The summer sun has been known to cause a cocktail craving that can only be satisfied by a perfectly-mixed liquor masterpiece. Cocktails are not meant to be skimped on, so put out an extra few dollars for one of our summertime favorites.

Art Basil at Rye: Choosing between the many cocktail options at Rye can be nearly impossible, but our summer selection is the Art Basil for its distinctiveness. The mix of bison grass vodka, muddled basil, simple syrup and fortified white wine, creates a liquor/wine blend that pulls from the best of both worlds and brings you an easy, light taste perfect for the sunshine. ($10; 807 S. Broadway; 443-438-3296)

Aviation at Fork and Wrench: The Aviation is a home run on this small but delicious and affordable cocktail list. Made with gin, lemon, maraschino liqueur and creme de violet this cocktail has a slight floral scent that puts your mind in the perfect summer state. ($7; 2322 Boston St.; 443-759-9360)

Chartreuse Swizzle at Bad Decisions: The atmosphere at this unassuming Fells Point spot certainly does not scream ‘order a cocktail’ but if you pass up the chance to try the Chartreuse Swizzle this summer, you will surely regret it. Made with pyrat rum, green chartreuse, velvet falernum, pineapple juice, lime juice, angostura bitters, flamed demerara sugar and an overproofed rum-covered lime this citrus sensation goes down easy and transports your mind to a warm weather hot spot. ($8; 1928 Fleet St.; 410-979-5161)

The Fritz at Jack’s Bistro: Champagne bubbles are a great summer staple, and Jack’s has dressed them up in a light summer cocktail that you don’t want to miss. Mixed with St. Germain elderberry liqueur, lemon, and club soda, this bubbly drink tastes of summertime flowers and fruit. ($9; 3123 Elliott St.; 410-878-6542)

Feng Shui at XS Sushi: The lychee fruit has tropical taste that is perfect for warm weather cocktails. This Sky Vodka martini is mixed with lychee juice and black raspberry Chambord and garnished with juicy lychees which will surely quench your cocktail craving. ($9; 1307 N. Charles St.; 410-468-0002)

Friar’s Patch at Wit and Wisdom: Served over ice with a sage leaf, the Friar’s patch cocktail utilizes an ingenious blend of mint-infused remy vsop, benedictine, apple juice and honey to give it a sweet finish that will have you going back for another. And if you are looking for a summery view to go with your cocktail of choice, than the view of the harbor from inside this hotel bar is an added bonus. ($11; 200 International Dr.; 410-576-5800)

Golden Ale Margarita at Heavy Seas Ale House: Sliced and muddled cucumbers are the perfect accent to this resposado tequila and Gold Ale mixed masterpiece. The refreshing sweetness of this updated summertime staple is made possible by a house-made gold ale syrup unique to Heavy Seas. ($8.25; 1300 Band St; 410-522-0850)

Heat Seeking Countermeasure at B&O American Brasserie: The new drink menu at B&O has loads of excellent cocktails, but one of the stars of the group is this spicy margarita served in a salt-rimmed glass. The tanteo jalapeño-infused tequila, agave, lime, and pamplemousse liqueur blend together to give a peppery-hotness that will knock the socks off of an unsuspecting consumer. ($11; 2 N. Charles St.; 443-692-6172)

Stoop Shandy at Woodberry Kitchen: Take a trip out of the typical Baltimore neighborhood scene to indulge in one of the best cocktail spots around. The Stoop Shandy is a brilliant blend of blackberry wheat, american dry gin, rhubarb lemonade and basil that begs to be consumed at a patio party in the sunshine. ($12; 2010 Clipper Park Rd.; 410-464-8000)

Strawberry Saketini at RA Sushi: The strawberry purée in this brand new cocktail off their summer list amps up the flavor of a typical martini with a fruity twist. Mixed with Svedka Citron, nigori sake and lemon juice this is sure to be a crowd pleaser at happy hour where it is $2 cheaper. ($9; 390 Lancaster St.; 410.522.3200)

Top photos via Rye Baltimore; bottom photo via XS Sushi