by Talia Kleinplatz | Summer is finally upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with some refreshing summer sippers? Here are five of my current favourites for your ranking consideration.

Hello Sailor | Grapes & Soda | 1541 West 6th Ave | SOUTH GRANVILLE | www.grapesandsoda.ca | Grapes & Soda has fast become one of my favourite cocktail spots in the city. I like to try something different every time I visit, but I keep coming back to the Hello Sailor – a delicious combination of spiced rum, cardamom, vanilla and grapefruit.

El Burro | The Acorn | 3995 Main St. | MAIN STREET | www.theacornrestaurant.ca | Summers are made for tequila cocktails and the folks at The Acorn are offering up something quite special for the season. A little spicy, a little sweet, the El Burro hits all the right notes of a perfect, warm weather sipper.

Mint Julep | The Diamond | 6 Powell St. | GASTOWN | www.di6mond.com | Pull out your derby hats and put on your racetrack finest, because it’s Mint Julep season! Head on over to The Diamond for this southern staple because few things are more refreshing than bourbon, sugar and mint served over crushed ice.

Le Grande Smash | AnnaLena | 1809 West 1st Ave. | KITSILANO | www.annalena.ca | The classic smash generally includes ice, fruit and spirit. AnnaLena’s Le Grande Smash – gin, pear vermouth, Grand Marnier, orgeat, mint, cucumber and melon – ticks all the boxes and then some. Give this lovely riff on the classic a try!

Singapore Sling | Kissa Tanto | 263 East Pender St. | CHINATOWN | www.kissatanto.com | Brand new Kissa Tanto not only dishes delicious food but also puts out an exquisitely executed selection of vintage cocktails. With Wendy McGuinness at the bar’s helm, drinks are always done right, particularly the Singapore Sling – a classic!

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