Good Taste : Care for a drink? Part two

By Eleni Collins
Published: August 6, 2009

In honor of President Obama's visit to the Island, Sharky's has added an Obamarita to their extensive margarita menu ($8). Already a top-seller, the drink is made with his rumored favorite fruit, mandarin oranges, pureed with 100 percent real lemon and lime sour mix, triple sec, Sauza tequila, and a splash of pineapple juice to represent Hawaii, his birthplace.

Mika Gilmore pours some Passion Fruit Lemonades at Deon's Restaurant in Oak Bluffs. Photo by Eleni Collins

At Deon's on Circuit Avenue, the Passion Fruit Lemonade is often on the special board. It's made with citron, Stoli O vodka, Cointreau, passion fruit liquor, and homemade lemonade ($12). Another crowd favorite is the Cilantro (or basil) Stinger made with Hendricks gin, citron vodka, lime juice, simple syrup, cilantro or basil, and hot pepper ($12).

At State Road, bring your own booze to mix with several State Road Mixers, including the delicious Espresso Martini: one shot of espresso and equal parts gourmet hazelnut syrup and vanilla syrup; and the Shiso Mint Cool, made with shiso mint that grows in the restaurant's garden, pineapple, fresh lime, and soda. It goes well with any clear liquor: vodka, gin, light rum, and even champagne. All mixers are $8; $4 if made without alcohol.

Sharky's Obamarita is made with real mandarin orange puree, rumored to be President Obama's favorite fruit.

Chilmark Tavern is also BYOB with a great mixer menu. If you like bourbon, try the Bitter Islander: fresh bing cherries mixed with bitters and sugar. Or if you bring cava, gin, or vodka, try The Bee's Knees: elderflower, raw honey, and lemon. All mixers are $5.

Sweet Life Café has a cocktail menu that features refreshing drinks, some infused with Tea Forte tea bags that add flavor. The Melted Popsicle is Cognac, Amaretto, fresh lime juice, and a splash of cherry juice. The Lavender Limeade is Grey Goose vodka, limeade, club soda, and a lavender citrus infuser. The several dessert cocktails include The Wampum (Bailey's, Godiva chocolate liquor, and Chambord). All cocktails are $14.

Alchemy has become somewhat famous for their Mojito ($10), but other choices are the Koi Pond: Grey Goose Citron, Cointreau, lime juice, and cayenne pepper ($12); and the Raspberry-Lime Rickey: Beija cachaca, St-Germaine, sparkling wine, Mathilde Framboise, and lemon juice ($11).

At Atria, there's the Atria Sangria, made with Barossa Valley Shiraz, Myers rum, tropical fruit, and mint ($8). For the brandy-lover, there's the Peach Cobbler, made with VSOP brandy, Marie Brizard peach, and white peach puree. The CCC is for vodka-lovers: 44 North Huckleberry vodka, 44 North Rainier cherry vodka, and lemoncello. All cocktails are $13.

The Lampost's three floors of bars are super busy serving the dancing crowd. A good choice is Firefly's Sweet Tea vodka with water and a splash of sour mix ($8).