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.
Photos by Hailey Bollinger, Patty Salas and Ty Wesselkamper
21c Museum Hotel’s Cocktail Terrace 609 Walnut St., Downtown Pop-tails from 21c’s Cocktail Terrace Photo: Hailey Bollinger Hailey Bollinger and Kelly Coleman
21c Museum Hotel 609 Walnut St., Downtown Take a secret elevator ride to the seasonal 21c Museum Hotel 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. Photo: Hailey Bollinger Hailey Bollinger, Patty Salas and Ty Wesselkamper
Cabana on the River 7445 Forbes Road, Green Township Cabana on the River 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. Photo: Hailey Bollinger Hailey Bollinger, Patty Salas and Ty Wesselkamper
Hailey Bollinger, Patty Salas and Ty Wesselkamper
16-Bit Bar+Arcade 1331 Walnut St., OTR 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. Photo: Patty Salas Hailey Bollinger, Patty Salas and Ty Wesselkamper
Hailey Bollinger, Patty Salas and Ty Wesselkamper
Queen City Radio 222 W. 12th St., OTR Head to the beer garden at Queen City Radio for a local pint, boozy slushies, wine, cocktails and adult-themed treats like alcohol-infused popsicles. Photo: Hailey Bollinger Hailey Bollinger, Patty Salas and Ty Wesselkamper
The Video Archive 965 E. McMillan Road, East Walnut Hills The Video Archive 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. Photo: Ty Wesselkamper Hailey Bollinger, Patty Salas and Ty Wesselkamper