Sippin’ on Summer at Strokes Bar and Grille

Those who frequent the Sugarloaf Golf Club will tell you that there is no better place in the entire Valley to enjoy a beverage this summer than the scenic patio of Strokes Bar and Grille. It’s the ideal place for golfers to relax with post-round libations, soaking in the panoramic mountain views all around; it’s an equally optimal spot for non-golfers to make the most of their Sugarloaf stay. 

The Big Three: Rum, Tequila, and Vodka

First and foremost, let’s kick things off with the BLUEBERRY MOJITO, made with Bacardi rum, blueberries, lime juice, mint leaves, and soda water. This drink embodies what it means to experience Maine in summertime–after all, wild blueberries are Maine’s state fruit! The tart sweetness of the berries combines with the citrus from the lime and the herbaceous mint flavors to complement the rum, creating a refreshing and sweet summer concoction.

Next up is the JOHN DALY, named after the American golfer; the John Daly is made with lemonade, sun tea, and Tito’s Vodka. You might be asking yourself, “What’s sun tea?” Well, it’s comparable to sweet tea, only it’s made by combining tea bags with water and then allowing it to sit outside in the sun all afternoon while Mother Nature does the work. The sun tea adds an especially unique element to this beverage–plus, everybody knows lemonade is the unofficial drink of summertime. This thirst-quenching cocktail pairs well with a hot summer’s day, a juicy burger, a savory salad… really, just about any occasion.

And wrapping up our Big Three feature is our tequila entry: Stroke’s signature RASPBERRY MARGARITA, made with Hornito’s, lime juice, raspberry pucker, and sour mix, is a must-try menu item. With National Tequila Day fast-approaching (mark your calendars, folks, it’s July 24!), this fruity and sweet summery drink is the perfect thing to be sipping on the Strokes’ patio.

Can-Do: Gabrielle’s Guide

Strokes also serves an assortment of canned beverages including craft brews, ciders, cocktails, domestic beers, seltzers, and wines, so there’s sure to be something for everyone.

Is an India pale ale something that’s your speed? Try MOUNTAINSIDE IPA from Rising Tide, a brew with a murky appearance with hints of grapefruit, guava, and orange rind that mixes with spicy hop tones and a medium-bodied mouthfeel to produce a zesty sweetness you’re certain to savor.

Want something sweeter? Try the canned BLUESHINE LEMONADE, which I always have stocked in my fridge because it’s delightfully delicious; featuring Maine Craft Distilling’s Blueshine wild Maine blueberry liquor blended with their homemade lemonade, this drink tastes like sweet summertime sunshine. You can’t go wrong with one of these in-hand!

Drafts

The restaurant’s Maine-based menu of draft beers includes offerings like the Belgian-style ALLAGASH WHITE, spiced with coriander and orange, to the TUBULAR IPA from the Maine-based Orono Brewing Company; this popular local brew pours a hazy, thick orange with a slight 1-finger white head depositing very little lacing and offers a flavorful blend bursting with citrus and fruity scents, with notes of pineapple especially shining through. Juicy, tropical, and totally tubular, what’s not to love?