Summer in Plano, TX, means blue skies, sunshine, and the perfect excuse to get out and try some of the city’s most refreshing drinks. Whether you’re a local looking to spice up your routine or a visitor ready to explore, Plano’s drink shops have something for every thirst. From creative cocktails and icy teas to fun boba concoctions and vibrant coffee creations, the city is buzzing with cool options to keep you energized all season.
Frozen Cocktails That Make Every Day Feel Like a Vacation
Tommy Bahama at 7501 Windrose Ave. D160 is the go-to spot for frozen fun. Their frozen Mai Tai is a tropical classic, loaded with bright flavors and just the right amount of chill. If you want a little kick, try the raspberry jalapeño paloma—sweet, spicy, and icy cold. Their patio is made for summer evenings, so grab your friends and enjoy a round as the sun goes down.
Over at Haywire (5901 Winthrop St Ste 110), happy hour is a summer essential. Their $6 frozen Texas tea and frozen margaritas are local favorites, blending bold flavors with that frosty finish you crave when the heat is on. Pair your drink with their queso blanco or Gulf Coast ceviche for the ultimate summer snack-and-sip combo.
Bubbly and Bright: Plano’s Boba Tea Scene
Plano is a bubble tea paradise. If you’re new to boba, think of it as a sweet, chewy surprise at the bottom of your cup—a treat you can sip and snack on at the same time.
Sharetea (3933 North Central Expressway) is a crowd-pleaser with a huge menu. Their fruit teas, milk teas, and ice-blended slushes are all customizable. Feeling adventurous? Go for a Creama-topped drink or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to your slush for a dessert in a cup.
Coffee, Sodas, and Energy for Days
Need a pick-me-up that’s as fun as it is flavorful? 151 Coffee in Plano is all about energy and excitement. Try the Tropical Sunrise—a blend of passion fruit and strawberry—or the Kryptonite, which mixes blackberry and ruby red grapefruit for a punch of citrusy goodness. Besides coffee, you’ll find Italian sodas and energy drinks, all served in a lively, upbeat setting that makes every visit feel like a mini party.
Patio Perfection and Crafty Cocktails
Ebb and Flow (7300 Lone Star Dr C125) serves up the Endless Summer, a drink that lives up to its name. Made with Hendricks Gin, yellow chartreuse, passion fruit, lemon, aquafaba, and rhubarb bitters, it’s a complex, refreshing sip that’s perfect for patio lounging.
For those who love a good happy hour, North Italia (7501 Windrose Ave. Ste D190) offers the Bramble Punch—a mix of select Apritivo, Bombay Sapphire, smashed blackberries, citrus, and ginger. Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m., you can grab a $5 glass, $16 bottle, or pitcher of house wine or sangria. It’s a great spot to unwind after work or kick off a summer night out.
Pub Vibes and Summer Sips
Downtown Plano’s The Fillmore Pub (1004 East 15th Street) is a local favorite for craft cocktails and a lively atmosphere. Their specialty drinks like the Cheeky Peach and La Pina are perfect for summer, and you’ll always find a rotating selection of local, craft, and import beers. The Summer In Rome cocktail is another standout, bringing a taste of Europe to your Plano adventure.
Unexpected Twists: Unique Plano Drink Spots
If you’re in the mood for something totally different, check out Lockhart Smokehouse (1026 E 15th St). Their Texas 2 Step mixes Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka, lemonade, and iced tea for a Southern-inspired refresher. For a quirky original, Brix Bar & Grill (1410 K Ave, Ste 1109A) serves up a Green Bell Pepper Martini—a drink you won’t find anywhere else.
Plano’s summer drink scene is full of surprises, flavors, and good times. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic cocktail, a bubble tea adventure, or a wild new flavor, you’ll find your perfect summer sip right here in town. Grab a friend, pick a spot, and let the refreshing fun begin.
Sources: visitplano.com, planomagazine.com, mexbars.com
Header Image Source: Createasea on Unsplash
