Students raise their glasses to springtime

Fresh cucumber and lime with Bombay Sapphire and tonic water, pomegranate mojitos, fresh Sangria—as the sun warms New York and the days get longer, our cravings for the cool summer cocktail return.

Bartenders throughout the city compete constantly to come up with the most creative, innovative, and refreshing drinks. Finding the cocktails that satisfy New Yorkers can prove rather tricky. Not only do we expect great summer drinks, but we also expect reasonable prices and good atmosphere.

For a great happy hour with friends, try Citrus (320 Amsterdam Ave. at 75th Street). The drinks are tall and colorful, with a huge variety of fruity cocktails, including many variations on the margarita and mojito (cocktails are $9.75). Try the Island Hopper: Cruzan pineapple rum, midori, pineapple juice, coconut puree, and a splash of 7-up, or grab a bite of their Latin/Asian fusion cuisine.

For an A-list scene along with high-class cocktails, try Highbar (251 W. 48th St. at Eighth Avenue). You might miss the entrance—just look for the small red carpet and bouncer. Past the pretentious door screening lies an elevator up to a beautiful Miami-style rooftop featuring cabanas and a view of the midtown skyline.

Their cocktails run for $16, but they really are creative and refreshing. My personal favorite is the Vagabundo, which has Corzo Reposado Tequila, pineapple, celery, and lime agua fresca. The Wicket, essentially a gin and tonic with cucumber and lime, also hits the spot on a hot summer day.

Closer to home, Calle Ocho’s front bar (Columbus Avenue and 81st Street) produces some of the best mojitos and caipirinhas in the city. Cocktails are around $10, but on Mondays mojitos are half-price. The portions are generous, and the sweetness deceptively masks the high alcohol content. Those with the drunchies can order tapas at the bar, or move into the full dining room to order something more substantial.

In the neighborhood, Morningside Heights residents can rely on The Heights (Broadway between 111th and 112th streets) and its roof deck for that summer frozen margarita or fresh draft beer. During happy hour, these drinks cost only $4 each, making them both convenient and affordable.

The time to start enjoying that warm summer evening has arrived. Don’t miss out—before we know it the sun will set before happy hour begins and the warm nights will fade into fall.