint syrup Topped off with sparking wine "This is Louise's favorite. That's why she named it that." -- Charlie Papaceno, Windmill Lounge
Gin Garden: 1 1/2 ounces of gin 3/4 ounce rosemary syrup Muddled cucumber and celery 2 ounces soda Slice of lemon
"This is a simple and refreshing drink, almost like a palate cleanser." - Charlie Papaceno, Windmill Lounge
The Eternal Flame: Four or five halved strawberries Two or three slices of fresh jalapeño Tapatio tequila Patrón Citronge Fever-Tree Ginger Beer
"I'm a big fan of spice, almost to a fault. ... There's a theme for our summer drinks: sweet but with some spice." -- Robbie Call, Tate's
