Rooftop dining, alfresco sipping, beer garden lounging... summer is coming. There’s nothing like soaking up the sun and we've got just the thing to keep you hydrated. London is home to some of the world’s best bars, so why settle for a boring old drink when you can get a world-class creation which tastes every bit as cool as it looks? We've rounded up 9 of the best frozen cocktails in London; from posh pina coladas to margarita slushies... and here's where you'll find them.
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The Prosecco One: Pastaio
Sure, you've seen Pastaio's tasty Italian plates, but how about the drinks? Previous years have seen exclusive slushy series' and special collaborations, but the Soho favourite is known for its prosecco slushies (£10) that are available all season long. Get a taste of the lemon and grappa flavour, or push the boat out with a blood orange-tipped Campari mix; both paired well with all sorts of fresh pasta or an indulgent affogato for dessert. The interiors are just as exciting as the drinks here, with furnishings by Tom Dixon and vibrant patterns across the walls.
Pastaio is known for having some of the best cheap frozen cocktails in London.
The One With The Views: Circe's
If you're looking for a gorgeous spot to enjoy your chilled concoctions in, it doesn't get much better than Circe's in Waterloo. This stunning rooftop bar fronts beautiful pink furnishings, as well as unbeatable views of the city from its three different terraces. They're offering a range of refreshing frozen cocktails, with flavours that you can mix and match - including a pina colada, strawberry daquiri and a passionfruit margarita (all £10.50).
For a frozen daquiri in London with views like no other, check out Circe's.
The Frosè One: Funkidory
Frozen paloma, you say? That's right. The geniuses at Peckham-based Funkidory have taken the quintessential grapefruit sip and raised it to new heights. A frosty blend of Agave Blanco tequila, rosé wine and homemade grapefruit cordial, the frosè paloma (£11) is the perfect companion while you're soaking up the soundtrack of funk and hip hop at this relaxed neighbourhood bar. This spot also doubles as a vinyl shop, what more could you want?
Think you know frosé? This year it's going grapefruit.
The Italian One: Swift
Been searching for 'frozen cocktail near me' lately? Then check out this pick. A staple of Soho’s cocktail scene, Swift is known for its world-class drinks like the famous Irish coffee. From the brains behind Nightjar and Oriole, this spot on Old Compton Street champions innovative cocktails and the Sgroppino (£9) embodies this. Short and light, the frothy creation is an airy mixture of prosecco and Italicus, topped with tangy lemon sorbet. You’ll find it on the menu upstairs, where the bar is brightly lit with Art Deco features and high stools.
Keep your cool with this Italian pick.
The One On A Beach: Big Penny Social
Big Penny Social are transforming their outdoor space into a beach-inspired pop-up this summer, one that's aptly named Walthamstow-On-Sea. Deck chairs, sand pits and bookable quaint huts complete the look, while you can expect a few frozen cocktails slung out by the bar. Not only that, but you can use your cooling drinks to wash down fish 'n' chips and soft-serve 99s complete with a flake.
Pair sun, sands and sips here.
The One With The Boozy Slushies: Double Standard
Part of the luxurious The Standard hotel in Kings Cross, Double Standard is a 70s-inspired bar and terrace that's known for boozy brunches in a swish setting. That's not all though, as their drinks selection also features not one, but two slushy spritz cocktails. Choose between the Aperol and grapefruit or a vodka-infused peach iced tea (both £12.50), while boogieing to live DJ sets or munching on small plates from their American-style menu.
For a frozen cocktail bar in London, you can't go wrong with Double Standard.
The Fancy One: Coupette
Curated by some of East London's finest bartenders, the cocktail menu at Coupette encapsulates French cultural icons from the worlds of art, music, photography and dance. The epitome of this is the award-winning Champagne pina colada (£13), which is probably the classiest you’ll ever find. It's a velvety combination of Havana Club, Kingston 62, pineapple and coconut sorbet topped with Moet & Chandon for a fizzy finish. You'll find these classy venues in Bethnal Green and Soho, and you can also get your hands on tasty eats like wagyu burgers and ratatouille tacos while you're there.
You won't get much swankier than this Champagne pina colada.
The One With A Happy Hour: Los Mochis
Notting Hill favourite Los Mochis isn't only known for its elevated Mexican-Japanese fusion food. Oh no, this lively restaurant also caters to you frozen fiends with a happy hour dedicated to their frosty take on a classic. Stop by from Monday to Thursday between 5pm and 7pm, when you can lap up two for one frozen palomas (£12). They also offer two other frosty favourites - the yuzu jasmine margarita or the cherry hibiscus margarita (both £14).
Buy one get one free never looked so good.
The Aperol One: Seabird
Is there anything better on a summer's day than an Aperol spritz? There is now - a frozen Aperol spritz (£15) from Seabird. This gorgeous restaurant can be found on top of The Hoxton Hotel in Southwark, promising stunning views of South London alongside a menu of fresh seafood, including the largest oyster list in the whole city. Sip a frosty blend while looking out over the capital's amazing sights - making for a perfect Instagram picture.
The ultimate summer drink has just stepped its game up.
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