This year’s summer cocktails crafted by Baltimore bartenders are as eclectic as in the past, but we did notice a trend of tropical fruit shrubs and purees as well an affinity for the incorporation of hibiscus, mint, and basil. Many are being shaken and stirred with regional and local liquors from the likes of Baltimore Whiskey Company, Sagamore Spirit Distillery, and the Eastern Shore’s Seacrets Distilling Company, but we are enthusiastic about the use of some interesting, lesser-known liqueurs too, particularly Rujero Singani (which we reported on here last year).

So, with Baltimore’s heat - and classic humidity - in full swing, we suggest forgoing the pool and instead diving into this roundup of seasonal sips to combat the steaminess.

Birroteca Baltimore
Weekend Getaway
Flor de Cana 7yr Rum, Whistling Andy Hibiscus Coconut Rum, pineapple shrub, Angostura bitters, muddled mint, lime, and sugar. (1520 Clipper Rd, 443-708-1934)

BrewHouse No. 16
Fire House Margarita
Tequila, triple sec, a squeeze of lime, pineapple juice grenadine. (831 N Calvert St, 410-659-4084)

By The Docks
Summer Crush
Cruzan Blueberry Rum, triple sec, fresh crushed lemon juice, Sprite, blueberries, watermelon puree. (3321 Eastern Blvd, 410-686-1188)

Encantada
Spread Your Wings
Baltimore Whiskey Company Shot Tower Gin, Elderflower Liqueur, Dolin Blanc, lactic acid, jasmine syrup, mirin, magic blue water. (800 Key Hwy, 410-752-1000)

LB Skybar
Coconut Lemonade
Tito’s Vodka, Coaqua coconut water, fresh lemon juice, lavender simple syrup. (20 West Baltimore Street, 855-539-1928)

Nickel Taphouse
Summer on the Shore
Seacrets Lemon Vodka, watermelon shrub, house lemonade, Evolution Craft Brewing Summer Session. (1604 Kelly Ave, 443-869-6240)

R. House
Wet Hot Bolivian Summer
Rujero Singani, Killepitsch bitters, hibiscus syrup, lime, orange citrate bitters; served up with a pyramid sea salt and ground hibiscus flower rim. (301 W 29th St, 443-347-3570)

Royal Sonesta Harbor Court
Watermelon-Blueberry Cooler
Blueberry vodka, fresh pureed watermelon, lemon juice; served over ice with a sugared rim and blueberries for garnish. Available Saturday, July 1- Saturday, July 8. (550 Light St, 410-234-0550)

RYE
HEY MAN, NICE SHOT!
Baltimore Whiskey Company Shot Tower Gin, house basil and black pepper tonic, fresh basil. (1639 Thames St, 443-438-3455)

TellTale Restaurant at Delta Hotel
Bourbon Pink Lemonade
Bourbon, simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, water, cherry syrup; topped with club soda and
garnished with a cherry and lemon wheel. (1 East Redwood St, 410-234-8950)

Photo via RYE