Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge
1579 S. 9th St. | (414) 383-2620

Opening in 1938, Milwaukee’s self-described oldest cocktail lounge has more than 400 beverage offerings. Many are proprietary, ably assembled with traditional "secret" ingredients. For patrons wanting a hot time in the old town tonight, the Black Magic with its Sweet Tart taste is served on fire. The Candle Light is more subdued but just as aflame, made with vodka, raspberry puree and peach liqueur. The Sazerac has had a long run at Bryant’s, with rye whiskey, Peychaud’s bitters and sugar in an absinthe-rinsed glass. The folks here usually serve this on the rocks, but some drink aficionados prefer it neat.

Branded, The Iron Horse Hotel
500 W. Florida St. | (414) 374-4766

What better way to celebrate summer in The Yard than with a dynamite Peachnami ($12), made with Roaring Dan’s rum, supplied fresh from the nearby Great Lakes Distillery. Peach nectar is combined with fresh lime juice and peach bitters; then shaken and topped with ginger beer and slice of fresh ginger. This is a local twist on the Caribbean’s tempestuous "Dark and Stormy," which conjures up memories of Milwaukee’s own Roaring Dan Seavey, the only brigand ever arrested for piracy on Lake Michigan. Aaargh, me hearties! Aina hey?

Distil Milwaukee
722 N. Milwaukee St. | (414) 220-9411

Michael Edler and Mathias Simonis have developed a wonderful range of one-of-a-kind craft cocktails exclusive to Distil. Edler’s The Apartment 137 is named after his old New York digs, made with 44° North huckleberry vodka, lemon sorbet, lemon curd, fresh ginger juice and fresh blueberry nectar. Simonis’ Last Rose of Summer is comprised of Maker’s Mark bourbon, housemade rose jam syrup and sour mix, Hum liqueur, egg white and candied rose petals. Both summery drinks are $12.

The Hamilton
823 E. Hamilton St. | (414) 223-1020

Owner Kimberly Floyd was aided by macho drinkmen Nick Kosevich and Ira Koplowitz in developing her extensive cocktail offerings, of which at least 11 are signatures, plus the traditional oolala classics. For summer, The Hamilton’s Green Ti is a daiquiri made with Nesson Rhum from Martinique, pumped up with an ounce of English Harbour rum, an Antigua beauty. Then Floyd adds fresh, really fresh, lime juice and snappy Rishi Bancha green tea honey syrup augmented by flavorful Bittercube black strong bitters.

Hotel Foster
2028 E. North Ave. | (414) 988-4758

Well-known local drink-masters Evan Barnes and Austin Rapirsada helped out their pals who recently opened the Foster with their versions of the Flying Dutchman and always-delightful Gin Bramble, the alleged favorite pour of Queen Elizabeth. Named for the mythical ghost ship, The Dutchman ($6.50) is created with orange gin, orange and lemon juice and several drops of bitters, while the Bramble ($6) is a mix of Ransom Plymouth gin, simple syrup and Mathilde Framboies wild raspberry liqueur.

Metro Lounge, Hotel Metro
411 E. Mason St. | (414)272-1937

Even as hotel managing partner Jamie Hummert savors his savory Two Angels Petit Sirah, the lounge staff harnesses up a fantastic Milwaukee Mule. This blend of smooth Rehorst vodka, fizzy Sprecher ginger ale and a squeeze of lime is served in a copper cup and topped with ice. Bar chief Tabitha Donohue was helped in devising this kicker by Great Lakes Distillery’s cocktail whiz Jason Neu.

Mason Street Grill, The Pfister Hotel
425 E. Mason St. | (414) 298-3131

Catering to an international clientele that favors vodka martinis over gin by a 4-to-1-margin, bartender Micah Kaufman custom makes each drink. He always puts a nice line of vermouth around the glass rim for an added touch. The Grill’s namesake martini is The Pfister ($11), of course. This signature drink is made with Ketel One Citroen vodka, Martini & Rossi vermouth, pomegranate juice and sugar syrup.

Umami Moto
718 N. Milwaukee St. | (414) 727-9333

Each night, bartender Caitlin Driver and the rest of the team under general manager David Laitano serve from 10 to 15 of the restaurant’s classic Mr. Miyagi-tini martinis ($10). This fusion is a Svedka vodka with Kurasawa sake, muddled cucumber, simple syrup and sour, making a real taste treat with a Far East feel, or at least one that makes for a trendy East Side touch.

Zarletti Restaurant
741 N. Milwaukee St. No. 1 | (414) 225-0000

The Two Bs, bar manager Bryan Boyce and owner Brian Zarletti, devised their magnificent Manhattan Italiano ($10) using Lustau Reserve brandy, Luxardo Morlacco cherry liqueur and rich, carmel-colored Caparno vermouth. Urban chic is the name of the game here and this drink fits the bill. Sporting dark aviator glasses while lounging at the cozy bar provides added élan.