Imagine laying out by the pool, soaking up the sun with a cool drink in hand—it’s the quintessential summer pastime in Chandler. If you’re looking to make a splash at your next pool party (socially distanced, of course), order up a round of these perfect poolside cocktails straight from your neighborhood eatery or bar.
Gadzooks Enchilada & Soup
The latest addition to Downtown Chandler’s food and drink scene not only serves a unique style of fast-casual Mexican fare, but also offers great cocktails to wash it all down with. Whether you’re dining in or taking it to go, the Osborn Oro Margarita is a fan favorite. Made fresh in-house, the signature drink features fresh-squeezed pink grapefruit and lime juices, Cointreau, tequila and a splash of brown sugar simple syrup. Available by the cup or the gallon, the Gadzooks margarita promises to keep you feeling cool and refreshed on a hot summer day.
Map: 290 S. Arizona Ave. or (602) 279-5080
Jeremiah’s Italian Ice
Planning to whip up a few boozy frozen drinks at your next backyard gathering? If so, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice is the place to go. Pick up a few quarts of their Italian ice—available in a variety of fruit flavors and, of course, piña colada—and have fun mixing them with your favorite spirits. Owner Abbie Mirata suggests her favorite blend of piña colada and mango Italian ice mixed with rum, and encourages patrons to experiment with a variety of flavors from strawberry lemon, orange smash and black cherry. The frozen drinks could easily be adapted to make the perfect non-alcoholic version by blending the Italian ice with some lemon-lime soda – perfect for the kids and those looking or a virgin cocktail option.
Map: 4050 S. Alma School Road or (480) 702-0211
Pedal Haus Brewery
While Pedal Haus is known for its award-winning beers (they won a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival in 2018 and were named Best Brewery in The United States at the 2019 Copa Cerveza de Americas), the popular brewery sure makes a mean cocktail. Case in point, the Haus Margarita, made with 100 percent blue Weber agave tequila, housemade sweet-and-sour, and orange liqueur. Or try the watermelon margarita made with the same ingredients, but with fresh watermelon juice. Both options are available in 16-ounce bottles, perfect for chilling and pouring poolside.
Map: 95 W. Boston St. or (480) 656-1639
The Hidden House
When it comes to cocktails, no one does them quite like The Hidden House, an upscale restaurant in downtown Chandler known for its creative culinary offerings and innovative bar program. To put a little pizzazz in your next backyard pool soiree, pick up a few cocktails to go, including the House Rock (N Rye) made with George Dickel rye, infused flavors, sugar and citrus oil; and the restaurant’s signature Diddy Do It, a spicy margarita made with passion fruit, lime, yuzu, Aperol and Deleon Blanco tequila.
Map: 159 W. Commonwealth Ave. or (480) 275-5525
Nando’s Mexican Café
Summer weekends in Arizona inevitably call for margaritas and the easygoing, south Chandler, Nando’s Mexican Café answers that call with ease. Available for curbside pickup, the restaurant is offering a daily meal special that includes a 1/2 gallon of margaritas, entrée of the day, rice, beans, chips and salsa for a complete meal that is perfect for a poolside afternoon. While the restaurant will be closed on Independence Day; daily meal specials will be available on Friday and Sunday.
Map: 1890 W. Germann Road or (480) 855-4344
