Summer Cocktails

By Amanda Welch

Hey Huntsville! We are almost one month in to summer, and I’ve had a blast trying all the new specialty cocktails from the local bars, breweries, and hangouts. I wanted to share three of my favorite cocktails (so far) and honestly, it’s so hard to choose. I think y’all will enjoy these drinks as well, though! I based my decision on a certain taste. When I think summer cocktails, I immediately think light, fruity, and refreshing to cool me down during this sweltering Alabama heat. I had the pleasure of visiting Rhythm on Monroe, Catacomb 435, and Stone Age Korean BBQ over the past few weeks. It’s at these locations where I found my favorite summer cocktails!

Mars Mule – Rhythm on Monroe

I love a good mule during happy hour, and Rhythm on Monroe is serving them up hot (er… cold!). The Mars Mule is everything you want in a mule, but better. Served in a classic copper mug, it is cold and refreshing and the perfect complement for your appetizers. After a taste test, it is obvious the fresh blood orange and blood orange juice set this cocktail apart from the others. I personally love my mules with a strong bite of ginger beer, and the Mars Mule provided me with that pleasure. Rhythm on Monroe has a great happy hour, so I definitely suggest stopping by after work and relaxing with a Mars Mule at their rooftop bar!

Yummy Gummy – Stone Age Korean BBQ

I love Stone Age Korean BBQ for their delicious food, and now I love them for their drinks! Their Yummy Gummy cocktail is fruity, fun, and pretty! Make sure to remember to ask your server for the bubble on top! This pretty blue drink really does taste like a gummy bear! If you are wondering why the name of this cocktail is the “Yummy Gummy,” other than the taste, I’ll be happy to inform you it does indeed come with actual gummy bears soaked in alcohol! Our server told us we should definitely try them, so I had to be sure to be a good listener and eat my boozy gummy bears at the end! Or, if you’re daring like me, you could attempt to get them out with chopsticks (just try not to spill your beverage haha). Order the Yummy Gummy next time you go out for Korean BBQ at Stone Age, and you will find out why I loved this drink so much! It makes an already fun experience, even better!

“Mystery Drink” – Catacomb 435

The “mystery drink” from Catacomb 435 was definitely my favorite. When you order a drink from Catacomb, you will find a slip of paper where you mark your order; customers can choose from two flavors and one liquor per cocktail. I only had to order the one drink, because a Catacomb cocktail is potent! There were so many different flavors to choose from, but I went with fruity and tart. My liquor of choice was vodka. After filling out the order slip, I handed it to the bartender to let him work his magic. What I was handed was a flute of magical purple liquid courage, beautifully garnished with fresh mint. The color combo is what first attracted me to this drink, so if it tastes as good as it looks then we are GOLDEN. I took the first sip, and I was sold! The one aspect I did not anticipate was the bubbly, and that really made it perfect.

Huntsville has so many great options to grab a delicious drink. Be sure to check out these other locations, and maybe you can decide on YOUR favorite summer cocktail!

Straight to Ale, Yellowhammer, The Camp at Mid-City, SiP, The Bottle, Beezr, Phat Sammy’s, Stella’s, Purveyor, La Esquina Cocina, Liquor Express and Craft Beer Store, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Martin Bar and Bistro, Melt, Moe’s BBQ, Humphrey’s, Jefferson’s, Voodoo Lounge

Amanda Welch

Mandy Panda is a Huntsville native, who has a passion for fun, adventure, and living life to the fullest. She can be found gallivanting around Huntsville with her five year old daughter or her friends! Mandy holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from The University of Alabama in Huntsville. She is also a life loyal alumnae member of the sorority, Alpha Omicron Pi. Mandy was recently featured as the first Voice of Huntsville for The Scout Guide in December 2020. In her spare time, Mandy loves to hangout with family and friends, go on nature walks, paint, or play her ukulele. Be sure to follow her adventures on Instagram and YouTube!