San Diego knows how to do summer. The sun is always out, the ocean breeze keeps things fresh, and the local drink shops are ready to quench your thirst with creative, energizing sips. Whether you’re a local looking to upgrade your usual order or a visitor chasing that perfect beach day refresher, San Diego’s drink scene is packed with flavor, fun, and pure summer vibes. Here’s your guide to the most refreshing summer drinks you can find in San Diego’s local shops and cafés.
Iced Lattes and More: Coffee Shops That Keep It Cool
Better Buzz Coffee
Multiple locations across the city, Better Buzz is a go-to for coffee lovers who want something a little different. Their Iced Moroccan Spice is a standout: espresso, a blend of warming spices, raw cane sugar, and cream. It’s bold, slightly sweet, and the kind of drink that makes you want to order a second round. They also serve up smoothies and classic iced coffees for those who like to keep it simple.
Holsem Coffee
Located in North Park, Holsem Coffee is all about pure ingredients and high-quality brews. Their cold brew is smooth and rich, perfect for sipping on a sunny patio. If you want something with a twist, try one of their specialty iced drinks—always made without additives or preservatives.
Superbloom
Right on Mission Bay, Superbloom is famous for its outdoor seating and a menu packed with fresh, vibrant drinks. Grab an iced matcha or an iced chai and soak up the bay views. It’s the kind of place where you can linger all afternoon.
Coffee & Tea Collective
With locations in East Village and North Park, this shop is known for creative drinks like the Lavender Vanilla Latte, available hot or cold. Their El Cajon Blvd location even doubles as an art gallery, so you can sip and get inspired at the same time.
Lemonade, Sodas, and Sparkling Sips
Caffe Di Talya
If you’re looking for non-coffee refreshment, Caffe Di Talya in Pacific Beach has you covered. Their Lavender Lemonade is a floral, tangy twist on the classic, perfect for a hot day. They also serve Mexican sodas—think Coke, Sprite, or Fanta for a sweet, fizzy treat—and sparkling water for a lighter option. Pair any of these with their Italian pastries for the ultimate summer snack break.
Cocktails That Scream Summer
Searsucker’s Snake in the Grass
Downtown at Searsucker, the Snake in the Grass is a cucumber gin cocktail with bruised mint, lime, and soda. It’s light, crisp, and just right for cooling down after a day in the sun.
The Nolen’s Rooftop Vibes
Head up to The Nolen’s rooftop bar for a drink with a view. Rooftop Vibes is a blend of vodka, sauvignon blanc, apple juice, lemon, mint, and club soda. It’s refreshing, slightly fruity, and perfect for sipping while you watch the city lights come on.
Non-Alcoholic Vibes: Kombucha, Mocktails, and More
JuneShine Hard Kombucha
San Diego’s own JuneShine is all about hard kombucha. Their Hopical Citrus blend is a mix of grapefruit, orange, pineapple, hops, and honey. It’s light, bubbly, and just the thing for a beach picnic or backyard hangout.
Wildland’s Herbs Mocktail
For a non-alcoholic option that doesn’t skimp on flavor, visit Wildland in Carlsbad. Their Herbs mocktail combines celery, tarragon, chamomile, and grapefruit over a big ice cube, garnished with a Castelvetrano olive. It’s savory, balanced, and totally unique.
Beach-Ready Cans and Bottled Refreshment
Cutwater Spirits Mint Mojito
If you want a drink you can take to the sand, Cutwater Spirits’ canned Mint Mojito is a winner. Rum, mint, lime, and soda water come together in a can—no muddling required. Just pop it open and enjoy.
You & Yours Cucumber Mint Vodka Soda
For a crisp, clean, and super portable option, grab a can of You & Yours Cucumber Mint Vodka Soda. It’s light, fresh, and perfect for cooling off between dips in the ocean.
Canned Rosé
Sometimes you just want a cold, pink drink in the sun. San Diego’s shops offer canned rosé that’s fruity and refreshing, with notes of strawberry and melon—ideal for a laid-back summer afternoon.
Sweet, Simple, and Local
Cafeina Cafe’s Horchata Cold Brew
In City Heights, Cafeina Cafe is the spot for Mexican-inspired specialty drinks. Their horchata cold brew is creamy, spiced, and just the right amount of sweet. Pair it with a pan dulce for a true taste of San Diego’s diverse food scene.
Scrimshaw Coffee’s Seasonal Sips
East San Diego’s Scrimshaw Coffee rotates seasonal drinks like shaken cold brew with smoked tangerine and rosemary syrup. Each visit brings a new surprise, always thoughtfully crafted and served with a smile.
San Diego’s drink shops are all about keeping you cool, energized, and ready for whatever summer throws your way. From iced lattes to rooftop cocktails, from tangy lemonades to creative mocktails, there’s a refreshing sip waiting for you around every corner. So grab your friends, pick a spot, and start tasting your way through the city—one cool drink at a time.
Sources: sandiegomagazine.com, discoverwalks.com
Header Image Source: Meritt Thomas on Unsplash
