Oh, sweet summertime. Or more commonly known as the time of year in the Valley where you can fry an egg on a sidewalk, seat belt burns can almost send you to the hospital and phones can’t function because they go into cool down mode. Those local to the Tempe area know how important it is to find ways to beat the heat during the summer, including finding the best summer drinks and cocktails that transport you into a blissful retreat. Check out these Tempe locations for refreshing Tempe summer drinks and cocktails.
Summer Drinks
Rita’s Italian Ice
Rita’s Italian Ice, located on Mill Ave. and Seventh St., is perfect for all ages. Choose between freshly made Italian Ice, custards, or one of their many mixed frozen drink concoctions. I personally enjoy the Blendini, which is a blend of Italian Ice and creamy frozen custard with your favorite toppings, it is creamy crunchy perfection!
740 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 389-3530
Bahama Bucks
Head on over to Bahama Buck’s where you can relax and connect with friends while you experience a little piece of paradise. Bahama Buck’s, located on the northeast corner of South Rural Rd. and Warner Rd., knows the exact science to creating irresistible frozen treats. From their “Sno” creations to their Island Smoothies, they have their flavors down pat. Try their Pina Colda Sno, it’s out of this world and makes you feel like you’re on a real island vacation.
1006 E. Warner Rd., #101 Tempe, AZ 85284 | (480) 777-9482
Joe’s Italian Ice
Joe’s Italian Ice brings Philly-style frozen treats all the way to Tempe. Each specialty treat is crafted to perfection with real fruit from California farms and ice cream straight from a dairy in Philadelphia. They offer nearly 100 different unique Italian ice flavors, from Strawberries ‘n Cream to Peanut Butter Cup, you can even combine your choice of soft serve ice cream with it!
2019 S. McClintock Dr, Tempe, AZ 85282 | (480) 907-7077
Tropical Smoothie Café
Tropical Smoothie Café, located on Priest Dr. and Warner Rd., offers fresh, natural quality smoothies that are perfect for summertime. Made with bold, flavorful food, Tropical Smoothie Café only makes their smoothies with real fruit and vegetables. Ask for a superfood or supercharged smoothie to stay on track with your diet or if it’s the weekend and you are looking to let your hair down, choose one of their Indulgent Smoothies. All options can be paired with supplements or add-ins for an added benefit.
8707 S. Priest Dr., #108 Tempe, AZ 85284 | (480) 496-4200
Original ChopShop Co.
Along with their healthy cuisine, Original ChopShop Co. also offers some of the best pressed juices in the Valley that will be sure to quench your summer thirst. Cool down from the summer heat, with the Cool Down summer drink! This drink keeps it light with watermelon, pineapple, apple, lime and ginger. I also recommend trying the Hydrator, as it will keep you hydrated through the summer months. It’s made up of cucumber, pineapple, lemon, coconut water and aloe vera juice into one refreshing drink.
222 E. University Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 307-9336
You may also want to check out our 5 Frozen Treats on Summer Day in Tempe blog for more inspo.
Adult Libations
Bar Louie
Known for their contemporary casual dining bar experience and signature martinis, Bar Louie in Tempe Marketplace is a must for summertime cocktails. The Diva and Louie’s Cosmo are among the house favorites, while their margaritas, sangrias, and mojitos are nothing short of exceptional.
2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy. #1220, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 658-1660
Dave & Buster’s
Eat, Drink, and escape the heat at Tempe’s very own big kid’s playground, Dave & Buster’s, located in Tempe Marketplace. Try one of the new drinks from their in house mixologist at their premium bar, like the Original Coronarita, Backwoods Blueberry lemonade, or the D&B TNTea. Enjoy your drink all while kicking some butt at old school arcade games such as Pop-A-Shot, Pac-Man and skeeball. Also, enjoy a childhood treat with a little grownup twist, like one of their snow cones infused with your favorite liquors.
2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 281-8456
Ghost Ranch
South Tempe is quickly making a name for itself as the best place to get a handcrafted cocktail and I could not agree more! Hands down the best summer drink has to go to the Prickly Pear Frozé ‘Rita from Ghost Ranch! As the staff would describe it, “it’s a frozen margarita that fell in love with a glass of cold rosé and had the most perfect, well-balanced, cocktail baby”. I mean, after that description, how could you not try it?!
New to the Ghost Ranch scene is the new summer Agua Fresca Poptail. Just the name alone sounds refreshing! This unique, popsicle-inspired cocktail features a hibiscus orange popsicle dipped in Agave de Cortez mezcal with fresh lemon and agave, garnished with a dehydrated blood orange and fresh mint.
1006 E. Warner Rd. #102-103, Tempe, AZ 85284 | (480) 474-4328
For information about places to grab some great summer drinks and cocktails, visit our website or call us at (480) 894-8158.
