11 refreshing cocktails to sip as summer winds down: Mimi’s Picks

Los Tres Cubanos

A lemon blueberry mojito at Los Tres Cubanos on Race Street in Harrisburg, Sept. 29, 2015. James Robinson, PennLive.com The Patriot NewsThe Patriot News

As we head into the Labor Day weekend, why not celebrate the end of summer with a cool, refreshing cocktail. Whether out on a deck or inside, these suggestions will help ease the transition from hot summer to a cool fall.

Cafe 1500

The whimsical Bloody special is featured at Cafe 1500 Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m to 2p.m.

Cafe 1500

1500 N. Sixth St., Harrisburg, 717-831-8322

Sleek and clean industrial, this restaurant’s wide open dining room incorporates a bar and lounge. New presentations and hand-crafted cocktails leave bold impressions, like the whimsical 1500 Famous Bloody Special (market price) featured at Saturday and Sunday brunch from 10 a.m-2p.m. These hefty drinks are a meal in themselves, centering around themes such as all American picnic (with watermelon, burger slider and chicken wing) and Hawaiian Bloody (consisting of bluefin tuna sashimi, spam slider and fresh pineapple marinated coconut).

Eagles Nest Restaurant & Event Venue

2519 Mount Rose Avenue, York, 717-755-8095

Expansive views and a pleasant outside patio make for the perfect setting for one of Eagles’ more than a dozen cocktails. Coconut shrimp ($13.95), lollipop lamb chops ($14.95) Chesapeake filet mignon ($37.95) and trendy, fun drinks highlight the menu at this award-winning restaurant. Freshly picked mint from their garden is the key ingredient in the mojitos ($8). Cran-mango lemonade has mango puree and Tito’s vodka. The What and When cocktail sparkles with Tanquerey gin, splash of champagne and blood orange syrup.

Vrai

Vrai restaurant

Vrai

1015 Market St, Lemoyne, (717)-412-0067

Modern and eclectic, concrete flooring cools the feel of Vrai while patterned cushions, streamlined chandeliers and French placemats provoke warmth, texture and color. The modern, hip atmosphere has a big city flair, tantalizing drinks and entrees. Clean, crisp flavors permeate every dish. The wood-fired oven behind the bar adds to the intensity of starters, gourmet pizzas and entrees. Add a splash of alcohol be it wine or vodka to the raspberry pomegranate spritz ($6 non-alcoholic) or enjoy a glass of solid Jim Beam limited edition repeal batch bourbon ($11).

Houlihan’s

27 W. Chocolate Ave., Hershey, 717-534-3110

This meet and greet Hershey hot spot is always crowded at peak meal times, so by all means take advantage of the ability to call ahead. Overflow guests can sometimes find a spot around the bar or outside on the deck overlooking Chocolate Avenue. One specialty cocktail recommended by the bartenders here “as the most refreshing” is the rose all day sangria ($9.50). Light and fruity, the base is rose wine, splashed with elderberry liqueur and a little bit of soda. Fresh blackberries and blueberries garnish this height of summer drink.

Greystone Public House

Greystone Public House HARHAR

Greystone Public House

2120 Colonial Road, Lower Paxton Twp., 717-829-9952

Greystone’s expansive dining room and side bar attract couples, business associates and private parties but those in the know head out to the sprawling patio with manicured gardens. Seasonal signature drinks hit the spot with fresh fruit and citrusy concoctions. The scarlet sangria ($11) infuses pinot Grigio with strawberries, lychee, mint and pineapple. Blushed belle ($12) is a simple colorful drink consisting of pomegranate liqueur and grapefruit and stateside vodka.

Tutonis

108 N. George St., York, (717) 885-5169

This innovative Italian inspired restaurant has locally-sourced, freshly-made pasta dishes that are multi-nuanced. The seasonal cocktails are made with fresh flowers, fruits and herbs. Try the Brer Rabbit’s Little Secret ($9), an innovative drink made with tito’s vodka infused with mixed berry and rosemary shrub, lime juice, lavender bitters and splash of prosecco. Keep in mind seasonal cocktails are $6 during happy hour Monday-Friday from 4-6 p.m.

