13 Refreshing Fruity Drinks & Food in Atlanta
Summer is coming to an end in three short weeks which means now is the time to take advantage of all the refreshing food and drinks Atlanta has to offer before the cold weather has us seeking comfort in warmer bites. Most of the featured foods and drinks do not contain dairy. There is no specific order, just a list of personal fruity favorites when it comes to cooling down in the Atlanta heat!
Hope you get to enjoy these mostly seasonal sips & bites before the end of summer!
13 Fruity Drinks & Food in Atlanta
The Waddah Melown
Where?
Located in Inman Park inside Irwin Street Market. If walking, you can exit off the Eastside Beltline Trail, the same exit you would take for Krog Street Market.
What is it?
The Waddah Melown is compressed watermelon juice with cascara and lime. Cascara (which I didn’t know until a year ago) is the dried skin of coffee cherries and Connan (the owner / barista) has found a creative way to use it and add a depth of flavor to what may appear to most as another watermelon drink. Trust me, it’s delicious, refreshing and possibly THE BEST Atlanta summer drink.
Are they COVID-19 friendly?
Yes! You can order ahead on Odeko (formerly Cloosiv) or order in-person (outdoors) at their walk-up table. Payment is 100% contactless.
What else should I know?
They have some of the most creative coffee beverages in town. You can read more on Academy Coffee in Quarantine Eats Week 10!
Yum Phonlamai
Where?
What is it?
Fruit salad from a Thai spot, you ask? Yes, trust me it’s one of the most refreshing dish I’ve had this summer.
I’ve ordered this dish three times now and each time it’s featured different fruits representing whatever is local or available at the moment. This past week featured dinosaur plums, gooseberries & grapes! The salads are always tossed with fresh herbs, scallop floss, toasted coconut, fish sauce and more. Tangy, sweet and salty all in one bite!
Are they COVID-19 friendly?
Yes! You order and pay ahead on Toast (staring at noon Wed - Sun, or 30 minutes before pick-up). Just call when you get there and they will bring it directly to your car!
Not open for dine-in.
What else should I know?
To see pictures of the fruit salads from prior orders, check out Quarantine Eats Week 4!
Sugarcane Juice
Where?
Buckhead (in the same complex as Eat Karma Farm - formerly Holeman & Finch).
What is it?
When Bun Mi first opened in 2018, Nizar and I went three times in one month just for this sugarcane juice! Very few places in Atlanta do it well! And after a 1.5 year hiatus, Bun Mi invested in a new machine and is consistently churning out the best sugarcane juice to order.
Why is it different? They add a citrus twist (I believe orange and lime), which takes it to another level.
Are they COVID-19 Friendly?
Yes, you can order ahead for delivery or pick-up directly via their website or through third-party delivery services. Although ordering directly is highly encouraged during these times!
What else should I know?
In addition to the sugarcane juice, their passionfruit (pro-tip - add chia seeds to it) juice and hibiscus tea are equally refreshing! Buy a banh mi or bun (noodle) bowl to pair with your drinks and you have the perfect light lunch or dinner.
Cremolatta
Where?
What is it?
Who doesn’t love an assortment of fruit? The featured fruit cup contains banana, grapes, watermelon, strawberry, papaya, honeydew and cantaloupe and is served with fresh homemade dairy-free crema! Lotta Frutta has the best fruit cups for a hot Atlanta day. They have four other kinds along with a ton of other fresh fruit offerings such as smoothies, salads, and ice cream. But also don’t skip on their Just Veggin’ sandwich.
Are they COVID-19 friendly?
Yes! You can order and pay ahead via their website (Clover) or place an outside right at their door (mobile pay accepted).
The inside is closed but there are plenty of outdoor tables to enjoy your take-out.
What else should I know?
Read more on them in Quarantine Eats Week 4!
Sparkling Smash
Where?
Located in Midtown (across from the NCR building).
What is it?
The sparkling smash (drink on the right) is made with their house made strawberry purée (with notes of thyme & lemon) and topped off with San Pellegrino. It’s the perfect sparkling fruit beverage on a hot day. They also make a pineapple sage version of this drink.
Are they COVID-19 friendly?
Yes! You can order ahead online (with a $1 convenience fee) or simply walk-up to their outdoor take-out window to place your order. Payment is contactless; however, transaction is completed by touching the payment pad.
They have seating on their outdoor patio. Not open for indoor dining.
What else should I know?
For something a little more filling and milk based, try their strawberry matcha latte or the Okinawa brown sugar latte. Read more on Momo Cafe here.
Watermelon Salad
Where?
Located in Inman Park, right off the Freedom Parkway trail.
What is it?
The color of this watermelon alone should make you want to drive over and get it right now! Compressed watermelon, mint and whipped feta might be the perfect combination. The whipped feta took this watermelon salad to another level! They also have some amazing fresh vegetarian sides. Field Day has had one of my top ten overall meals of quarantine!
Are they COVID-19 friendly?
You can order in advance but must pay in person via credit card or cash. Mobile pay is not accepted.
They are open for indoor and outdoor dining.
What else should I know?
Read more about them in Quarantine Eats Week 5!
Agua Fresca
Where?
Located in Reynoldstown in the same complex as Grindhouse Burgers. Just a short walk from the Eastside Beltline Trail (exit at Muchacho and turn right).
What is it?
The agua frescas at Supremo change daily / weekly, so the pictured one might be gone by the time you go but we enjoyed the Watermelon Agua Fresca on Tuesday, August 25th. So simple, but hit the spot with notes of lime and watermelon juice (not carbonated).
