Bars are embracing the summer heat with cool drink specials and new seasonal cocktails. Some have launched themed libations aimed at transporting guests somewhere tropical. Think floral cocktails, citrusy spritzes, frozen concoctions, and lots of rum. One venue is even luring in patrons by offering $1 martinis in its outdoor garden bar for the hottest happy hour (literally) in town. Here are five Fort Worth bars to visit this month for the best in summer sips.

Gemelle
Tim Love’s expansive Italian garden oasis has just launched a drink special worth braving summer’s hottest heat wave. Visit Monday through Thursday from 4-6 pm for the “dirty dollar martini” deal, featuring $1 vodka, gin, or Italicus martinis. The latter is a floral Italian liqueur that comes in a pretty aquamarine-colored bottle intended to bring on Amalfi Coast vibes. The steal of a deal is only available outside at the restaurant’s orange-hued garden bar, where patio seating, lush greenery, and even a pool outfitted lounge furniture combine for a vibrant backdrop. Patrons can also keep cool with other summery cocktail selections like the limoncello spritz, frozen Aperol spritz, and frozen peach bellini – all as pretty as the garden itself.

The Backyard at Hotel Drover
There are a lot of great ways to spend a Texas summer night, and sipping a cool libation in The Backyard at Hotel Drover is one of them. The Stockyards luxe hotel has just launched a menu of new summer cocktails – two of which are only available during Hotel Drover’s Backyard Unplugged live acoustic music series, which is open to the public on Friday and Saturday nights from 7-10 pm. Said two are the Howdy Hibiscus, made with Altos tequila, hibiscus syrup, lemon juice, elderflower liqueur, and a pretty edible flower, and the Lavender Layback, made with Tito’s vodka, lemon juice syrup, lavender, and muddled cucumbers. Other standout selections from the new summer cocktail menu include the turquoise-hued Coastal Cowboy made with two kinds of rum and blue curacao, and the Lone Star Breeze Sangria made with fresh fruit and pinot grigio. All new cocktails are available poolside (hotel guests only) and at the Veranda Bar (open to the public).

The Bearded Lady
Have a drink while doing some good. The South Main Street gastropub has launched a new cocktail of the month program where a portion of sales will benefit a nonprofit. This month’s recipient is Safe Haven of Tarrant County, and the cocktail is called 87888 – the number one can text to reach a 24-hour domestic abuse hotline. The refreshing concoction ($12) is just right for summer sipping, shaken with peach vodka, watermelon, lemonade, fresh basil, and orange curacao, topped with Topo Chico. Also try The Bearded Lady’s array of ranch waters, including pineapple, strawberry, spicy, and pickle. Note that the bar’s tiki-themed sister concept, The Tropic Lady, is anticipated to open by fall on Race Street.

RTB at The Sinclair
An acronym for “Rooftop Bar,” RTB sits 17 floors above street level atop The Sinclair Hotel downtown and is now open to the public Thursday through Saturday nights starting at 5 pm. With a constantly breezy scene (it’s windy up there) and multiple cozy nooks of lounge seating, guests can stay cool away from the hot concrete at ground level. The spacious destination is anchored by an indoor-outdoor, air-conditioned bar in the middle, where refreshing summertime libations include The Sinclair, made with Aperol, prosecco, lemon juice, and lemon soda, and the Drive Through, made with Malibu Rum, Tito’s Vodka, blue curacao, and lime juice. Visit for the most picturesque panoramic sunset views between 8 and 9 pm before the twinkling lights of the city start gleaming after dark.

The Post at River East
Don’t sleep on this Race Street gem that consistently provides for good vibes with good drinks to match. Opened in 2019 in a former 1940s post office, the bar, restaurant, and live music venue hosts musicians six days a week, both in the outdoor string-lit courtyard and inside the listening room for seated, ticketed shows. Courtyard shows are always free, and the talent level is consistently impressive. Catch a live acoustic set and try the Pink Panther Tini, shaken with anejo rum, coconut, and fresh tropical juices. Or try the Dilly Dally, which tastes like a garden party with gin, cucumber, lemon, and fresh dill. There are also daily specials, including $5 sangrias and house wines on Wednesdays, $5 classic cocktails on Thursdays, $5 craft cans on Fridays, and $3 mimosas, bloody marys, and micheladas all day Saturday and Sunday. The Post is open Tuesday-Sunday from 11 am-midnight.