Summertime in South Carolina means a fresh wave of seasonal ingredients flowing into Columbia SC kitchens and, perhaps more importantly, bars. Bartenders and brewers are getting creative with a sweet summer classics that are sure to impress. Cool down with these refreshing concoctions until the seasons change. 

Azalea Coffee Bar

Get the day off to a good start with a caffeine kick at Azalea Coffee Bar. Order the Activist, a refreshing cold brew topped with orange syrup and sparkling water. It might sound like an odd combo, but trust us, it's delicious. If coffee isn't your thing, Azalea's tea menu will surly satisfy. The Comedian is a hibiscus mint tea with lemonade that will cool you down in no time.   

Hendrix

What goes better with a prime view of downtown Columbia SC and a summer sunset than the perfectly refreshing Watermelon Smash? Nothing? That's what we thought. Create the quintessential summer evening in the capital city by reserving a table on the Hendrix rooftop and ordering a round of this summer concoction on their new drink list like the Los Fresas, a berry, smoky/sweet tequila cocktail. . 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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COA

After a stroll through Columbia SC’s vibrant art district, the Vista, swing by COA for equally vibrant cocktails and tapas. For a summery treat, ask for the Pepino Enmentado. This cocktail is a delicious combination of spicy and refreshing that will have you ordering a second round in no time.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Tin Roof

Perfectly located in the Vista for happy hour or a round of drinks before a show at The Senate, Tin Roof is ready to welcome you with a summer twist on the classic margarita. Instead of the classic tequila, Tin Roof's Salty Watermelon Margarita features Ole Smokey’s Salty Watermelon Whiskey.

Columbia Craft

Brightly colored sours are being poured year-round at Columbia Craft Brewery and their Calamansi Peach Sour is quickly becoming a local favorite. This brew is the perfect combination of tart and sweet. A toasty summer afternoon calls for ordering one of these from the taproom and kicking back on their outdoor patio with your crew.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Terra

You can trust that anything that comes from behind the bar at West Columbia’s Terra will be both sophisticated and delicious. Their Gin & (Grapefruit) Tonic is no exception. Made with a house-made rosemary and grapefruit tonic, this delicate cocktail gets more refreshing with each sip. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Publico

Publico is known for their Asian-Latin Fusion cuisine and delicious batch cocktails. Order up a pineapple margarita if you’re committed to this summertime flavor. If you want to play the field a bit more, try their margarita flight to experience the full range of summer goodness.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Steel Hands Brewing

If you’re looking for a new favorite summer brew, look no further than Steel Hands Brewing in Cayce. Their Blueberry Lemonade Ale is sure to satisfy. Fermented on blueberries with lemon juice blended in the final stages, this hazy wheat beer is the perfect way to beat the heat.