The Eight Best Summer Cocktails in Miami

It's summer, and temperatures have climbed into the mid-90s. Seek refuge and beat the heat by sipping one of Miami's top seasonal cocktails. The best bartenders in town are making refreshing, lively drinks designed to quell the scorching heat. From tiki-inspired coconut libations to refreshing gin and tonics, here are some of the most creative summer cocktails to try right now.
Baleen Kitchen. The beachside brassiere located at the Solé resort is serving tropical views and summertime tipples such as the antioxidant mojito. This ruby-hued riff on the classic is made with Bacardi rum, fresh pomegranate juice, and mint and comes festooned with berries and fresh mint leaves ($13). 17315 Collins Ave., Sunny Isles Beach; 786-923-9305; solemiami.com.
80's Bar at Cafe La Trova. The Magic City's latest hot spot by Michelle Bernstein and famed mixologist Julio Cabrera is taking you back to the '80s. Stop by the retro watering hole, located at the back of Cafe La Trova on the weekends, and cool off with one of its classic yet elevated libations such as the Hurricane. Cruzan rum is shaken with passionfruit, orange juice, allspice dram, grenadine, and a dash of absinthe ($12). 971 SW Eighth St., Miami; 786-615-4379; cafelatrova.com.
Bellini Bar at Mr. C Coconut Grove. The newly opened Coconut Grove hotel offers rustic Italian- and European-inspired spirits at the Bellini Bar. The hotel's signature drink is aptly named Mr. C's, a bright-orange concoction containing tangerine purée, vodka, and a splash of prosecco ($17). 2988 McFarlane Rd., Coconut Grove; 305-800-6672; mrccoconutgrove.com.
The Confidante. Summer is meant for sipping beverages from coconut shells. The Confidante's Thai coconut cocktail is an Instagram-worthy creating brimming with fresh fruit and drink umbrellas. It's finished with an extra shot of Malibu rum ($22). A virgin option is also available ($14). 4041 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-424-1234; theconfidantemiamibeach.hyatt.com.
Maska Indian Kitchen + Bar. In addition to serving Indian-inspired fare, Maska, located in the Shops at Midtown Miami, offers swanky cocktails worthy of an art exhibit. The tequila-based Maska mule arrives in a copper stoup adorned with a sprig of herbs and a dehydrated citrus slice ($16). 3252 NE First St., Miami; 786-971-9100; maskamiami.com.
Sugar. Sitting atop the 40-story East Miami hotel, Sugar is shaking up goblets of its B Positive. This gem of a drink combines basil-infused tequila, mezcal, blood orange purée, and Hellfire bitters and comes garnished with a chili pepper and a lime slice ($14). 788 Brickell Plaza, Miami; 786-805-4655; sugar-miami.com.
Rusty Pelican. The iconic Key Biscayne restaurant boasts a sophisticated menu of gin and tonics, including the newly added Gin #3, stirred with Generous gin, organic jasmine tea, elderflower, and tonic ($16). Also try the Gin #5, a G&T infused with passionfruit and tarragon ($16). 3201 Rickenbacker Cswy., Key Biscayne; 305-361-3818; therustypelican.com.
The Sylvester. Midtown's newest bar offers a reprieve from the rising heat via retro vibes and chilled cocktails. Opt for the Ñooo Que Frio, made with Bacardi Cuatro, nitrogen muddled mint, green apple, Strega herbal liqueur, and a topper of sparkling wine ($15). 3456 N. Miami Ave., Miami; 305-814-4548; thesylvesterbar.com.