This summer, we’re moving and shaking all across the old quarter, and that, of course, means getting thirsty. The neighbourhood is a virtual ice box bursting with fun, unique and delicious drink options, from high-octane juices, original smoothies and fizzy creations to deluxe lemonades and iced coffee done right. Here are a few of our recommendations for staying cool and hydrated all summer long in Old Montreal, happiness included!

Santé!

Meet me at the health bar

It’s a pretty safe bet that any place named Spirulina has your well-being front of mind, and one look at their organic, cold-pressed juice selection is all the confirmation we need. “Going Green”, “Beets Me”, “Orange You Glad”, “Trust Your Gut”, the mixes here are deliciously vitamin-and-power-packed summer turbo boosts. Best enjoyed on their terrasse!

Berry good

The simply charming Katiza Café has won us over again and again with their exceptional coffee, homemade pastries and fabulous croissant sandwiches, and when it comes to healthy refreshment, we’ve got ourselves yet another win. Come and smooth your day over with – you guessed it – a fresh smoothie, like their red berry one, which is basically sunshine in a cup.

Fizz, Fruit ‘n Fun

“Relax, hydrate, cleanse”

This summer, let’s get fizzy with it! Beloved Old Montreal brunch and lunch temple, Tommy, is offering up the “Tommy Fizz” in three bubbly ways to put the sparkle in your day. It’s your choice between “Flora”, with hibiscus, elderflower and rose petals, “Lyla”, with passion fruit, apricot and coconut water, and “Gia”, with yuzu, dragon fruit, aloe vera and chia. Now that’s soda magic.

Quick, get your Quik!

Already known for bringing us exciting and unconventional beverages (ever try a Cafélimo, their sparkling cold-brew lemonade?), Paquebot is rocking the strawberries this summer with their homemade Quik, made with Quebec strawberry syrup and oat milk. Whether you go for original, cold-brew or matcha, these liquid berry treats are sure to make your inner child smile.

When life gives us lemons…

Le Petit Sao knows just what to do. The Vietnamese have a special knack for really fun drinks, and the homemade lemonades at this little pho, bún and banh mi oasis are a brilliant example. Try their “jade”, with pandan (a fragrant tropical plant), coconut, pineapple, mint and lime, or go for the “iced jasmine peach tea”, and you’ll see just how much fun refreshment can be.

Good News Brews

Super cool espresso

Legendary purveyors of Italian coffee perfection, Café Olimpico has decided to help us all chill out a little this summer with their signature “Freddo”, as in “cold”, espresso brew. Pour over ice, sit back – preferably with one of their sublime dolci for good measure – and enjoy the season as it should be enjoyed: piano, piano.

Green dreams

If you’re looking for a delicious and mega-good-for-you cold drink that’s as green as the summer all around us, you’ve met your matcha at Chez Mère-Grand! Cool down and power up with this whisked emerald of an iced tea, which happens to go wonderfully with their freshly baked gems, one of many reasons this enchanting spot has earned itself a whole lot of love, all of it deserved.

And for dessert…

If you’ve never had an affogato, now is the time, and Dispensa is the place. Freshly brewed espresso poured atop a frosty cloud of smooth vanilla ice cream (check out their Insta for a great visual), this is coffee for the kid in all of us. Yet another delicious way to stay cool, refreshed and happy this summer in beautiful, magical Old Montreal.

Photo: Le Petit Sao - Olimpico - Spirulina - Paquebot - Tommy Café

NOTA BENE: Your business would fit perfectly here but isn’t mentioned? Don’t hesitate to write to us at info@sdcvieuxmontreal.com, and it would be our pleasure to include it.