Patio And Happy Hour Guide: Summer Sippin’

Refreshing Cocktails On Airy Patios

\ Jun 16, 2016

6 min read

Ahhh, the dog days of summer: the scorching heat, the mosquitos, the constant sweat. The only plus sides of the season are the special cocktails, open air patios and perfectly cool nights. Burque plays host to an abundance of locales for sitting and sipping. So, if you’re not already in the know, here are a handful of notable libations to drink en plein air.

El Burro @ Apothecary Lounge (Hotel Parq Central, 806 Central SE)

This lil’ donkey is like a Sour Patch Kid: It will tickle the back of your throat with local green chile-infused vodka until you have a dire urge to sneeze, then soothe you with Fever Tree ginger beer. It takes a few sips to get used to but the more you drink, the better it gets with the flavors lingering on your tongue as you gaze out across the sunset-painted city. This hotel rooftop is much more casual than you might think and is the perfect place for either a good book or a group of friends.

Pirate Punch @ O’Neill’s (3301 Juan Tabo NE)

Whether you will admit it or not, you want to be a pirate. Deep down inside, everyone does. And buried like treasure is also the fact that sometimes you just want a silly, sweet tropical cocktail that is dangerously drinkable. Sailors in search of a swaggering good time should try this rum-vodka-schnapps-fruit juice beverage—it tastes like gummy worms. Some may turn up their noses at such a childish concoction, but I don’t care. I have no shame, and I’ll drink whatever the hell I want whilst lounging on a patio with an incredible view of the Sandias. Happy Hour is 4-7pm and 10pm-close. Drink up me hearties, yo ho!

Ho Chi Minh Coffee @ Sister Bar (407 Central NW)

Oh boy. If you think you’re just going to mosey on down to Sister for a nice adult iced coffee to cool you down and perk you up, think again. This innocent-looking Vietnamese pick-me-up made with Deep Space cold brew coffee and sweetened condensed coconut milk delivers a seriously delicious kick to the liver via bourbon. This is a drink in which bourbon babies and caffeine freaks should rejoice. Plus you can chillax with it on the patio and watch all the shenanigans on Central!

Watermelon-Mint Martini @ Bien Shur (Sandia Resort and Casino, 30 Rainbow)

Nothing evokes the happy days of summertime like the taste of watermelon. Treat yourself to something fancy by making the drive out to Sandia’s rooftop bar. It’s enclosed so you don’t have to try to sweat prettily, but you still get the incredible views of the Sandias and breathtaking New Mexico skies. This pale pink martini is all things refreshing—Grey Goose vodka, watermelon liqueur, fresh mint, fresh lime juice, plus a chile-lime salt rim! The fruit flavor blooms on your tongue without being overly sweet and the mint is like a breath of fresh air. Yum. Maybe summer ain’t so bad.

Bloody Mary @ Scalo Northern Italian Grill (3500 Central SE)

Doughnuts, bacon, jalapeño poppers, cocktail onions, crab legs, oysters, sliders—it’s not just a Bloody Mary, it’s a meal or three in a glass. Whether you’re the type to scientifically measure every spice and ounce of mix that goes into your glass or you see the stacking of skewers as an engineering challenge, the Bloody Mary bar at Scalo is just plain fun. And depending on which vodka you choose, the price is a treat, too. The Bloody Mary Bar occurs on the weekend from 11am-4pm, and the regular Happy Hour is Mon-Fri from 4-7pm.

Classic Mojito @ Ibiza (Hotel Andaluz, 125 Second Street NW)

It’s 100 degrees in your office. You’re in a heat rage with sticky sweat dripping down your back. If something doesn’t change, you may jump off the deep end and run down Central in your birthday suit. Or you could just ooze on over to Ibiza and cool off with the best Mojito you will ever have. One sip is like stripping down and jumping into a cool, blue swimming pool. It’s perfectly sweet without tipping the scales into Candyland, with a breath of mint and rum dunking you under the water. *Sigh*

Hendrix Experience @ Seasons (2031 Mountain NW)

Made with Hendrick’s gin, basil-infused Limoncello, fresh lemon and a splash of lemonade, this beverage is invigorating. This is a clear favorite, particularly for the gin’s lack of that strong Christmas tree smell that is off-putting in anything but cleaning solution. The gin is sharp but rounded out by the herbal notes of basil and the perky lemon. It also pairs well with hot wings and live music! Happy Hour lasts from 4-6:30pm, 9-10pm on Mon-Fri.

Breakfast Cosmo @ Gecko’s (5801 Academy NE)

Want breakfast in a glass but not in the mood for a Bloody Mary? (Who is ever not in the mood for a Bloody Mary?) Head over to Gecko’s shaded patio on Academy for a more low-key crowd than the hipsters in Nob Hill. The Breakfast Cosmo is citrusy with just a hint of nectary sweetness and a touch of bitter orange peel. It’s light and cool—perfect for sipping under the bright, yellow sun. Plus the base is mango vodka which gives it a happy summer feel. Forget Mimosas, breakfast will never be the same. Happy Hour here is every single day from 4-7pm.

House Margarita @ El Bruno’s (8806 Fourth Street NW)

A Margarita seems so simple, and yet it’s not. There are great ones and terrible ones, and it takes a talented bartender to perfectly balance the flavors of tequila, salt, sweetness and lime. If your regular New Mexican joint isn’t cutting it, cruise over to the North Valley for a huge, cold, classic Margarita done right. Happy Hour is 4-7pm on weekdays but the patio is gorgeous all summer long.