FRIDAY
Montauk
5:45 P.M.: La Brisa (752 Montauk Hwy., 631-668-8338)
My group of fellow imbibers and I kick off HC&G’s seventh annual cocktail crawl at this festive Mexican taqueria, drinking Spiked Sandias (Tequila Cabeza, watermelon agua fresca, lime, agave) and snacking on fluke ceviche and fresh tortillas.
6:30 P.M.: 668 The Gig Shack (782 Main St., 631-668-2727)
At this café specializing in “global surf cuisine,” we savor Montauk Rum Punches (Malibu, Sailor Jerry, and the Kraken Black Spiced rums with a medley of fruit juices), along with pulled pork empanadas and yellowfin tuna taquitos.
7:15 P.M.: Navy Beach (16 Navy Rd., 631-668-6868)
In time for sunset at this five-year-old fan favorite, we sip Sénéquiers (rosé, Antica Formula vermouth, grapefruit slice) and nibble on grilled octopus cassoulet and tuna nikkei.
8:15 P.M.: The Harbor Raw Bar & Lounge (440 W. Lake Dr., 631-668-8260)
At this newly opened upscale lounge, mixologist Moses Laboy uses a fruit steamer to make a Steamed Berry Cocktail (steamed raspberries and blackberries, along with Bulleit bourbon). We inhale a bowlful of mussels.
9:00 P.M.: Backyard restaurant at Solé East (90 Second House Rd., 631-668-9739)
Toasting ourselves in front of fire pits on the lawn, we sip Mai Tais (Sag Harbor rum, muddled pineapple, Cruzan Black Strap rum floater), a fabulous nightcap to behold under a starry sky.
SATURDAY
Southampton, East Hampton, and Points in Between
5:15 P.M.: BLT Steak at Capri Southampton (281 County Rd. 39A, 631-259-2641)
In the outdoor lounge at this former Nobu space—now in its second “pop-up” season—we sample The Forager (Botanist gin, muddled blackberries, lime juice) and relish huge popovers and grilled smoked bacon with chimichurri. A great way to start the second night of the crawl.
6:00 P.M.: Red Stixs (1020 Montauk Hwy., Water Mill, 631-726-6200)
Barman Ian Carr presents perfectly crafted Lychee Martinis (Absolut vodka, lychee syrup, coconut cream, lime, Patron Citronage) at this newly minted restaurant in the former Trata space. We enjoy Peking duck spring rolls and fabulous chicken satay in a light peanut sauce.
7:15 P.M.: Harbor Bistro (313 Three Mile Harbor Rd., East Hampton, 631-324-7300)
While taking in a stunning sunset over the harbor, we sample Tropical Margaritas (Malibu Red, pineapple juice) and devour beef ribs and calamari with Asian noodles.
8:30 P.M.: Harlow East (1 Long Wharf, Sag Harbor, 631-725-5858)
Entrepreneur Richie Notar has taken over the former B. Smith’s overlooking the water, where we join the chic set and indulge in Island Creek oysters and Belmont Friars (Aviation gin, tarragon, lime, yuzu juice).
9:30 P.M.: Fresh Hamptons (203 Bridgehampton Sag Harbor Tpk., Bridgehampton, 631-537-4700)
At this cozy space, we draw an end to another cocktail crawl, sipping Infusion Margaritas (Sauza tequila infused with jalapeño and raspberries, ginger syrup) and noshing on kale chips and succulent calamari. But the night is still young.
