5 Charlotte summer cocktails you should be sipping on

It’s summer sipping time! Here are five drinks created by local mixologists in some of Charlotte’s favorite restaurants. These libations, made with premium liquors, fresh fruit and even popsicles, might make you wish it was summer in Charlotte all year long.

King of the Mountain, The Punch Room

201 E. Trade St.

Created by award-winning craft mixologist Bob Peters, the King of the Mountain cocktail includes rye whiskey, muddled blackberries, Licor 43 and ginger honey syrup. $17

A photo posted by The Punch Room (@thepunchroom) on Jul 18, 2016 at 10:11am PDT

The Hemingway, Vivace

1100 Metropolitan Ave., Building E, Suite 100



This beverage couldn’t be anything less than civilized — with a surprising medley of flavors that should be savored. The ingredients: Don Q Rum, grapefruit juice, lime juice, Luxardo, simple syrup and a Maraschino cherry garnish. $9.

A photo posted by Vivace Charlotte (@vivacecharlotte) on Jul 26, 2016 at 3:34pm PDT

St. Lucia Rum Punch, Passion8

1523 Elizabeth Ave.

Go to the islands in your mind with this concoction by head bartender Max Gilland that includes Kraken rum, fresh pineapple and lime juice, Amarena cherries and a dash of freshly-grated nutmeg. Gilland suggested remembering the drink with a fun rhyme he learned from an old islander while traveling — “one of sour, two of sweet, three of strong, four of weak.” $11

The Blueberry Smash, The Summit Room

1531 East Blvd.

When a drink just sounds like fun — and looks like the same — you must give it a try. The Blueberry Smash mixes together Tito’s vodka, fresh-squeezed lemon sour, fresh-squeezed lime sour and muddled blueberries for a refreshing beverage with a side of citrus to make your lips pucker. $11

A photo posted by MyFab5 Charlotte (@bestfoodcharlotte) on Mar 31, 2016 at 7:31pm PDT

Sparkle & Pop, City Lights Rooftop

555 S. McDowell St.

The most-talked about summer sip made its debut at Le Meridien Charlotte and sparked many Instagram posts. For the Sparkle & Pop, you choose your favorite sparkling wine (Cava, Prosecco, brut, rosé) and pair it with a Kings of Pops ice pop. This week’s flavor: Blackberry Ginger Lemonade. $14

A photo posted by City Lights Rooftop (@citylightsrooftop) on Jun 17, 2016 at 6:05am PDT

Photo: Courtesy of Passion8

This story was originally published August 5, 2016 at 12:02 AM with the headline "5 Charlotte summer cocktails you should be sipping on."