As summer temperatures rise, a fascinating culinary paradox emerges—people increasingly crave spicy dishes. This instinctual response is rooted in our bodies’ natural cooling mechanisms. One prime example of this phenomenon is the southern Thai ground pork served at Hat Yai, often hailed as Portland’s spiciest dish that isn’t a chicken wing sauce. When confronted with the heat, resist the urge to gulp down water; instead, opt for the coconut mango horchata, a soothing drink that’s milky and sweet. Cooling beverages can often calm the fiery sensations caused by spicy food better than plain water.
But why not embrace the heat? Some drinks flavored with spices such as ginger, cayenne pepper, and chile peppers can invigorate your body’s internal cooling system. What’s more, sipping hot tea on a hot day can also be surprisingly refreshing. The combination of hot food and drink in warm weather can lead to the release of endorphins, resulting in pleasurable feelings—a welcome experience throughout the year.
In Portland, a city renowned for its diverse beverage offerings, several standout summer drinks cater to both those who love spice and those who prefer something cool and creamy. Here’s a look at some refreshing options…
For a fun night out, visit La Patroncita, located at 2832 SE Belmont St. Their Brindo de Tamarindo is a unique twist on the traditional Moscow mule, combining tamarind, Mexican chile-infused vodka, ginger beer, tart lime, and a tangy Tajín rim. The pink margarita on the menu is also a summer staple, offering a burst of vibrant flavor.
If you’re in the mood for something eclectic, Fly Awake Tea, nestled in an alley off Mississippi at 909 N Beech St., delivers an experience of aromatic brews. With whimsical names like Drunken Concubine and Near Birth Experience, these teas offer a delightful distraction from the summer heat. Simply share how you want to feel with the staff, and they’ll recommend the perfect beverage to match your mood. A standout option is A Light in the Attic, which promises a “genius-level download.”
For those looking for something cool and indulgent, Tipsy Scoop at 3987 N Mississippi Ave. has just opened its first West Coast location, much to the excitement of Portland enthusiasts. Known for their ice cream cocktails, the marionberry vodka ice cream crafted with Wild Roots marionberry vodka is exclusive to this Rose City spot. Patrons can even learn to create their own ice cream cocktails during the weekly mixology classes offered in-house.
You can’t ignore the bubble tea trend that has caught the attention of younger generations. Try Bubble N Tea located at 3496 SW Cedar Hills Blvd or Boba Cat Tea House at 1924 SW Broadway for a range of matcha milk teas. Boba Cat’s standout Sakura Matcha Latte, which fuses cherry and matcha flavors, is a must-try for aesthetics and taste.
For a sophisticated option, Gen X women can indulge in the Crowd Pleaser at Nostrana, located at 1401 SE Morrison St. This zero-proof drink mixes refreshing lime and grapefruit soda with aromatic cinnamon and ginger, creating an energizing sip that is perfect during a summer evening.
If you’re on the go, grab a canned cocktail from Straightaway, located at 901 SE Hawthorne Blvd. Their signature spicy margarita, enhanced with local ingredients like mango and habanero syrup from Portland Syrups and Oregon sea salt, is perfect for taking along as you enjoy summer adventures.
To keep warm on cooler summer nights, consider happy hour at The Hotel Zags’ PLS on 6th. The updated outdoor patio offers plenty of fire pits for cozying up with friends. The Electric G&T features a jalapeño kick that’s sure to please adventurous palates, and don’t miss their sophisticated take on the classic milkshake.
For those looking to venture into the cider scene, join a Hood River Valley cider tour. Start at Draper Girls Country Farm at 6200 Highway 35 in Parkdale for a scenic view of Mount Hood and a friendly interaction with goats while enjoying a hard cider flight. For a picturesque picnic, sample 100% organic blends from Finnriver Farm & Cidery’s new canned releases. Their Bloom mix features blueberries and apples for a refreshing hue, while Blush incorporates black currants for added tartness.
Whether you’re seeking spicy, sweet, or something uniquely cool, Portland’s beverage scene has something for everyone this summer. Cheers to discovering new flavors and enjoying the season’s best offerings!
image source from：wweek
