Best Summertime Drinks

Summer's on the way, and with it the opportunity to indulge in libations that, like my preference in men, are strong yet fruity and ideally toting a parasol.

"This is a cucumber cooler, but I call it 'The Pink,' because I'm the one who makes it," bartender Johnny Pink says as soon as I pony up to the bar at Evangelo's (200 W San Francisco St., 982-9014). The $7 Jolly Rancher-meets-salad-bar concoction with a hint of cranberry juice is refreshing and goes down smooth. Ask for something summery and sweet at El Paseo Bar & Grill (208 Galisteo St., 992-2848) and you'll end up with a White Gummy Bear ($6). Otherwise known as a "Yeah, put it in there," this grizzly potpourri features Stoli blueberry, raspberry and peach shaken alongside peach Schnapps, limeade and Sprite. The taste? Not overwhelming and quite like its namesake. Completing the summertime trinity tableau, head to Low 'n Slow Lowrider Bar (125 Washington Ave., 988-4900) for bartender Cake's hallmark Kinky X-Rated Cotton Candy ($10). An adult version of a carnival top prize, this heavenly cocktail is sugar-rimmed, topped with local Viracocha vodka and garnished with a bourbon-drowned cherry. The high striker left you longing for a second turn? Tell Cake we sent you, and she might be persuaded to hook you up with her signature Red Velvet Cake martini. The perfect blend between cirrhosis and the diabeetus, this is probably what Oompa-Loompas unwind with at the end of an everlasting workday. How sweet it is, ¿qué no?

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Santa Fe Reporter