A Splash of Summer

To kick off summer, EIL made a tour of some of the bars around the Golden Isles and asked the bartenders to show off some of their hot weather refreshers. When you hear what’s in some of these thirst-quenching concoctions, you’ll want to make some Happy Hour rounds of your own!

DRIFTWOOD MULE - BEACH HOUSE TAP ROOM

At the new Beach House Tap Room, next to the Jekyll Island Holiday Inn, Jacob is happy to find locals and Jekyll visitors alike a tropical cocktail to meet their tastes. The Driftwood Mule is a popular choice with its Southern twist on the classic mule. Comprised of 229 Peach Vodka, 18-21 Spicy Ginger Bitters, club soda, and Rose’s lime juice. Served over ice and garnished with a wedge of lime. The Beach House offers outdoor dining, daily happy hour and live music in an upbeat atmosphere which beckons you to relax and unwind. The view is incredible!

MULLET PAINKILLER - MULLET BAY

Can you tell that Rees and Patrick are excited to show off the new summer cocktail menu?! Their choice for this season’s chilled refreshment is the Mullet Painkiller. This fruity rum drink is a potent punch of coconut cream, white rum, Meyers dark rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, blended with ice and topped with nutmeg. Happy Hour at the bar daily from 4:00-6:30 p.m. $1 off bottle beer, $2 select drafts, $3 well drinks, $4 select wines, $5 Happy Hour appetizers. Live music on the weekends.

SPICY PEACH MARGARITA - HALYARDS

Ricky suggests we spice things up Southern-style with this Spicy Peach Margarita at Halyards. The top-notch bar staff here are pros at whipping up specialty signature cocktails. Sitting on the swing outside and sipping one of these delightful drinks is a great way to spend an evening. Ingredients are muddled peaches, blue agave, lime juice and Tanteo Jalapeno Tequila poured into a glass with Tajin (Mexican spice) on the rim. Happy Hour at Halyards is 5:00-6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Half off wines by the glass, draft beer, and well drinks. 30% off appetizers, soups, and salads.

ISLAND BLUE - TRAMICI NEIGHBORHOOD ITALIAN

Being blue isn’t always a bad thing. This Island Blue specialty cocktail served up by Emmy at Tramici Neighborhood Italian is something that will put a smile on your face! Blueberry compote is mixed with blueberry vodka, triple sec, and simple syrup, with a splash of lime juice. Served chilled over ice, garnished with mint and a wedge of lime. Tramici’s Happy Hour is 5:00-6:30 p.m. $3 Peroni draft, $4 house wine, and $5 well drinks. Tramici still offers the Movie Night at the Bar special where you can enjoy a slice of pizza, soup or salad, any beer, house wine or well liquor, and get a movie pass for Island Cinema (across the parking lot) and a theatre popcorn all for only $19. Available only at the bar on a first come, first serve basis.

WILD ORCHID MARTINI - VILLAGE INN & PUB

As always, RB at Village Inn & Pub is all smiles as he helps us welcome summer with a Wild Orchid Martini. A far cry from your 007 version, this tasty concoction has Sugar Island coconut rum, vanilla vodka and pineapple juice shaken with ice and strained into a glass. Chambord is added as a final touch. The Pub opens daily at 5:00 p.m. Happy Hour is 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Trivia on Wednesday nights.  music Thursday through Saturday nights.

HENDRICK'S REFRESHER - MELLOW MUSHROOM

Cool as a cucumber! Matthew at Mellow Mushroom serves up a Hendrick’s Refresher that’s like a cocktail version of a splash in the pool! Cucumber slices are muddled with St. Germain, then mixed with Hendrick’s Gin and agave sour, chilled, strained into glass over ice and garnished with cucumber and basil. Happy Hour is every day from 2:00-6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. until close. Specials: $3 domestic beers, $4 house wines, $2 pizza slices, and $1 Mellow bites appetizers.

CLASSIC MOJITO - DEL SUR ARTISAN EATS

At Del Sur, a classic Mojito served up by Krisann is a taste of Cuba on our own little island. Imagine the sandy beaches and colorful umbrellas, the sound of waves splashing. Or maybe just walk down to the pier to hear it yourself after you enjoy your drinks or dinner!  It’s Don Q Puerto Rican Rum and Bacardi Anejo Rum mixed with simple syrup, muddled fresh mint, and lime juice, served chilled over ice and garnished with mint and a wedge of lime. Del Sur has Happy Hour on the patio with 2 for 1 drinks from 5:00-6:30 p.m. daily.

BOURBON WHISKEY SOUR - CERTIFIED BURGERS & BEVERAGE

The bar crew at Certified Burgers & Beverage pour some amazing cocktails. The use of egg whites in their house margarita and this surprisingly summery Bourbon Whiskey Sour bring their drinks to the next level. Featuring Old Forrester Bourbon, orange curacao, lemon juice and simple syrup. The whipped egg white provides the froth. Happy Hour so nice they do it twice! Every day from 2:00-6:00 p.m. then again from 9:00 p.m. to close. $3 specials on food and drinks.

BERRY SANGRIA - THE HALF SHELL AT THE PIER

Steamy days and sangria go hand in hand. Niles uses local organic berries to make a delicious version of the fruit heavy Spanish wine drink. This sangria features local organic strawberries and blueberries, chardonnay and blackberry liqueur with a splash of ginger ale. Happy Hour at The Half Shell is from 5:00-6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 4:00-6:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Half off draft beers, house wines, and well drinks.

SUMMERTIME MINT LEMONADE - GEORGIA SEA GRILL

This Summertime Mint Lemonade suggested by Alex at Georgia Sea Grill makes you think of front porch swings and cool breezes. It is a mix of Dixie Mint Vodka, fresh squeezed lemons, agave nectar and St. Germain elder flower liqueur. Mixed, chilled, and poured into a tall glass over ice. First Call is 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. every day, with $3 house wines, $3 well drinks, $2 domestic bottles, and $5 First Call menu appetizers. Only available in the piano bar and wine bar.

SEX ON THE PEACH - CRABDADDY'S SEAFOOD GRILL

Crabdaddy’s bread pudding may be a real island favorite, but their specialty cocktails are just as much of a treat! Brigitte says there’s nothing that says summer on a South Georgia island better than a Sex on the Peach! It’s Fruitland Augusta Georgia Peach Vodka, Peach Stirrings, freshly squeezed orange juice, and cranberry juice, chilled and served over ice with a peach garnish. Crabdaddy’s is open from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. Their specialty cocktail menu includes Sangria, a Banana Boat, and a White Squirrel Nut, among other delights.

SUMMER GIN SPRITZ - DELANEY'S BISTRO & BAR

Crisp mint and fragrant lime make the Summer Gin Spritz from Michael at Delaney’s Bistro a perfect go-to on even the hottest day! Muddled mint, juice from one whole lime, simple syrup and prosecco are mixed with Hendrick’s Gin and served chilled over ice for this delightful drink. The bar at Delaney’s features an innovated tapas menu, along with signature cocktails and an expansive wine list.

WATERMELON MARGARITA - LOCOS GRILL & PUB

At Locos, Greg mixed us up a Watermelon Margarita that’s pure summertime in your mouth. And no seeds! Made with Watermelon Pucker liqueur, Jose Cuervo tequila, sour mix, and lime juice mixed, and served up in chilled glass with a salted rim. The bar is open until 1:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday and until 11:00 p.m. on Sunday. Trivia on Tuesday. Open mic night on Thursda//y, and live music Wednesday and Sunday nights.

This summer, stop by and see your favorite bartenders and enjoy a drink or two. There’s plenty of time to try them all or come up with your own!