Unwind

On warm nights—and even some cold ones—the outdoor patios and bars of the Portage Lakes are a spirited place for spirits, from the cool, bluesy vibe of Smoke on the Water to the fl ip-fl op, boat-up vibe of Picks. Ride in on your kayak, grab a cocktail and celebrate life in our water wonderland. The Portage Lakes are a group of glacial kettle lakes that were once used to feed the Ohio-Erie Canal. Now, they’re used for fi shing, boating, swimming, birding and general merrymaking. The area is anchored by the magnifi cent Portage Lakes State Park. Some people are lucky enough to live on the Lakes all year, but most of us just make a point of hanging out there. It’s the place where the vibe is always vibin’. If you’re more into a cozy corner for your cocktail, no worries. We have those too, many of which feature locally distilled liquors. Sláinte!

LOVELY, LOCAL LIBATIONS

Ultimate Seltzer Mile
Ginger lime syrup, Tito’s vodka, lime juice, topped off with lime White Claw, garnished with mint leaves and dehydrated lime
Smoke on the Water 562 Portage Lakes Dr., Akron

Gin There, Done That
Gervasi Spirits small-batch gin, red grape and pomegranate juices, orange bitters
The Twisted Olive 5430 Massillon Rd., Green

Painkilla
Goslings dark rum, pineapple, coconut, orange, nutmeg
Northside Speakeasy 31 Furnace St., Akron

Let’s Go Bowling
Towpath vodka, Cynar, coff ee liqueur, shaken cream, chocolate bitters
Merchant Tavern 1824 Merriman Rd., Akron

Memories of Summer
London Dry Gin, cucumber, elderfl ower, lemon, agave, orange bitters, lavender bitters
Crafted Cocktail Co. 995 High St., Wadsworth

Johnny Cash
Gervasi Spirits Wine Barrel Bourbon, grapefruit, Limoncello, Sawmill IPA fl oat.
Gervasi Vineyard 1700 55 St. NE, Canton