Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Week Returns September 23-29!

Nine Frosty Cincinnati Cocktails To Keep You Cool This Summer

Summertime heat is upon us. The days are long, the sun is (usually) shining and humidity is back in full force. You could stay indoors, watch Netflix and avoid it all together, or you could brave the heat and cool down with a boozy frozen treat. Because nothing says "adulting in the summer" like a frozen slushy full of liquor. Cincinnati offers a plethora of choices when it comes to grabbing a real frosty one. From buzzed milkshakes to popsicle cocktails and a wide range of boozy slushies, you're sure to find the right chilly treat to keep you cool.

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Photo: Hailey Bollinger

Take a secret elevator ride to the seasonal 21c Museum Hotel (609 Walnut St., Downtown) rooftop terrace and watch the sun set over downtown with a 'pop-tail' in hand. The uniquely flavored popsicles are made from scratch and then added to chilled spirits to be sipped, stirred or licked.

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Photo: Hailey Bollinger

Cabana on the River (7445 Forbes Road, Green Township) is a seasonal riverfront patio that offers guests an island paradise with palm trees, beach volleyball, bites and frozen drinks to keep cool in the summertime. The cabana offers four boozy frozen drinks to choose from including the Orange Creme made with vanilla vodka and orange cream mix.

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Photo: Ty Wesselkamper

Co-owners Cole and Shane Mounce opened Buzzed Bull Creamery (1408 Main St., OTR) in May of 2017. Fan-favorite Tiger Stripes shake is a tribute to the Cincinnati Bengals. Pictured is a Tiger Stripes Nitro Milkshake with spiced rum, chocolate peanut butter flavor, peanut butter cups and peanut butter sauce—all topped with whipped cream.

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Photo: Patty Salas

Second Place (3936 Spring Grove Ave., Northside) is a self-deprecating sports bar with outdoor ping pong, boozy slushies and free popcorn. Pictured is the Bourbon Slushy, made with bourbon, orange and light spices.

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Photo: Philip Heidenreich

With a giant shark figurine impaled on the sign, Ludlow Bromley Yacht Club (860 Elm St., Ludlow) has a definite sense of laid-back island humor — and cheap drinks. People might go for the irony, river views and glowing palm trees, but they stay for the grill-your-own steaks, live music and frozen drinks served in Styrofoam cups.

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Photo: Ty Wesselkamper

The Video Archive (965 E. McMillan Road, East Walnut Hills) is a nostalgic movie store that doubles as a speakeasy. Jason Keeney, general manager, says all drinks are inspired by Quentin Tarantino films, including the famous $5 milkshakes (vanilla, chocolate and strawberry). Pictured is a strawberry milkshake spiked with bourbon, milk, strawberry syrup and house-made bourbon whipped cream.

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Photo: Patty Salas

According to 16-Bit Bar + Arcade brand manager Bob Berley, "we love coming up with fun, new ways to infuse elements of nostalgia into our brand." In addition to their boozy Slush Puppies, the bar also offers a popsicle cocktail named Hulk Hogan made with vodka, lemonade and an Original Bomb Pop Popsicle.

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Photo: Philip Heidenreich

Head to the beer garden at Queen City Radio (222 W. 12th St., OTR) for a local pint, boozy slushies, wine, cocktails and adult-themed treats like alcohol-infused popsicles.

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Photo: Ty Wesselkamper

This frozen cocktail is called Love in an Elevator, made by Thomas, a bartender at Pontiac BBQ (1403 Vine St., OTR). The Mint Julep-inspired frozen cocktail is created with house-made frozen ginger peach beer, maple syrup and bourbon garnished with fresh mint.

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