Beach Daze
It’s Charleston, summer 2022. The temps are sweltering, the beaches are buzzing, the aroma of tanning oil wafts through the ocean breeze, and the boom box is blasting DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince’s “Summertime.” The only thing missing? A cold libation and a fish taco (or three). Plan accordingly and pop your towel down on a beach in close proximity one of these five standout spots for cocktails and beach bites this summer.
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina
Sullivan’s Island
Tried and true, the Bangin' Shrimp Taco, with lightly battered coastal shrimp, Bangin' Sauce and crisp cabbage, all doused in the Mex 1’s hot sauce, is the perfect post-beach bite—and begs for a margarita to wash it all down. Luckily for us, “tequila is the drink of the summer,” says beverage director, Morgan Hurley.
“Whether it be in a margarita or a drink with bubbles, it’s the perfect pairing for the sun seekers.”
For OG marg fans, The El Jefe Margarita is where it’s at, while the Sangria Swirl Frozen Margarita (lime frozen margarita mixed with house sangria,) will really cool things down. The Pineapple Ranch Water is Hurley’s go-to this summer. House-infused pineapple tequila is added to a bottle of Topo Chico sparkling water, rimmed with lime sugar and salt.
“It is light, refreshing and highly crushable,” Hurley says. “Until your next big adventure, we hope to provide you with the perfect little escape everyone needs.”
Islander 71
Isle of Palms
On the Isle of Palms sits Charleston’s latest, Islander 71, with views of the Intracoastal Waterway, lots of surf (aka sea snacks), elevated cocktails and a retro 1970s vibe. Perch on the deck and satisfy your post-swim seafood cravings with a fried fish sandwich, crab cakes and ceviche, and wash it down with a cold libation. The cocktail program is a play on classic 1970s cocktails, often referred to as boat drinks.
“Just think about coming off the boat and pulling up to a nice refreshing cocktail,” says beverage director Shannon Standhart. The Aloha Spritz, made with Chandon Garden Spritz, Valencia oranges, cardamom, passionfruit and club soda, is like an elevated mimosa. It’s “refreshing and easy sipping,” says Standhart. Once the boat is safely docked for the day, enjoy the fiery sunset with one of their signature drinks, A Day on the Waterway.
“It’s a play on the classic Blue Hawaiian, and a floater of Captain Morgan adds more spice to it,” says Standhart.
The CO-OP
Sullivan’s Island
Frosé is the way of summertime living on Sullivan’s Island. Crash course: The CO-OP is frosé-famous for making an actually palatablefrozen rosé cocktail.
“The consistency is similar to a frozen margarita, so it’s an absolute must while visiting the beaches of Charleston,” says owner Jess Patterson. This summer, brace yourself fora summerof frosé and sandwiches. Fuel up with a veggie sammie with house-made herb cheese (substitute herb cheese for avocado to make it full vegan), sprouts, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers and hummus, sandwiched between toasted multigrain bread.
“It's such a great sandwich because it fills you up but is still light enough that you feel great in your swimsuit,” says Patterson. A watermelon cucumber frosé is the perfect sandwich companion.
“It makes you feel like you’re lying on a massage table at a resort spa ready to be pampered all day long,” says Patterson.
The Longboard
Sullivan’s Island
Go for the daily rotating oyster happy hour (3pm to 5pm weekdays; 2pm to 5pm weekends) and locally sourced eats but linger for the ice-cold libations—and for the impressiverum list.
“There are numerous favorites ranging from lower-end mixing rums, to high-end sippers, and even some funky rums in between,” says beverage director Bill Rockefeller, who will school you on how to use the spirit to its advantage in different types of drinks: Pusser’s Navy Rum for juice-forward cocktails; Plantation XO for sipping; The Funk for a bartender’s wild card rum. A Frozen Painkiller is appropriate for any occasion, but especially a hot Carolina summer day.
“One sip in and you'll understand just why this is the self-proclaimed drink of the Virgin Islands,” says Rockefeller, reiterating toalways go for the rum floater! The Kokomo Express will keep the party going as the stirred concoction is crafted with house-made coffee cordials and a custom rum blend.
“The passion fruit foam topper provides just enough tropical notes to feel like your toes are already in the sand,” he says.
Sullivan’s Fish Camp
Sullivan’s Island
“At Sullivan’s Fish Camp, we want our guests to feel like they’ve stepped back in time, right back to the summer holidays on Sullivan’s Island,” says owner Ben Towill. The menu is a throwback to fish camp classics, like fried seafood baskets, but with an emphasis on using local seafood and produce.
“Our drinks menu is stocked with tiki cocktails, cold beers and perfect wines for a hot summer day—and don't be afraid to come in a bit sandy,” Towill says. Eat your way through the sea with the First Jetty Platter, equipped with 12 oysters, a pound of peel-and-eat shrimp and tuna—or indulge in poke or dayboat crudo for something a little more light and refreshing. Go with friends and enjoy the Big Gulp, a large-format cocktail that’s both cool andcool, that includes Flor de Caña, lime, orange, pineapple, passionfruit and falernum.
