Drinking out of a frosty glass while enjoying summer’s warmth is one of the purest of pleasures. And there are so many patios in the Mason and Deerfield area where you can partake and enjoy the outdoors! In downtown Mason and at Deerfield Towne Center, for instance, it’s possible to order a drink in a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) cup and stroll outside, enjoying the sights, sounds, and shopping along the way. We found some unique, summer taste sensations to share, as well as the scoop on the patio options available to you!
S.W. Clyborne Co. Provision & Spirits
5948 Snider Rd., Mason
When we think “summer cocktail”, the two main ingredients in Clyborne’s Elderflower & Pear immediately spring to mind: St. Germain elderflower liqueur and Absolut pear vodka. Both floral and fruity, Clyborne’s adds just a twist of lemon juice to make it even more refreshing. Also try the New Riff Butterfly, a unique cocktail with gin and Creme de Violette, or opt for the crowd-pleasing Rum Punch. Clyborne’s patio offers welcome shade in the late afternoon, and with a variety of entrees and tasty appetizers to share while you sip, it’s easy to wile away an entire evening in good company.
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
5075 Deerfield Blvd., Mason
Mason.FirebirdsRestaurants.com
Fruity flavors dominate the tasty seasonal cocktail options at Firebirds Wood Fired Grill. In addition to their many scrumptious menu items, it’s the perfect season to sit outside at their terraced bar with exposed brick and plenty of seating. Cool off with a Watermelon Haven, a coconut-forward cocktail with Rumhaven coconut water rum, paired with watermelon puree and a bright splash of grapefruit for a fruity, flavorful finish. If you’re in the mood for something bright, try the Raspberry Mint Mule, or celebrate the season with the tart and bubbly Summer Sparkler.
Cartridge Brewing
1411 Grandin Rd., Maineville
With verdant views of the Loveland Bike Path, Cartridge Brewing has some of the prettiest natural surroundings a brewery can boast! Situated on the historic campus of a munitions factory, Cartridge offers both an airy taproom and dining room space, as well as a tree-lined outdoor patio for enjoying the brews and cocktails available. Try Cartucho, their Mexican-style lager, for the kind of light, crisp beer that you can sample and still head right back out on a bike ride. They’re also a great stop for unique cocktails: the Shot Tower Sangria combines a classic white sangria with strawberry and peach, or enjoy the view with a Cartridge Spritz, a zesty bubble-filled drink of Aperol and prosecco with a splash of soda.
Thai Terrace
101 E Main St., Mason
With Japanese maples and a water feature, the beautiful, intimate patio behind Thai Terrace is the perfect place to sip a sweet, fruity bubble tea. Offered in flavors like Mango or Taro, bubble tea is a non-alcoholic treat featuring chewy balls of tapioca and an extra-big straw to slurp up sips of tea with each bubbly bite. Part drink, part snack, and all treat, enjoy a cold bubble tea or keep things traditional with a refreshing Thai Iced Tea alongside the full menu at Thai Terrace during their lunch or dinner service.
Adesso
125 E Main St., Mason
The perfect cocktail is capable of transporting you to your happy place, at least in your mind. Such is the goal of the Lakeside, a blood orange, blackberry, lemon and bourbon cocktail named after a neighborhood right here in Mason, but capable of making you feel like you’re actually out on the docks. Think a Ward 8 cocktail, but with a local twist - the blackberry nectar comes straight from local Indian Springs Berry Farm and floral garnishes from the onsite flower and herb boxes. Or, try the Old Cuban, a twist on a mojito that features aged rum, prosecco, and Angostura Bitters, served in a distinctive gold-accented glass and garnished with mint and lime. They both go particularly well with the classy umbrella-clad tables in front of Adesso or in the shady back patio area behind the coffee shop and cocktail bar. Let Adesso transport you!
Sonder Brewing
8584 Duke Blvd., Mason
Bring one, bring all to the Sonder Brewing patio! With plenty of space both inside and out, your next gathering would be well-suited to their wide-open, picnic-table-filled patio. Caffeine lovers rejoice when they try Kato Blonde Ale - featuring Script Coffee that is roasted in house and infused into a light beer, this is no winter porter or stout. Other excellent options include Voss, an incredibly well-balanced, slightly floral kölsch, and Blanc White Ale, which is a crisp, citrus-noted ale with subtle spice, best tried with an orange or lime slice for maximum refreshment. Pair it with a scratch-made meal from BrewRiver Kitchen, easily accessible onsite.