Patch Picks: Cool Summer Drinks

In case you hadn't noticed, it's shaping up to be a long, hot summer—and I say, bring it on! Thanks to the luscious seasonal beverages being served up at five local cafes, beating the heat never tasted so good: 

• 's got a new menu of Arnold Palmer variations. The standard option mixes lemonade with the house black tea, or you can trade the black tea for dark cherry, raspberry, blueberry, peach, passion fruit, green or chai teas instead. (I can personally recommend the dark cherry—delicious!)

• Meanwhile, started serving up a couple of refreshing new tea drinks as well. The popular Crimson Berry is a blend of hibiscus, currants, elderberries, cranberries, rooibos and other natural flavors. There's also Green Mystique, featuring green tea with ginger, fennel seeds, calendula and cornflowers. Both are unsweetened, but that can be changed upon request.

• Over at , it's all about smoothies. Customers can choose between two fresh-fruit smoothies—Berry Berry Yummy (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and non-fat yogurt) or Bahama Mama (mango, pineapple, banana, orange juice and yogurt)—or a mouthwatering coffee smoothie called Mocha Madness (Ghirardelli chocolate, espresso and cream or soy milk). Decisions, decisions.

• Speaking of smoothies, has a great selection of them, too, including (but not limited to!) Mango Mania, Wildberry Blast, Strawberry Banana and Intense Green Apple. Using only fresh fruit that's been pureed into a syrup and then blended with water and ice, these drinks have no added sugar or sweeteners, making them a good choice for the health-conscious.

• Finally, there's the however-you-want-it Frappucino® from . Personalize your experience of a classic like the Caramel Frappucino®  (which includes being able to make it "light" if you're counting calories). And don't miss the limited-time return of Mocha Coconut—mocha sauce and coconut-flavored syrup mixed with coffee, fresh milk and ice, and finished with whipped cream, mocha drizzle and toasted coconut flakes. Mmmm.