Sometimes it’s fun to spice up your cocktail — or mocktail — order. Better yet, it’s fun to try a new spot or have a drink somewhere you wouldn’t normally think to.
Here’s our list of fun hubs to grab a night cap or to treat yourself to a mid-day sip:
Aldo’s Coffee Co., 103-105 Front St., Greenport, 631-213-9353
You might be a regular here for their freshly roasted beans or delicious biscotti. Did you know Aldo’s serves all-day cocktails?
Try one of their espresso martinis made with those same handcrafted small batch roasted beans that you enjoy in your favorite latte. While the cocktail menu spritzes are a hit in the summer, enjoy other seasonal favorites right now like their spiked apple cider, bourbon hot chocolate and Irish coffee.
To top it all off, literally, their homemade marshmallow meringue is pretty darned delicious on any of the three.
Monday through Thursday stop in until 5 p.m. and Friday and Saturday until 7 p.m. and Sunday until 6 p.m.
Panoramica, 2745 Peconic Lane, Peconic, 631-765-8354
Another spot you might frequent for a cup of joe is leaning into the late-night scene. The futuristic, space age-themed shop has a daily menu packed with coffee-lovers’ choices like americanos, lattes, cortadas as well as teas, smoothies, toasts and sandwiches, but its added some out-of-this-world alternate options, too.
The menu got a mocktail-licious upgrade in November. Available all day, try the Cosmo Jam Gozaz, made with organic raspberry jam from Blossom Meadow Farm, combined with a squeeze of lime and some orange bitters.
Panoramica’s play on the classic Cosmopolitan cocktail has been a hit along with other “dark side menu” sips in rotation.
Open from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., it’s the perfect spot to grab a Monday or Tuesday evening pick-me-up.
The Boathouse at the Silver Sands, 1400 Silverware Road, Greenport, 631-997-1957
You’ll want to hit the boathouse if you’re missing the warmth of summer. Hold yourself over these next few months at Silver Sands Motel’s “sailor’s bar” and “neighborhood clubhouse.”
Lots of fishy bites are on the menu, plus some chips and dip, wings and savory sandwiches but what stands out is the long list of drinks.
While some local beer and wine are sprinkled in, cocktails like “The Grey Ghost” made with vodka, Saint Germaine and absinthe and “The Bloody Oar” made with tomato, clam juice, vodka and house hot sauce are what give this menu its coastal character.
Enjoy all the Boathouse has to offer Thursday and Friday, 4 to 11 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, noon to 11 p.m.; and Monday from 4 to 11 p.m.
Mugs on Main, 33 E. Main St., Riverhead, 631-381-0494
While this Main Street hub has a full bar, their specialty is espresso-based bevs made from the proprietary Mugs blend.
The cinnamon espresso Old-Fashioned is a popular order, with others opting for the espresso martini flights made with the customer’s choice of Mugs on Main’s signature latte flavors.
If you’re opting for more of a breakfast cocktail, try the Bloody Mary or Mimosa made with apple, pineapple or cranberry juice — or apple cider for an autumnal twist. The full drink lineup, as well as bottomless Mimosas, are available from open to close.
Sip from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Peconic Eatery, 871 Old Country Road, Riverhead, 631-591-0291
That place where you used to get your pancakes… they have a full bar now.
Peconic Eatery, established in April 2024, is the updated version of the longstanding Peconic Diner.
The diner closed its doors for six months and in that time got a full renovation, including the addition of a dimly lit, moody bar where the business hosts late-night events.
One standout sip is the classic Cuban Mojito which pairs perfectly with some of the selections from the newly added Hispanic Heritage portion of the menu.
Another delicious option is the Espresso Martini made with vanilla vodka and hazelnut liquor for an extra punch of flavor.
Black Llama Cocktail Bar & Lounge
While it is indeed a dedicated den of spirited sips, the American Beech Hotel’s cocktail and small bite bar, Black Llama, is a little bit of a hidden gem — and a great place spend those weekend evenings.
The business’s three-part menu includes seasonally inspired cocktails, classic cocktails and two creative cocktails.
Try the eye-brow raising named drinks like “Hotter Older Brother” made with ghost pepper infused mezcal, honey and lemon, or “Rummer-Up,” a blend of white and dark rum, orgeat, lime, passionfruit and pineapple.
On the non-alc side chose between a drink made from yuzu, black tea, botanicals and flowers or Notas de Agave, watermelon, lemon, orange with a tajin rim.
Swing by the lively spot from 4 to 9 p.m. Thursday and 6 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.
