Best Summer Drink Guide
Looking for the best summer drinks on the Cape and Islands? We put together a list of our favorite summer drinks and some of our favorite places to find them! If you love a refreshing drink like us, you'll want to try to visit as many of these spots as possible. Did we miss any? Leave a comment below!
Aperol Spritz
- Landfall Restaurant (Woods Hole) - open for its 78th season, the Landfall was built off a sandy beach and a sea wall by a local man who grew up loving the summertime and is now run by his son and granddaughter. Over time the restaurant has been constructed of old wood from shipwrecks and windows from local landmarks. It is decorated with coastal gems found all over the world. Relax on the back deck sitting over Great Harbor, take in the smell of the ocean, and sip on a refreshing bubbly Aperol Spritz.
Photo by @landfall46
- The Black Dog Tavern (Vineyard Haven) - come see this Cape Cod legacy in person, watch boats pull in and out of the harbor, and sip on a spritz made with house Prosecco and topped with fresh oranges!
Photo by @absolutelystarving
- The Rooftop at Pelham House Resort (Dennis Port) - located in Dennis Port and famously known as the only rooftop bar on the Cape open year-round! Stop by to enjoy a spritz made to perfection which includes the combination of bitter orange and sweet wine while taking in jaw-dropping views of Nantucket Sound!
Photo by @nicolepallozzi
Mudslides- Chart Room (Cataumet) - first opening in 1966, The Chart Room was built on a converted New Jersey Central Railroad barge that was used as a machine stop to aid in producing vessels during the Korean War. With the development of the Cataumet Marina over the years, visiting yachtsmen required dining facilities, leading to the Chart Room. Their signature mudslide is blended with Baileys Irish Cream, Kahlua, and vodka. Summer has not begun until the first sip of "The Original" Chart Room mudslide is had!
Photo by @lovef00d
- Nancy's Restaurant & Snack Bar MV (Oak Bluffs, MV) - family-owned and operated since 1960, Nancy's is located on Oak Bluffs Harbor with magical views from sunrise to sunset. Donovan's Reef, Nancy's outdoor cocktail hut, is home to the legendary Dirty Banana. A mudslide unlike any other, the Dirty Banana is a rite of passage to a Cape Cod Summer!
Photo by @capeology
- The Port (Harwich Port) - located on the Main Street of Harwich Port and just blocks from the beaches of Nantucket, it’s the perfect quintessential Cape Cod Summer spot. With three bars, The Port is a local favorite hang-out spot. Try one of their iconic mudslides: The Port's Original Oreo Mudslide, Butterfinger, or Skrewball Peanut Butter Mudslide!
Photo by @kayleighmmcallister
Margaritas- Añejo Mexican Bistro (Falmouth & Hyannis) - located on Main Street in Falmouth and Hyannis, this is a must-stop for tequila lovers. Sip on one of their 12 different margaritas, house-made cocktails, or tequila. Añejo offers a variety of different tequila including tequila blanco, which is not aged except for a resting period after distilling of up to two months. They also offer tequila reposado, which is aged between two and twelve months in wood barrels. Lastly, they have tequila añejo, which is aged for a minimum of three years, or mezcal, which is the rustic cousin of tequila.
Photo by @carollovesfood
- The Ocean House (Dennis Port) - located in Dennis Port overlooking Nantucket Sound, The Ocean House was proudly named one of the "top 100 most scenic restaurants.” Stop in to try one of their sharp, yet refreshing signature margaritas like the Veruca Salt made with Blanco Tequila, Rooibos, grapefruit, lime, Peychauds, and pink salt & pepper (pictured below)!
Photo by @theoceanhouse
- Millie's Restaurant Nantucket (Nantucket) - "Madaket Millie" Jewett was an island legend who spent her life caring for the beaches, the animals, and the people of Madaket. She patrolled the coastline and greeted travelers from her yard on Hither Creek. Millie's Nantucket honors the true spirit of summer, and their margaritas are sure to help you set sail into a seaside state of mind!
Photo by @shorelinesillustrated
Espresso Martini
- La Bella Vita Kitchen & Bar (Orleans) - nestled in the heart of Orleans, La Bella Vita Kitchen & Bar offers a unique fusion of Italian-inspired cuisine. The menu is carefully crafted, made with the freshest ingredients, and catered to all tastes, so there is something for everyone. They pride themselves on a warm and inviting atmosphere that is perfect for a romantic date night or a fun night out with friends and family. Enjoy your evening on their outdoor patio, and sip on a smooth espresso martini by the fire pits!
Photo by @labellavitacapecod
- Sister Ship Nantucket (Nantucket) - located inside the beautiful and luxurious boutique hotel, Faraway Hotel Nantucket, the Sister Ship Nantucket is a restaurant, cafe, and relaxed cocktail club with elevated cocktails and seafood-forward Mediterranean dishes using local ingredients. Try one of their favorite espresso martinis, the Night Watch. The Night Watch is perfectly concocted with Coconut Cartel Rum, Espresso Liqueur, Fresh Brewed La Colombe Espresso, and topped with two espresso beans; it is a must-try!
Photo by @sistershipnantucket
- Soprano's Casino by the Sea (Falmouth) - with a deep love for Italian food, Soprano's Casino by the Sea was born. They stock their kitchen the same way the chefs stock their kitchens at home - with daily deliveries of hand-selected fresh ingredients. Their stunning restaurant sits right at the end of Falmouth Heights Beach and has beautiful views of Martha's Vineyard. Come have all your worries washed away and sip on an espresso martini by the sea!
Photo by @sopranoscasinobythesea
Pina Colada
- The Pilot House (Sandwich) - located on the Sandwich Marina on the Cape Cod Canal, The Pilot House offers stunning water and sunset views. Enjoy a summer night with friends and family on their patio while sipping their signature Tipsy Pineapple; a delicious classic pina colada served in a pineapple!
Photo by @pilothousecapecod
- Chapin's Fish and Chips (Dennis Port) - located just down the road from West Dennis Beach, Chapin's is a great casual spot to meet up with friends and family for a good time and a refreshing drink. While enjoying good company outside on the lawn, relax with a sweet blend of coconut and pineapple pina colada in hand!
Photo by @chapins_fish_and_chips
Frosé- Cape Cod Winery (East Falmouth) - located less than three miles from the ocean. The winery is home to over nine different varieties of wine, including their refreshing Rosé Mermaid Water and Frosé! Stop by to relax on the patio with friends, family, and your pet. PS Don't forget to stop by their gift shop to shop our Capeology mermaid rings in person!
Photo by @capecodwinery
Painkiller
- Chatham Squire (Chatham) - established in 1968, the family restaurant offers a multi-cultural menu and indoor & outdoor seating. The Squire is the place that everyone looks for when they visit Chatham. Meet at the Squire for a Frozen Painkiller and make sure you stop by the "Dog Bar,” while you're there too for your Cape pup!
Photo by @thechathamsquire
The mudslides at the Chart Room and Nancy’s are definitely on my “drink list” for next summer!