5 Swelter-Soothing City Summer Sips

Summer 2026 has been quite a sizzler thus far with temperatures that have had everybody racing for the beaches, the central air, and lots of big cold drinks. While water is the most recommended mode of hydration, this season also calls to mind other types of drinks that refresh, renew, and even recall memorable times with family and friends. With that in mind, this reporter decided to travel through the city – and a bit of nostalgia – to find the drinks that have made – and will continue to make — my summers less sweltering and much sweeter. I came up with five recommendations, in no specific order, and in the coming paragraphs you will understand why.

Sun Cooler – Café Java

Anyone who goes to this 59 Elm St. institution has seen that sign on the counter, the one that exclaims “IT’S BACK!” hailing the annual return of the Sun Cooler. The sign lists the drink’s ingredients: “A refreshing blend of green and mint tea, lemonade, peach nectar, and fresh lemon.” The first time I saw the sign and contemplated that combo, I was intrigued. After the first taste, I was hooked. The four distinct flavors meld so seamlessly into one another, no single one outweighing the rest. Refreshing, indeed, and also quite endearing.

After years of drinking such a wonderful concoction I needed to know: who came up with this recipe?

Turns out, the Sun Cooler was first made by Bruce Ramirez, who along with his wife Cindy Ramirez and Kurt Vegen are the equally endearing trio who greet and treat all of Café Java’s customers with kindness as well as serve up breakfast and lunch five days a week. Trial and error while working on a seasonal drink special led him to this now perennial favorite which is served from spring to fall. The three concluded that the drink has been around for about eight years now. (The café itself has been around for 12.) If it happens to be a cloudy or rainy day, it will bring the sunshine straight to you.

Lavendar Lemonade – Koffee?

Speaking of rainy days, I was reminded of this lovely and luscious drink on a recent not-so great-day weather wise, knowing it would perk me up immediately. A regular menu item available any time of year at the Audubon Street shop, it has two ingredients: lavender syrup and lemonade, both made in house.

On this particular day I got mine for there which meant it was served in a mason jar. The subtle glow through the etched glass from yellow to purple as the two parts of the drink melded into one amongst the ice cubes was mesmerizing and soothing.

I recalled having many of these drinks when I was a teacher at ECA just down the street, how reviving they tasted as that post lunch fatigue attempted to settle in before I met with my class. Often when lavender is added to a food or drink it can taste a bit too earthy for some, but not in this drink. Instead, it is smooth and fresh, lifting the lemon to a more heavenly place. As I ended up more crunched for time than I originally thought I transferred the remaining drink to a plastic cup and made my way out into the greyness of the city with my own little fistful of sunshine, once again revived. I am meeting up with a former student there in a couple of weeks. I know exactly what I’ll be ordering.

Shaken Mango Cold Brew – Spruce Coffee

Have you ever had a day when your plans went awry? I was having one of those days about a week ago and ended up at Spruce at 952 State St., needing the morning coffee that I had missed earlier. Their specials board boasted a fabulous array of choices but one spoke to me louder than the rest: “Shaken Mango Cold Brew – house made cold brew shaken with mango puree (this creates a layer of foam on top similar to a nitro cold brew!).” Confession: While I enjoy a cold foam latte type iced coffee drink once in a while, I mostly prefer black coffee. The sweeteners used are often way too sweet for me. I also try to limit my dairy. This one sounded intriguing, was dairy free. I thought: Hey, why not try something new?

The first sip coaxed an audible “oooh” out of my mouth. Its amber color coaxed yet another. I don’t think I would have thought to put mango and coffee together, but it works exceedingly well. Both flavors are distinct, and together they are downright addictive.

Take note: this drink is a monthly special so it won’t be around once August comes. That’s why I went back to get another one yesterday and will be returning for as many as I can before July ends.

Red Sangria – Brazi’s Italian Restaurant

Another confession: Brazi’s Italian Restaurant on Long Wharf has been a mainstay in our family since they opened. Gatherings for anniversaries, birthdays, and other special occasions have happened here as well as weekly lunches with just me and my husband. I have made my way through the menus, but one order stands firm: when the warm weather hits, I want their red sangria.

On a recent visit, our server Camilla said it was the most popular of all the sangrias they make. A combination of lambrusco wine, Peachtree, triple sec, and pineapple juice over ice with slices of lemon, lime, and orange as well as cherries, it is a veritable party in a glass. More along the lines of a mixed drink than a glass of wine, the flavors all compliment each other in a way that makes each even better. Even my husband, who is not a fan of wine at all, enjoys its taste. Every person I have ever recommended it to has become a fan.

My family always made their own version of sangria, which was basically native peaches cut up in red wine. It was more about the fruit than the wine, the slices soaking up as much as they could to create their own deep reddened color and sweet tangy taste. It is one of many familial memories of summer that make me smile. And speaking of family, I give you my final selection:

Foxon Park Cherry Soda – available at pizza parlors, delis, and grocery stores throughout New Haven County (and beyond)

No drink reminds me of summer more than a Foxon Park Cherry soda. Not only did I grow up in Foxon – on Foxon Road no less — but my parents owned an open-air fruit and vegetable market on Foxon Road as well. Every summer they sold — along with fresh fruits, vegetables, and an array of other items — every flavor of Foxon Park soda in both large bottles and small (all glass in those days).

Most people think of Foxon Park soda as an accompaniment to their pizza, but for me it will always first and foremost be a treat I drank sitting on our picnic table out back in the summertime. I distinctly remember my parents telling me to go pick out whatever flavor I wanted and being excited to do so. I rarely picked anything else. Sure, I have had every flavor, enjoyed some more than others, and yes, of course, I have had (and still have) them with pizza as most people do. But summer always has and always will bring me to that singular bright red bubbly drink, nothing as simple or as sweet on a sweltering sunny day.

Everyone has their favorite and, not unlike with their chosen pizza, will stick up for their choice with gusto. We all know the allegiance to the white birch flavor, especially with pizza, is quite strong. I am here to say give the cherry a try. I suggest drinking it right out of the bottle, sitting outside some place where you can swing your legs and feel childlike and free.

Now it is your turn, New Haven. I honestly could have listed many more fabulous choices, but I would love to hear from you. Please tell us in the comment section what your favorite summer drink is and where in the city we can all get it!

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