The drinks at the coastal Italian-leaning eatery on Route 27 have always been better than those at most Hamptons haunts. This year owners Hatsatouris and Pilcher have raised the bar (pun intended) higher. New bar director Nathalie Durrieu, formerly of Katana Kitten, is highlighting light, spritz-styled drinks that feature seasonal produce, and summer-styled classics. Look out for the Lillet rosé-laced Lake Como, with fresh grape juice, orange blossom water and a prosecco splash.

Since it opened three years ago, the popular Mexican restaurant has boasted the Hamptons’ most sophisticated, agave-based bar program. Diego Rivera from Puerto Rico’s renowned bar La Factoria has once again designed the summer’s drinks with co-owner Adam Miller. Which means frosty, expertly made margaritas, alongside new libations like palomas flavored with hibiscus and passion fruit. The place to sip them is the sandy patio lined with picnic tables.

Live music was one of the eatery’s big draws; that stopped before Covid-19. But as of Memorial Day weekend, music is back, with a mix of reggae and DJ-tuned Balearic house beats. Barman Bishop Miller is behind the botanical-based cocktails, with new additions such as the gin-soaked Basil Breeze, flavored with elderflower, basil and lime. Also notable at Navy Beach: One of the Hamptons’ largest rosé collections, about 20 labels strong.

If there’s anything better than a frozen cocktail on a hot beach day, it’s one that gets attention. Which is why mixologist Remi Shobitan of Montauk’s The Surf Lodge—where the sizable waterfront patio is always valuable real estate—is introducing the Pink Flamingo. The pink drink is essentially a watermelon slushie fortified with Aperol, tequila, and rosé wine. For highball fans, Shobitan is swapping the whiskey with sesame-infused vodka, and adding lemon and cucumber juice.

Regulars at this popular restaurant and lounge will note the new outdoor cabana furniture that’s been installed for daytime and the DJ-tuned, bottle service nights. There are also updates to the drinks list: For the past 13 years, the Social Coole—jalapeño-infused tequila and watermelon purée––has been the signature cocktail. This year the place is finally offering a slate of new competitors, including a coconut water margarita and strawberry and lemongrass vodka lemonade.

When the Crow’s Nest restaurant and bar open in the afternoon, there’s a daily rush to grab an alfresco table or cabana. The place doesn’t take reservations and its location, just steps away from Lake Montauk beach, makes it one of the best spots to be when the sun sets and the night starts. As in summers past, there will be no shortage of Espresso Martinis and Watermelon Coolers. Among the new beverages is a bourbon-based elixir that’s a cross between a mint julep and an Arnold Palmer.