As summer weekends roll in, a cold drink becomes essential, and within Montgomery County’s Tastemakers Trail, frozen beverages are unbeatable. These aren’t your childhood convenience store slushies; instead, they are uniquely handcrafted, seasonally inspired concoctions that reflect local flavors. From local breweries testing innovative flavors to cideries enhancing their apple offerings, these drinks make for exciting summer excursions, whether you’re planning a brief outing or a longer getaway.
At Stone Silo Brewery, the frozen drink selection shifts throughout the season, inviting visitors to experience something fresh with each stop. The lively slushie menu features playful offerings—think Orange Cream Piña Colada, Peach, and Red Sangria hard seltzer slushies. There’s also a non-alcoholic lemonade option for those who prefer a refreshing break before hitting the roads. Visitors can grab a drink, relax in the scenic countryside, and enjoy a tranquil summer afternoon.
Just a step away in Silver Spring, The Urban Winery offers an array of inventive frozen drinks that add a dash of fun to every outing. Their slushie options include imaginative mixes such as Ginger Peach, Wild Berry Syrah, and the newly introduced Espresso Martini, each designed to be delightfully refreshing. For those opting to skip the alcohol, the fruity non-alcoholic Ginger Peach provides a cooling alternative. Guests can enjoy a slushy while hanging out on the patio, creating the perfect setting for a leisurely afternoon at the winery.
Continuing down the trail, Doc Waters Cidery transforms traditional frozen refreshments into an orchard-inspired experience with their hard cider slushie flights. Rather than selecting just one flavor, patrons can sample multiple frozen ciders, revealing the unique characteristics of local apples and seasonal ingredients. This tasting journey becomes more than just a drink; it provides a distinctly Maryland experience, perfectly suited for warm summer gatherings, often accompanied by live music and a relaxed atmosphere.
A short distance further, The Crossvines beckons visitors to enjoy picturesque views alongside their signature Frosé. Crafted from Fairway Rosé, this smooth and icy beverage serves as a delightful treat for sweltering summer days, perfectly complementing the vineyard’s scenic backdrop. A favorite among weekend guests, the Frosé is featured alongside weekly rotating frozen drink specials, ensuring that every visit offers something new and exciting. Guests can unwind on the patio with a frozen delight while soaking in expansive countryside vistas.
The charm of a working horse farm truly comes alive with a handcrafted frozen slush at Waredaca Brewing Company. In a relaxed setting, visitors can savor the house-made Frosé, a light and refreshing seltzer-based hard slush that radiates summer vibes. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, their all-natural lemonade slush offers a zesty citrus flavor that’s perfect for cooling down. Take a moment to unwind on the patio while watching horses peacefully graze in the distance, fully embracing the tranquility of a summer day on the farm.
Another exciting stop along the Tastemakers Trail is Clear Skies Meadery, where frozen drinks take on a bold character with a margarita-inspired twist. Guests can choose from slushies like Strawberry Lemon and Spicy Mango Margarita, both of which blend sweet, tangy, and subtly spicy elements for a unique summer refreshment. The cozy taproom creates an inviting space to gather with friends and explore new flavors at a leisurely pace.
For those who might not be inclined towards slushies, the Tastemakers Trail still offers a plethora of experiences. Discover locally crafted beers, ciders, wines, spirits, and even non-alcoholic cocktails, each venue presenting its own distinctive ambiance. Sip on a refreshing brew at a brewery situated on a working horse farm, enjoy a glass of rosé against the backdrop of Sugarloaf Mountain, or relax to live music under the towering elder trees.
Whether you’re in search of a new favorite drink, a scenic retreat, or a memorable day trip, the Tastemakers Trail beckons you to sip, savor, and explore.
