When the temperatures started to climb this summer, inventive bartenders around town made the most of the situation.  They created the most refreshingly satisfying and deliciously fun summer cocktails we’ve ever tasted!

Evan Liaskos of Cortlandt Colonial, whose Lemon Berry Tart Martini is one of our favorite summery cocktails, said summer cocktails should be a little tart and citrusy, and always very refreshing.

For this week’s Patch Picks we stopped into local restaurants and bars in search of the perfect summer cocktails. Some were tart, others light and sweet, all delivered the perfect sip for a hot summer’s day.

To see what our favorite drinks look like, check out our photos.  Want to try some at home?  Check out the recipes below:

Thyme Restaurant's Thyme Tea

2 oz Firefly vodka

1oz fresh lemon juice

1 oz agave nectar

1 sprig of thyme

Thyme Restaurant's Arctic Grape Mojito

3/4 oz fresh lime

3/4 oz simple syrup

10 mint leaves

2 oz Bacardi Arctic Grape

1 oz cranberry juice

Finished with 7Up

Peekskill Brewery's Peekskill Cream Ale Cocktail

 8 oz Peekskill Cream Ale

1.5 oz Canton Ginger Liqueur

3/4 oz fresh lemon juice

Fill the balance of the glass with ginger ale

Garnish with fresh ginger

Serve in a pint glass

Cortlandt Colonial’s Lemon Berry Tart Martini

1 oz Grey Goose Citron

1 oz Chambord Raspberry Liqueur

1 oz cranberry juice

Fresh squeezed lemon

Pour over ice, shake well and strain

Serve in martini glass with lemon wedge garnish