The Frozen Margarita at Alma

Even while New Yorkers enjoy cold margaritas all year long, their popularity really takes off in the spring and summer. The finest in its class is Alma's. The frosty beverage, which is a light shade of lime, combines the sour citrus with tequila, triple sec, and agave. It is presented in a short glass to reduce melting before you can finish it, which shouldn't take too long while you're taking in the view of the city skyline.

Three-story Alma, a well-liked hotspot on Columbia Street's restaurant row, offers upscale regional Mexican cuisine in a fun, laid-back setting. Diners rush for a spot on the rooftop patio (open year-round!) for stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the dazzling, unexpected beauty of cargo-loaders below, despite the fact that the ground floor bar and midlevel dining area are excellent. Old favorites like the creamy, irresistible guacamole and the fresh, cilantro-heavy salsa are served alongside more upscale meals like the airy, light red snapper with orange sauce known as huachinango a la naranja.

Address: 187 Columbia StBrooklyn11231-14
Phone: 718-643-5400
Price: Average main course: $20.
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 5:30pm-10pm; Fri 5-11pm; Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 11am-10pm