Are they COVID-19 friendly?
Yes. You can order ahead online (during non-peak hours) or just order at their walk-up window. They have green tape on the ground to maintain six feet while standing in line.
They have a few “standing areas”, but most people take-away or eat in their car. The parking lot is big.
What else should I know?
You can read more on them in Quarantine Eats Week 1, but do not forget the Aguachile Tostada - one of my favorite dishes.
Mango Popsicle
Where?
Available for delivery through Fresh Harvest or at local spots such as Candler Park Market, Hodgepodge Coffeehouse & more!
What is it?
You might be thinking that a popsicle doesn’t sound too light, but this one is! Instead of dairy, they use coconut milk / cream, so the combination of the mangoes and coconut make for the ultimate summer flavors in one bite.
Are they COVID-19 friendly?
Not really applicable, but yes!
What else should I know?
This is a black-owned and female-owned business which I talked more about in Quarantine Eats Week 5.
Hibiscus Lemongrass Kombucha
Where?
It is available for delivery or at certain local spots like Everyday Market & Root Baking Co. (just to name a few).
What is it?
I never liked kombucha until I tried Kea Kombucha a few years ago. I love anything tart, fruity and bubbly and their kombucha hits all the right flavor notes. I don’t dislike any of their flavors but my top two would have to be Hibiscus Lemongrass and Raspberry Rose. They have several more flavors like blackberry/sage and prickly pear/mango, so honestly something for everyone. I also like that the sugar level is manageable and pairs well with all of the pizza I’ve eaten this summer.
Are they COVID-19 friendly?
I haven’t done delivery with them but their website indicates porch drop-off, so 100% contactless.
What else should I know?
They also make cold brew and you find them popping up in random places like the Beltline, serving up free samples of kombucha!
Honey Bowl
Where?
Available at various farmer’s markets including Grant Park Farmer’s Market, Piedmont Green Market, and Oakhurst Farmer’s Market along with monthly pop-ups. Please refer to her Instagram account and website for updates on pick-up locations.
What is it?
I’m usually not a fan of alternative yogurts because of the after taste. That’s the one non-dairy thing I haven’t been able to get into, but Ryanne’s coconut yogurt changed my mind. It’s the only one that tastes creamy and is closest in texture to actual yogurt. Plus the Honey Bowl is always paired with whatever fruit is in season along with her amazing granola - Supa Nola. Healthy and delicious at the same time.
Are they COVID-19 friendly?
Yes, payment is contactless. They accept mobile pay.
What else should I know?
Read more in Quarantine Eats Week 3!
Agua Fresca
Where?
Located in Midtown across from Ponce City Market.
What is it?
Just like the rest of 8 Arm’s menu, their agua frescas are seasonal and change weekly. The pictured agua fresca is from last year, but I did just get a strawberry, lime and basil agua fresca a few weeks ago and it was beyond refreshing and paired so well with their new menu designed around masa tacos/quesadillas, fresh salads and more.
Are they COVID-19 friendly?
Yes, you can call and pay ahead and pick-up in person or order at their outdoor take-out window.
They have plenty of outdoor seating, but just note that I didn’t see anyone wiping down chairs/tables. So bring your own wipes.
What else should I know?
Read more about them in Quarantine Eats Week 8!
Watermelon Salad
Where?
Located in West Midtown at Westside Provisions.
What is it?
So I haven’t had this salad in a year but it’s still on their menu and I had it three back to back weekends, so I’m pretty confident it’s still good. The plating may look different but the quality of the ingredients, the attention to detail, and the addition of sesame and harrisa makes this salad a refreshing appetizer to add to your full fledged Israeli meal at Aziza.
Are they COVID-19 friendly?
You you can order and pay ahead via Toast for pick-up or choose to dine-in.
Open for both indoor and outdoor socially distanced dining.
What else should I know?
I love all of their bread. The kubaneh is definitely one of the top ten bread dishes in Atlanta. I think I may need to do a post on the best bread in Atlanta!
Agua Fresca
Where?
Located in Reynoldstown on the Eastside Beltline Trail.
What is it?
I feel like the agua frescas at Muchacho don’t get enough attention. Most people are focused on their tacos and coffee that they overlook their daily agua fresca specials. I’ve had it 3-4 times ranging from cantaloupe, raspberry, and watermelon. This past weekend I noticed it was watermelon. So make sure you get a coffee + agua fresca for your next trip to Muchacho.
Are they COVID-19 friendly?
Yes. You can order ahead on their website or just order at their walk-up window. They have installed plexiglass and have separate ordering and pick-up windows. Payment is 100% contactless.
Socially distant outdoor seating available to enjoy your take-out. All food is served in take-out containers.
What else should I know?
Read more about them in Quarantine Eats Week 9!
other spots
Here are some more ideas for fruity and refreshing spots to try this summer (most of which I haven’t tried yet)!
Shaved Ice at Busy’s Ice in Midtown
Watermelon Salad at Kyma in Buckhead
The Frida from Gilly Brew Bar in Stone Mountain (I haven’t tried this season’s elixirs yet but for a refreshing non-fruity drink try their Brooklyn Moss - matcha + ginger beer)
Daily Agua Fresca from Zun Zun in East Atlanta Village (I had their kiwi-guava agua fresca which was amazing! Flavors change weekly when available.)
Bingsoo from Cafe Mixx in Suwanee (Their persimmon bingsoo is a favorite if you are in the area!)
Have to tried any of these this summer? If not, what are you waiting for?
