Summer Sippin' Sets Record

As I fervently scrutinized the extraordinary roster of contestants, my inquisitiveness was piqued by Roswell Beer Market by Stout Brothers and Proper Hop Taphouse. Both have imposing beer lists with elite rotating selections from around the state and US. However, Summer Sippin’ generally focuses on mixed drinks concocted for the months-long festival. What possibly could my favorite tap houses be presenting? A summer shandy perhaps? Good guess, but no on both accounts.

The Roswell Beer Market will be paying homage to the great state of Georgia, with a Wild Leap Creamsicle Mojito mixed with fruited sour ale, King of Pops popsicle, and topped with jelly bean and strawberry whipped toppings. For those who don’t imbibe as often as I do, Wild Leap is one of the premier breweries in the state, with their original location in LaGrange. King of Pops is a longstanding local gourmet popsicle provisioner. Patrick Ellrich of Proper Hop Taphouse counters with Proper Punch, consisting of light lager, ginger ale, and fresh pineapple juice.

Surely Summit Coffee will be among those serving booze-free gulps. Don’t assume. The Petal Punch may be Roswell’s retort to the mint julep. Described as a “floral and fruity drink” with hibiscus berry tea, Woodford Reserve bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup.

All three of veteran restaurateur Ryan Pernice’s will be partaking: Table & Main, Osteria Mattone, and Casa Robles. Southern food staple Table & Main boasts a Paloma Spritz consisting of El Jimador tequila, Pamplemousse liqueur, Ruby Red grapefruit rose, and fresh lime.

Bask Steakhouse is one of the most prodigious restaurants to ever open its doors in East Roswell. Before and after savoring some Pittsburgh rare prime steak, enjoy the Lost Boys cocktail with reposed tequila, blood peach syrup, peach liquor, peach bitters and lemon juice. Extra points to the fact the peach liquor is produced by Roswell’s own Blended Family Spirits. Sister restaurant From the Earth with be participating with Edge of the Ocean.

Breakfast and lunch megastar Gracious Plenty enters the chat with the quintessential summer sip Limonda: cream of coconut, lime juice, lemon juice, vodka.

Fittingly, Lucky’s Burger & Brew, the most dog friendly restaurant in the Roz, will be showing off The Dog in Heat, cooling us off with cucumber vodka, fresh lime juice, agave, kiwi juice, and watermelon puree. This sound like the flawless pick-me-up to counter the hot summer in Lucky’s large outdoor area, hospitable to both two and four-legged creatures.

Not only does Lola’s Burger & Tequila Bar provide some of the best food at any sports bar, but also their Tequila Me Pink with two tequilas, vodka, coconut milk, lime juice, and more, the perfect pairing to watch Braves baseball on one of the best big screens this side of the Battery.

Rock n Taco can also make a strong declaration that they exhibit the top large TV for sports watching. Born to Rum ingredients include two rums, simple syrup, mint leaves, fresh lime, and a splash of soda water. Born to Rum sounds like the ideal beverage for Bruce Summer(Sippin’)steen.

Vin 25 is universally esteemed for one of the foremost wine lists in the area, but also offers Lord Grey Whale, with Grey Whale gin and a sour from Decatur brewery Three Taverns.

Stop by and say hi to affable GM Smokie Paris at Wegman’s Bayou Louisiana Kitchen and relish both top-shelf Cajun cuisine and Bayou Pain Killer with two rums from Don Q, plus cream of coconut and orange juices.

54 Meadery is as well-hidden as any food and beverage place in Roswell but is more than worth seeking out. Next visit, I will sip the summertime sangria with mead, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, oranges.

Few restaurants have filled the tables for as many years as Crabapple Tavern, a popular vendor of American dining staples, now complemented with Spicy Watermelon Mule with cucumber mint vodka from Ketel One, watermelon pucker, lime juice and for a nice kick, they add jalapeno.

One more Ketel One infused drink will be featured at Peach & The Pork Chop, one of the greatest family friendly restaurants in Roswell history. Sex on the Peach will also include peach schnapps, cranberry and orange juices. It will pair well with the best club sammich for many miles. Don’t dare skip their Pittsburgh plate as an appetizer.

Teetotalers and underaged don’t need to be on the outside. Crazy Love Coffee will feature alcohol-free Whip and Sip with iced milk topped with light and fluffy whipped coffee drizzled with caramel and dusted with a sprinkle of salt. Doodle Pies is a relative newcomer but has turned west Roswell on its head with their life-altering sweet and savory pies. Another friendly-for-kids drink is Doodle’s Shake Your Pie with pie filling, milk, ice cream, cherry or apple pie, whipped cream, sprinkles, and a cherry. An additional booze freeze option comes from Pop’s Coffee Company, orange extract, vanilla syrup, two shots of espresso, and milk of choice.

While Canton Street is perfect for a Summer Sippin’ crawl, Roswell has impressive food and beverage alternatives in every part of the city. A notable roster of high-end special occasion and budget-friendly restaurants, breweries, health-food options, dessert emporiums, and one of the few meaderies in the state are teaming up for months of good sippin’. Meet me at the bar.

Running now through August 15th, Summer Sippin' features over 60 Roswell-based food and beverage establishments, each offering a specialty drink in this community-focused competition. As a patron, visit www.summersippin.com to learn more about each participant's drink. Visit the establishment, order the drink and enjoy, then rank it at summersippin.com or on the Summer Sippin' app (available in the App Store or through Google Play). At the end of the summer, we'll crown the best alcoholic winner and non-alcoholic winner based on your votes.

All photography by Angie Webb Photography