Summer is here, it’s that time of year when you may be looking for something a little more refreshing to drink to keep you on track. Let’s check out some of the best beverages in South Baltimore for these hot upcoming days.
Just Thirsty (Non-Alcoholic)
1. Koba Cafe Smoothies
If you are at all thirsty, Koba has just about everything you need from coffees to milkshakes, tea, smoothies, Pellegrinos and more. I especially love their unsweetened apricot iced tea so much that they start making it when I walk in the door.
Many opt to put ice in their coffee this time of year, but if you are looking for a burst of fresh fruit, definitely try their smoothies including Tropical, Mango, Peach Party, Caribean Breeze and more. They are fresh, tasty and owner Adam will certainly greet you with a smile!
2. Miss Twist Root Beer Floats
As long I’ve been in SoBo (over ten years), the Miss Twist Truck has been consistently coming through the neighborhood, typically at night when the thought of dessert really hits the spot. Miss Twist has cones, sundaes and more, but if you are thirsty and have a sweet tooth the root beer float really hits the spot. Great soft serve vanilla with a can of Barqs Root Beer.. yum!
3. Iced Tea Time
If I had a book about wellness… it would include having one tea or iced tea a day.
Iced tea is very refreshing and there are some very good brews throughout the area whether you are adding a lemon, sugar or mixing in some lemonade. My favorites include Koba (See #1) as well as Sam’s Bagels and Spoons. If you walk around the Baltimore Farmer’s Market you’ll see many people drinking a Thai Iced Tea which is a new favorite of mine. It’s very unique and refreshing and can be found at Thai Arroy, the Baltimore Farmers Market and more… and add tapioca if it’s available.
It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere (Alcoholic)
4. Cuda Punch from Barracuda’s
Barracuda’s has some great food, but their Cuda Punch is enough to get me in the door if I’m only thirsty. When someone asks me what’s in it I just reply, “I don’t know but it tastes like fruit and it’s amazing!” Then they get one and agree. Fruity, but not too thick and infused with their secret rum. The Baltimore Sun has more info on the exact ingredients here.
5. Love the O’s and Slushies?
Anyone out there ever get really hot and love the Orioles? Now that everyone is paying attention, No Idea shows their baseball pride with their selection of slushies including Machadomosas, Orange Crush Davis and Hulk Smash. Machadomosas are frozen champagne, vodka and OJ. Orange Crush Davis is a frozen Orange Crush and a Hulk Smash is vodka, triple sec and Mountain Dew. Have a slushie and watch the game or stop by before or after hitting Camden Yards.
6. Get Crushed!
The orange crush and it’s respective spinoffs are a Mid-Atlantic sensation with many beach bars claiming they invented it, and I can attest from working at the Lighthouse in Dewey that they believe it was them!
If you are looking for a good crush in SoBo, definitely check out Ryleigh’s Oyster for the fresh squeezed beverage with very crushed ice. Get one with orange, grapefruit or lemonade or try my favorite, the Arnold Palmer Crush.
7. Viva Mexico!
I don’t know what it is about the summer, but the second that sun gets hot I get in the mood for Mexican beer. Whether it’s Modello, Tecate, Corona, Pacifico, Dos Equis or others, they seem to taste much better in the summer. For a good selection check out No Way Jose, Banditos, Miguels, Blue Agave or Little Havana. And if you are in the mood for a Margarita, you’ll also be in the right place.
8. Local Seasonals
Baltimore and Maryland are growing in the world of brewing and some of our local breweries like Heavy Seas, Flying Dog, Evolution and Duclaw trade in their pumpkin spices for hints of citrus in the warmer months. Here are some great reviews from the beer doctor, Scott Berkheimer.
–Beer Blog: Local Spring Seasonals
9. Fresh Sangria
Wine can make your really thirsty sometimes unless you chill it and add some fresh fruit. A good glass of sangria can really hit the spot in the summer months whether it is white or red. Get refreshed with a nice glass form SoBo Cafe, HomeSlyce, Liv2Eat, Miguels and more!
10. A trip to Havana
Jay-Z and Beyonce may be some of the few Americans allowed in Cuba, but get a splash of the Caribbean country at Little Havana. It feels like summertime year round at Little Havana with the reggae music, tiki huts and big open spaces but their mojitos really hit the spot on a summer day whether you are out on the patio or inside the open air bar and dining area.
