Drinks of the week

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The frozen Arnold Palmer, from the Big Dipper in Oak Bluffs. — Photo by Naomi Pallas

Each week The Times seeks out unique drinks, one with alcohol and one without, made on Martha’s Vineyard, and a bit about the people who make them. Email calendar@mvtimes.com with your suggestions.

The Big Dipper’s Frozen Arnold Palmer

When you stroll into downtown Oak Bluffs after a day at the beach, stop by the Big Dipper ice cream shop/café for a classic Arnold Palmer, but frozen.

Upon first walking in to the vibrant store at the foot of Circuit Avenue, your eye might be caught by the myriad ice cream varieties that make up half of the shop, but direct your attention to the other half to find this drink mingling on the menu among coffees, teas, and sandwiches. Enjoy it in the indoor dining area between bright pink wall pillars or on a bench outside overlooking The Flying Horses and Circuit Avenue.

Made with cold Del’s lemonade slush and iced black tea brewed onsite, the drink is a great way to cool down and get hydrated on a sweltering day and is just as refreshing as witnessing a hole-in-one by the professional golfer it was named after. The tea and lemon wedge balance the sweetness of the lemonade, but those with a bigger sweet tooth can order extra sugar or drink it alongside an apple Danish or doughnut from the same menu.

The drink comes in one size and costs $3.50.

Appetizers on ice at the M.V. Chowder Company

Martha’s Vineyard Chowder Company on Oak Bluffs Avenue in Oak Bluffs, known for its award-winning chowder, is serving up savory items in the dining room as well as behind the bar this summer.

The Bacon Me Crazy Martini begins with Tito’s Vodka, a small batch vodka made in Austin, Texas, which is lightly infused with bacon by Chowder Company (familiarly called Cho-co) bartenders. Pickle juice, olive juice, and a dash of Tabasco are added and shaken over ice. The drink is strained into a cocktail glass and topped with bacon bits and blue cheese stuffed olives and draped with a piece of crispy bacon. The Bacon Me Crazy Martini is $13.

Or try a Katama Bay oyster shooter, a shot with a freshly shucked oyster. Flavor combinations range from citrus vodka, cocktail sauce, horseradish, and Tabasco to Jameson Irish Whiskey and dill pickle juice. Summer-inspired oyster shooters include Hendricks Gin with a splash of soda and cucumber purée or Sam Summer Ale with a dash of Tabasco. El Tiburon Tequila with Bloody Mary mix and fresh lemon juice rounds out the shooters. Prices for shooters range from $5.50 to $7.50 or $31 for a sampler.

For more information, contact the Martha’s Vineyard Chowder Company at 508-696-3000 or visit mvchowder.com.