The beach is all well and good, but a pool is a haven for the truly lazy: no sand to constantly brush off various parts of your body, no three-hour drive or train ride, no public bathrooms. It's also an extremely fun place to have an adult beverage, preferably enjoyed with your feet in the water. And it's a fun place to experiment past your standard American lager. Below, bartenders from across the country recommend their perfect poolside pairings.
Piña Coladas
This is the ultimate pool drink, and for good reason. “I love a classic piña colada,” says Maxime Heitz of Le Coq Rico in New York. And Juan Coronado of Bresca in Washington, DC likes a variation called a Miami Vice: “The marriage of the world’s two best cocktails—the piña colada and the strawberry daiquiri—is something magical.” Put your blender to work.
Wine
“Rosé all day,” says Rodney Jenson of the Hyatt Centric in Miami. And no, it’s not just a slogan on a corny tote bag: “It’s bright, refreshing, and perfect for lounging by the pool.” And yes, you are completely allowed to put ice cubes into your wine, if that's your thing. If you’re looking for something a little bit more celebratory, go for sangria. Brian Floyd of the Line in Austin likes “cutting up whatever fruit I have and making a big pitcher of sangria to share.” Lindsey Alvarado of the Playa Largo in Key Largo also likes sangria, and usually adds a mix of citrus, herbs, fruit and wine in the biggest pitcher you can find. "How can you go wrong?”
Spritzes
These are always a hot weather favorite. Adrienne Miller of the Halyard at Sound View on Long Island likes a variation: “Cava with some Suze and club soda.” She calls it “sweet, bitter, bright, salty, and easy to drink; a requirement in a poolside beverage.”
Mai Tais
“My favorite pool drink is a 1944 Trader Vic Mai Tai,” says Rupert King of the Park MGM in Vegas. This tiki all star features rum and citrus for a poolside treat that Christopher Longoria of Che Fico in San Francisco calls “very delicious and refreshing. Hands down: a proper Mai Tai would certainly be my choice.” It takes a little more effort (and a few more ingredients) than a jug of sangria, but it's a fun project that doubles as a reason for a pool party in the first place.