Los Tres Cubanos

A lemon blueberry mojito at Los Tres Cubanos on Race Street in Harrisburg, Sept. 29, 2015. James Robinson, PennLive.com The Patriot NewsThe Patriot News

Los Tres Cubanos

540 Race St., Harrisburg, 717-635-8145

Bring the out-of towners to this hidden, neighborhood haunt. Exposed brick wall, plank wood tabletops and framed black-and-white photos add to the vibrant atmosphere. Crisp deep-fried plantain chips and garlic-lime mojo sauce welcome newly seated guests. The succulent bistec de pollo ($19) (marinated, chicken breasts) are pan seared with caramelized onions and freshly chopped parsley. Slow roasted pork shoulder, lechen asado, ($19) simmers in a signature mojo sauce for at least seven hours to get that soft texture. Wash it down with a refreshing blueberrry lemonade mojito ($9, other fruit flavors are available too) or sip something totally different like fresh minty Elderflower smash ($10) made with Aviation gin and St. Germain.

Cork & Fork Osteria

4434 Carlisle Pike, Camp Hill, 717-317-9366

Cork & Fork pizzeria and wine bar mimics the same “stop and share” concept its sister restaurant in downtown Harrisburg. Sit outside on the patio while enjoying items from the local farm-fresh menu, featuring signature pizzas such as the verdant pistachio pesto pizza ($15). Cocktails are creative and quenching, like the coral crush, a blend of vodka, pomegranate liquor, fresh squeezed grapefruit, grapefruit San Pelligrino and a hint of pine from rosemary.

Stock’s on Second

211 N. Second St, Harrisburg, (717)233-6699

A shout out goes to this long-running restaurant row that defines gastropub. This upscale, handsome modern restaurant has consistently brought its game to the table. Prohibition-era craft cocktails and vast whiskey and bourbon listings complement the farm-driven menu, featuring fabulously addictive smoked brisket fries with Stock’s cheese sauce ($11.49), signature house blend Stock’s chips ($4.28) and a half pound local Hereford beef burgers ($11.49). Try the lip-pursing, citrusy grapefruit margarita ($10), rimmed with ancho chile.

New Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar in Susquehanna Township

The "Wine Bar" area at Susquehanna Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar in Susquehanna Township, Pa., Sept. 9, 2014. Mark Pynes | mpynes@pennlive.com

Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar

Shoppes at Susquehanna, 2625 Brindle Drive, Susquehanna Twp., 717-545-4028

Civilized and comfortable sweeping dining areas are far from pretentious and very conducive to gal pal gatherings. After an impressive listing of varied wines, you’ll find numerous seasonal cocktails complete with fresh fruit. Some ideas for a hot day: blueberry Moscow mule ($12), aperol watermelon spritzer ($9) and Harvest peach bourbon ($14). Be sure to share the local cheese and charcuterie board ($18).

Luca

Luca restaurant in Lancaster, Pa., Dec. 6, 2016. Mark Pynes | mpynes@pennlive.com HARHAR

Luca

436 W. James St., Lancaster 717-553-5770

This energetic hot spot in the west end of Lancaster whips up Italian wood-oven pizzas and char-licked entrees. Inventive, robust Italian dishes and scratch cocktails depend on fresh ingredients. The combinations of retro and rustic, clean and modern that define the noisy, upbeat setting also play out on plates, like the smokey grilled beef tongue with pickled elderberry ($10), heritage tender pork ragu, roasted summer peppers and smoky buttermilk pappardelle ($16), and bold flavored Bolognese sauce over tagliatelle ($16). After the meal swap hot espresso for a cold shaken with amaro and bourbon ($12).

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