Top off the summer season and chill out with creative frozen cocktails. Scroll on, sweet tooths and fruit fans, for the area’s best takes on coladas, daiquiris, margaritas and the almighty frosé. Cool your heels with these slushy sippers.
Big Buns
Burgers and shakes go hand in hand, but this local chainlet puts a little extra in some of its blends. Creamy options include the Maker’s Mark S’mores Shake and Captain Morgan’s Apple Pie Rum Spice Shake. Want something fruity? Go with the frozen Dragon Fruit with Hornitos Tequila or the Blood Orange Strongarita. 4401 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston); 4251 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington); and 1336 Chain Bridge Road, McLean
Don Tito
Sure, the name makes you think tacos, but what goes great with carne asada? Frozen margaritas. Or a Frosé, a combo of frozen rosé and blended strawberries. Of course, you can always get both in the form of a Swirl. For something different, spring for the Mangonada. It comes with with chamoy, a tajin rim and a tamarind stick. 3165 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
The Salt Line
There’s nothing fishy about pairing a seafood meal with a frozen drink. At this Ballston spot, enjoy a Frozen DC Crush (vodka, triple sec, orange and DC Brau Orange Crush spiked seltzer). Or try the Frozen Del’s Shandy, which has vodka, lemon and Narragansett Del’s Shandy beer. 4040 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston)
Founding Farmers
The farmer-owned local chainlet has two frozen drinks on the menu this summer. The Chi Chi Colada, made with vodka, pineapple and coconut cream, comes in a fun Polynesian-style cup. The refreshing frozen gin and tonic has dry gin, house tonic and fresh lime. 1800 Tysons Blvd., Tysons (Tysons Corner)
Screwtop Wine Bar
Wendy Buckley’s Clarendon wine bar knows its way around frozen drinks. Try a Frozen Aperol Spritz with a sparkling wine floater or the obligatory (for a wine bar) and delightfully refreshing Strawberry Frosé. 1025 N. Fillmore St., Arlington (Clarendon)
Wilson Hardware
Plop down at the rooftop bar and garden terrace and ask for something slushy. They’ve got a Frozen Espresso Martini (vanilla vodka, coffee and simple syrup) and a Sawtooth (spiced rum, apple cider, triple sec and lemon juice) that are bound to keep you cool. 2915 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Quarterdeck
Serving up piles of steamed Maryland blue crabs since 1979 in Arlington’s Fort Myer Heights neighborhood, this spot offers more than tasty crustaceans. Pair your platter with a frozen lemonade or marg in strawberry, raspberry or peach. Frozen daiquiris are offered in the same flavors, plus banana. The bar also presents specialty drinks like the rum-based Tarzan or Miami Vice (half strawberry daiquiri and half pina colada) for when you just can’t decide. Pro tip: Save room for the key lime pie. 1200 Fort Myer Drive, Arlington (Fort Myer)
Clare & Don’s Beach Shack
Owned by Florida natives David and Rebecca Tax, the restaurant with beachside vibes and none of the annoying sand has no shortage of frozen beverages, including fresh watermelon margaritas, sandia coladas (watermelon coladas) and Pain Killas (Myers dark rum, light rum and a frozen coconut/pineapple mixture topped with a sprinkle of nutmeg). Tip one back during District Trivia on Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. or Drag Bingo on the third Sunday of the month at 6 p.m. Check the beachy cantina’s live entertainment schedule. Bonus: Dogs are welcome on the patio. 130 N. Washington St., Falls Church
Rhum Roost
Sitting atop the The Perch at Capital One Center, this spot offers outdoor sipping with a view. Choose from five frozen, spike-able drinks, including a Lava Flow (lemonade and strawberry daiquiri swirl) and Miami Vice (strawberry daiquiri and pina colada). Make a day or night of it: The bar is conveniently situated alongside Perch Putt, an 18-hole mini golf course, and there are porch swings, an outdoor amphitheater and the Sky Bark Pup Park. 1805 Capital One Drive, Tysons
Colada Shop
Conjure the spirit of old Havana while nursing a frozen daiquiri, made with rum, strawberry, lime and corn husk syrup. Not quite 5 o’clock? Get it without the rum. NoVa locations of this fast-growing tropical restaurant are great for people-watching and strolling, too, on a warm night. 2811 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon); 244 19th St., Arlington (National Landing); and 2920 District Ave., Fairfax (Mosaic District)
Ted’s Bulletin
Cocktails but make them dessert. With more than a dozen options here, you’ll be sure to find something with an extra kick to go with your burger or other American fare. Choices include the Peppermint Junior with Peppermint Schnapps, the Tipsy Toast Crunch with RumChata and Fireball, and the Cookie Dough with cookie dough whiskey. 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston), and 2911 District Ave., Fairfax (Mosaic District)