Top Summer Cocktails to Beat the Desert Heat in Greater Palm Springs

Summer has arrived in Greater Palm Springs, where soaring desert temperatures demand refreshing, inventive cocktails. We've curated a selection of visually stunning and delicious drinks from top local spots, perfect for poolside lounging or sunset sipping.

Azúcar & Sugar High at La Serena Villas

Trio of cocktails at Sugar High

Boutique hotel La Serena Villas in Palm Springs has launched a seasonal summer cocktail menu at its poolside restaurant, Azúcar, and new rooftop lounge, Sugar High. These drinks highlight fresh juices, house-made ingredients, and unique flavors.

The “Beetini” blends beet-infused vodka, Pama liqueur, pomegranate juice, house-made lime cordial, and fresh lime juice. The “Sugar Kell” features tequila blanco, Combier Liqueur de Rose, pamplemousse liqueur, lemon juice, agave nectar, and muddled raspberry, finished with a rose sugar rim and dried rosebud. The “Joshua Tree” combines gin, Génépy herbal liqueur, lime juice, house-made syrup, and egg white.

“Blue Bayou” cocktail at Azúcar

For a chilled option on the rocks, the “Blue Bayou” mixes blueberry tea-infused whiskey, Peychaud’s Aperitivo, fresh lemon juice, house-made syrup, and club soda, garnished with blueberries and lemon.

High Bar at the Kimpton Rowan

“Passion of the Rickey’s” cocktail at High Bar

Elevate your evening at High Bar atop the Kimpton Rowan hotel in downtown Palm Springs, with stunning views of the seventh-floor rooftop pool. Savor the “Passion of Rickey’s,” crafted with Tanqueray No. Ten gin, passion fruit, lime, and soda water, topped with purple carrots.

Capri-Sundays frozen cocktail pouch

On Sundays, indulge in Capri-Sundays: nostalgic frozen cocktails inspired by childhood Capri Sun pouches. High Bar opens to the public at 4 p.m. (all day for hotel guests).

Casuelas Cafe

Margaritas at Casuelas Cafe

Nothing beats a frosty margarita on a scorching day. Casuelas Cafe in Palm Desert has reopened post-renovation with a spacious outdoor patio and live music stage. Opt for the classic “Patron Margarita” (Patron Silver tequila, fresh lime juice, agave nectar), or go bold with the “Pepino con Chile Margarita” (tequila, fresh cucumber, sliced jalapeños, fresh lime) or “Tamarindo Margarita” (tequila, tamarind, fresh lime in a Tajin and Chamoy rim).

The Pink Cabana at Sands Hotel & Spa

“Cabana Colada” and “Pink Lemonade” at the Pink Cabana

Now open at the new Sands Hotel & Spa in Indian Wells, The Pink Cabana – designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard – serves exceptional cocktails alongside Chef Jason Niederkorn’s Mediterranean-Moroccan cuisine. Highlights include the “Cabana Colada” (gin, coconut cream, fresh lime juice, coconut soda), “Pink Lemonade” (vodka, herbes de Provence, fresh lemon juice, pink sea salt), and “50 Shades of Pink” (masala & cilantro-infused brandy, mezcal, ginger berries).

“50 Shades of Pink” cocktail at the Pink Cabana

Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar

Cocktails at the Marlin Bar

A fresh addition to downtown Palm Springs' redevelopment, Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar offers fast-casual fare and tropical cocktails. Standouts: “Pineapple Paradiso” (Bacardi Pineapple, St-Germain Elderflower, 99 Bananas, scratch sour, fresh pineapple); “Key Lime Martini” (Tito’s vodka, Licor 43, Keke Beach Liqueur, fresh lime, graham cracker rim); “Mai Tai” (Flor de Caña 4 Year rum, orgeat, orange curaçao, lemon, lime, pineapple, dark rum float). Seasonal frozen options like the “Pink Marlin” (mango rum, cranberry juice, simple syrup, orange curaçao float).

Cheers to summer in Greater Palm Springs!