Don’t get us wrong: Frozen margs hold a special place in our summer-loving hearts. But when it’s happy hour on the lakeshore, farm-distilled spirits, garden-fresh garnishes, and visionary bartenders take this season’s cocktails to the next level.

Discover a new favorite for every spirit at only-here patios, yards, and bars.

Shipwreck at The False Front

David’s Deli by day, cocktail bar by night: The False Front is a study in transformation. The concept seeps into experimental drinks like this rum-saturated tiki sipper, with a nut-free orgeat extracted from the deli’s rescued avocado pits.

30 N Whittaker St
New Buffalo, Michigan
Website | Map

Heatwave at PostBoy

At PostBoy, there’s always more than meets the eye. In this case, what looks like a mango margarita is really a smooth vanilla vodka and passion fruit liqueur cocktail. With a touch of green coffee bean extract and Tajín on the rim for kick.

207 N Whittaker St
New Buffalo, Michigan
Explore PostBoy | Map

Hidden Valley at SideYard

The Lake Michigan shore’s take on Texas Ranch Water, with tequila, lime, seltzer, and a deep-purple hibiscus-serrano syrup, simmered down from dried flowers and peppers in the SideYard kitchen.

5870 Sawyer Rd
Sawyer, Michigan
Website | Map

Sparrow at Terrace Room

Plucked from the patch, ripe local blueberries—plus fresh basil, house-crafted limoncello, herbaceous Koval gin, and prosecco—make every bubbly sip taste like summer. Best savored in an Adirondack on the harborfront lawn.

111 W Water St
New Buffalo, Michigan
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Blackberry Buck at Granor Farm

A tall, thirst-quenching blend of ginger beer, lemon juice, and fresh mint with Granor’s aromatic Dry Gin and newly released Blackberry Amaro—house-distilled with the farm’s grains, berries, and botanicals.

3480 Warren Woods Rd
Three Oaks, Michigan
Explore Granor Farm| Map

words  Lena Singer
images  Lucy Hewett
May 2026