An (Adult) Guide to Summer Cool-Aids

It's hot and it's the early evening. The people of La Grange and La Grange Park need something to cool off with or even just to reward themselves for their day's efforts. Something that says "I'm an adult," I deserve this," or simply "Ahhhh."

Instead of searching all over while your temperature rises, try these drinks—because even their names evoke the soothing image of condensation on an ice-cold bottle.

Casa Margarita, 32 South La Grange Road, seems like a suburban tropical paradise with seating outside to catch some sun, or a floral, colorful, breezy inside for cover. With $8 to $13, one can try any of several margaritas—from classic frozen or on the rocks, to a unique Margarita Sangria. The addition of sangria makes it colorful, tart, sweet and refreshing.

Palmer Place, 56 South La Grange Road, offers a biergarten—with seating for 350 in the sun, under the shade of its colorful umbrellas,  or upstairs for a more airy feel—thirty-five beers on tap, and another 300 bottled. That said, the list can be overwhelming, but considering the sweltering conditions, a Dog Fish Head Festina Pesce for $6.50 is crisp, refreshing, effervescent, and made with peaches, but not sweet or fruity.

Nickson's Eatery, 30 South La Grange Road,  is the place to avoid the rif-raf. There is a cozy bar tucked away at the back of the dining area and several tables outside. No matter what time or day it is, Nickson's Southern Afternoon sounds unique and different. Made with dragon fruit, watermelon liqueur, lemonade and served in a mason jar mug over ice, the drink offers the right amount of sweetness and tartness with hint of watermelon.

Prasino, 93 South La Grange Road, offers a long patio, for the people watchers out there, and a fresh cocktail menu to boot. The organic beer is great here, but how about an Acai Mojito as a new twist on an old favorite. It is made with New Holland Freshwater Rum, Veev acai berry liqueur, agave nectar, fresh mint, fresh lime, and soda. The acai and mint add for a refreshing kick smoothed by the agave nectar. Spend $7 to $10, cool off and watch the people pass by.