Refreshing Drinks in Astoria

With hot weather like this, it's no surprise that all we want to do is quench our thirst with something yummy, cold and refreshing.  I've put together a little cool starter for you here to get you through the week:

La Guli's twisted iced tea - Topping their already refreshing iced tea with a cold scoop of lemon ices, I like that La Guli is taking this thirst quenching thing to another level.  29-15 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria. 718.728.5612

Brooklyn Bagel's $1 Iced Coffee - It's simply awesome that Brooklyn Bagel has chosen to continue their $1 iced coffee promotion throughout the month of July.  Bravo!  35-05 Broadway, Astoria. 36-14 30th Avenue, Astoria. 35-9 Ditmars Blvd.

El Ay Si's Ice cold cocktails - Whether you're in the mood for an ice cold margarita, mojito or anything else, El Ay Si will be dishing it out this week.  47-38 Vernon Blvd, LIC. 718.389.8781

Sweet Afton's Pear Cider - Cold, bubbly and delicious, Sweet Afton will be serving up Rekordelig Premium Pear Hard Cider, which sounds like a great way to cool down.  30-09 34th Street, Astoria. 718.777.2570

Singlecut on Tap - There's never a shortage of cold brew deliciousness when Singlecut's involved.  New taps include the TNTPA Bon, the Billy Full Stack IPA and the floral Hibiscus Sourlagrrr! Extended summer hours are also in effect, so no worries about being closed out.  19-33 37th Street, Astoria. 718.606.0788

3 Delicious Spring Treats

Image by Brooklyn Bagel

Now that it officially feels like spring, and boy did we need it, everyone is up and about, roaming the nabe.  I love seeing everyone looking all chipper and happy, and it goes without saying that we're now in the mood for refreshing, cold treats.  In honor of spring, I wanted to give you just that - three delicious, cool treats you can enjoy on a warm sunny day.

Cold brewed iced coffee - With so many places to get a flavorful cup of iced coffee, there are a few that stand out to me, including Brooklyn Bagel, Avenue Cafe and The Queens Kickshaw of course.  Take one to go while walking to the subway or enjoy one while sitting down at a sidewalk cafe (Avenue Cafe would be great for that!).  

Gelato or ice cream - If you're looking for a cool, delicious little something, there's nothing like homemade gelato in the nabe.  My personal favorite is the pistachio from La Guli, followed by the hazelnut from Martha's or my new personal favorite, the We Heart Astoria Baklava ice cream from Malu in LIC.  

Healthy smoothie - There's nothing like a refreshing, healthy juice or smoothie to get your day started right, and there are a few places in Astoria you can get one.  Your Healthy Kitchen on 30th Avenue and 44th street will make virtually any juice you like.  Meg, Mackenzi and I tried an amazing concoction with beets, spinach, ginger, carrots and other delicious ingredients, which made this drink really satisfying.  Other good smoothie options include Pita Pan and Create Astoria.