Despite the cooler temperatures and rainy days, summer is still heating up on for us on the Shore, and while we are currently being berated with “BACK TO SCHOOL!” specials, the true summer warriors are still fighting the good fight…one drink at a time. Summer cocktails are abound this time of year, and what better time to enjoy them then right now. ShoreBread enjoys a refreshing summer libation just as much as the next person, whether its sitting dockside, poolside, or indoors. Crushes at Harborside, martinis in Salisbury, or frozen drinks at Seacrets are just a few of the drinks we revel in during the summer months. Keep reading for more…
12841 S. Harbor Road, Ocean City, MD 21842
410-213-1846
If you’ve been to Ocean City, then you’ve most likely had an Orange Crush. Over the years, the Orange Crush has slowly evolved into the unofficial cocktail of our resort town, but what most people don’t know is that the original Orange Crush was born in West Ocean City, at Harborside. “Often imitated, never duplicated” is the motto at Harborside, and rightfully so. The original Orange Crush is made up of Smrinoff Orange Vodka and Triple Sec, but there’s a sampling of all sorts of Crushes to choose from – Kadillac Crush, Bloody Crush, Rum Lovers Crush, Fuzzy Crush, Peach Crush, Captain’s Crush, Crushsicle Crush, Crush Your Goose, along with a collection of Grapefruit Crushes. It’s safe to say Harborside takes their Crushes seriously.
Route 54 & the bay, Fenwick Island, DE 19944
302-227-0525
www.harpoonhannasrestaurant.com
Bay views, deck parties, live entertainment, outdoor seating, boat access…the list of reasons to stop by Harpoon Hanna’s is infinite, but for summer cocktails we’re looking to the outside Tiki Bar. The cooler temperatures and rainy weather of late has left us scrambling to enjoy every last minute of summer, and that means sitting at the Tiki Bar at Hanna’s for sunset cocktails. There’s any number to choose from, including signature mojitos, martinis, and frozen concoctions. We suggest the house specialty, the Hurricane Hanna – a dangerous mix of Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, Dark Rum Black Raspberry and Banana Liqueurs, and pineapple and cranberry juices.
Market Street Inn
130 W. Market Street, Salisbury, MD
410-742-4145
www.marketstreetinnsalisbury.com
When craving martinis-done-right, the first place we head to is Market Street Inn in Salisbury. After all, they have one of the most comprehensive martini lists in the area, not to mention outdoor, waterfront dining, and a killer food line-up. In the martini category, the list is endless; Almond Joy Martini, Samoa Martini, Jolly Rancher Martini, Mexican Jumping Bean Martini, Snicker-tini – like we said, it’s endless. For the Fireball lover (you know who you are) order the Cinnamon Bobka Cake Martini. What arrives is an artful mix of Smirnoff Cake Vodka, Fireball, and Rum Chata.
2 North Main Street, Berlin, MD
410-641-3589
For a splash of history, try sipping cocktails in the Drummer’s Café, located in the historic Atlantic Hotel in downtown Berlin. There are a number of reasons why Berlin is quickly becoming known as #mdscoolestsmalltown, and the Atlantic Hotel is certainly one of them. There’s signature martinis, cosmos and crushes to consider, but while in Berlin, why not enjoy a Berlin Cosmo? Sweet Tea Vodka is paired with Orange Liqueur, with an added splash of lime and cranberry juice, served up. For a true summer favorite, opt for the Spiked Palmer – Sweet Tea Vodka and lemonade, served on the rocks. We like to think of it as adult lemonade.
6601 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD
410-723-6762
The Skye Bar at Galaxy 66 has long been a rooftop favorite on the Shore, but last year’s overhaul of the space redefines rooftop dining. The space is massive, with an expansive view of Ocean City. What’s more, there’s a raw bar with the likes of oysters, king crab, clams, shrimp, and lobster. Top all that off with a fresh summer cocktail and you’ve got yourself a perfect night out. Favorites include the Saturn Squeeze and the Big Bang, made with fresh squeezed oranges and grapefruits. For the sweets lover, indulge in any of the items from the martini dessert bar. The Crème Brulee is as decadent as it sounds, with Smirnoff Vanilla, Butterscotch Schnapps, Hazelnut Liqueur, cream and a sugar rim.
Pool Bars
Trying to narrow down our list of pool bar favorites to just one was downright impossible, so for summer cocktails poolside, we suggest any of the following. First up, The Caribbean Pool Bar and Grille at The Plim Plaza. The frozen drinks will give you a brain freeze, so pace yourself. There’s live entertainment, a large tiki bar, and consistently good vibes. Further uptown, you’ll find the 67th Street Pool Bar at the Holiday Inn. We love that this place is a pool bar in the truest sense – meaning you can actually swim up the bar. For a secret spot, try Kunu’s Tiki Bar, located in theHampton Inn on 43rd Street. It’s a newcomer so it is still relatively under wraps, but with their spectacular combination of bay views and drinks, it won’t be for long. And finally, The Riptide Pool Bar at Jonah and the Whale. Not much on looks, but if you’re in the mood for some rowdy fun, this is your place. A must have – the Grimace. No questions…just drink it.
117 West 49th Street, Ocean City, MD
410-524-4996
It’s just not summer without at least one trip to Seacrets, and with that comes at least one Pain in de Ass. This house specialty includes multiple layers of frozen Rum Runner and Pina Colada. And because you’re in Jamaica USA, at least one Dirty Banana is required, along with a Jamaican Bobsled – Three Olives Triple Espresso Vodka, Frangelica and cream, with a cascade of coffee liqueur blended to frozen perfection. There’s a host of places throughout Seacrets to enjoy your cocktails, from the rafts in the bay, to the night club, to the various bars spread throughout the Jamaican compound. You could spend an entire day here (just be sure to pace yourself).
8203 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD (at Fresco’s)
410-524-8202
Between the ‘Margarita Mondays’ and the ‘Wine Wednesdays,’ Jive has quickly become a go-to summer stop for libations. Beyond margs and wine, there’s a line-up of cocktails and martinis not to be missed. The Assawoman Rum Runner boasts a “secret recipe,” but whatever they’ve mixed in there, it’s delicious. The summery Strawberry Basil is equal parts refreshing and intoxicating, with muddled strawberries and basil leaves, vanilla vodka, and Crème de Cacao. And since we are in prime peach season, why not sip on a Peach Melba – Vanilla Vodka, Peach Schnapps, Sour Mix and Grenadine.
