Pool Bar and Bodega
900 W. Main St.
poolbarokc.com
405-982-6900
You won’t find a better place to cool down than Fordson Hotel’s Pool Bar and Bodega. Head over to the West Village for the pool, cabanas and DJs, and stay for the summer cocktails of your dreams. One sip of the Jalapeño Black Cherry Margarita will have you in the mood for summertime shenanigans. Crafted with blanco tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice and agave syrup, it’s finished with a house-made jalapeño and black cherry grenadine.
Later Bye
301 NW 13th St., Suite 101
laterbyeokc.com
405-768-3208
Despite becoming one of the most sought-after seats in the city, pocket-sized Later Bye has stuck to its guns, bringing unique flavors to a diverse crowd of devotees. This summer, we’re putting on the out-of-office message for the TTYL featuring nori-infused tequila, yuzu Curaçao, lime and salted tomato oleo. Catch the aperitivo hour 3-5 p.m. for an affordable afternoon getaway. No passport required!
Good For a Few
1705 NW 16th St., Suite B
goodforafew.com
Head to Plaza’s hidden cocktail bar when you’re ready to trade the blazing sun for somewhere cool, dark and moody. We can’t get enough of the tropical and beautiful Papaya Anthem, built on Planteray Rum 3 Stars and Smith & Cross rum, then highlighted with peppered papaya syrup, carrot juice, lime and Coco Lopez and finished with edible flowers from local purveyor Tessa Linville. Or try its summery, herby take on a gin fizz, Octopus’s Garden. “Good” doesn’t even begin to cover it.
SPARK
300 Oklahoma City Blvd.
eatatspark.com
405-900-5921
The iconic Club Special was invented right here in Oklahoma City by a bartender at Twin Hills Golf & Country Club. Countless approximations and appropriations have made their way through this market, but leave it to the good folks at The Social Order’s SPARK to improve the original by serving up the Frozen Club Special and her fancy cousins: Park Peach, Blackberry Sage, Pineapple Jalapeño and Grapefruit Lavender.
Palo Santo
1203 SW Second St.
palosantobar.com
405-594-3676
Palo Santo knows not to mess with a good thing. That’s why every summer, when the peaches and watermelon reach their prime, Palo Santo rolls out its seasonal tentpoles.
The fantastic Verano de Sandía is composed of blanco tequila, fresh watermelon juice, serrano, Manzanilla sherry, lime and chile salt. The Fuzzy Butt Rubs features mezcal, peach oleo, Amaro Nonino, Bordiga Bianco, lemon, and gusano salt. The drink’s funny name will give you the warm fuzzies.
The Jones Assembly
901 W. Sheridan Ave.
thejonesassembly.com
405-212-2378
When you think of perfect summer bevvies, you may automatically default to dreams of Jones’ famous frosé, and we can’t blame you. But the hottest days call for something a bit stronger. We suggest Haterade, a mix of Tito’s vodka, Italicus, melon, lemon and electrolytes. Six specialty cocktails are on the summer drink menu, proving once again why TJA reigns supreme.
Flamingo TIKI
605 NW 28th St.
osopaseo.com
405-309-8226
Oso on Paseo’s boozy little sister brings tropical vibes to OKC 365 days a year, and the dog days of summer are no exception. Within the walls of the hot pink stucco, you’ll find cool breezes, traditional tiki cocktails and island-inspired tapas from Oso. Flamingo boasts over 20 specialty tiki drinks. During summer, it’s hard to beat the Dole Whip: Take a delicious pineapple soft serve, then top it with your choice of rum.
This article appears in Best of OKC 2025.