It used to be that a non-blurry, smiling photo with you maybe holding a Del's cup was enough.

That was the big summer beverage social media get only a few short years ago.

Now, the stakes have been raised, big time.

Sure that Del's snap is still classic Rhody gold during July and August, but you and I both know it's all about changing things up - when it comes to “blogging” about eats and drinkies online especially.

Exactly why I've put together a few other key local drinks (the hottest of the cold ones, if you will) for you to Instagram and thoroughly enjoy this summer in lil’ Rhody. 

Nifty ☕️ In NPT County - Open in Newport for several years, Kaffeology is still making waves with their shakes (decked out with bits of candy, pretzels and tons of whipped cream…and unlike anything else you've probably experienced around these parts), bites, and coffee-based drinks. Their latest is an unexpected but enticing combo of nitro cold brew style java topped with whipped coconut foam and toasted pieces of the shredded stuff. It’s perfect for the person in your COVID crew who’s avoiding dairy or who is always looking for the latest thing happening food and drink wise in the OS (also known as, the Ocean State).

Beach, Please! A lotta beach picnics for one or two (what with social distancing and all) are suddenly popping up in my IG feed the last week or three. If you’re looking to steal away to the shore for an afternoon with your s.o., I recommend going during the week (have YOU seen the crowds on Saturdays & Sundays???) and a on the way, quick stop at the newly reopened Alma’s Juice Bar in Wickford. There you can grab some summery eats and drinks, including bottles of chilled Yacht Club Seltzer, Soda Pop or Sparkling Water. It’s the official soda of Rhode Island, ya know! (For the record, I only just learned of this in the last year or two, so don’t feel too badly if you didn’t know.)

The old time-y glass bottles also look darling in smartphone photos.

PS ~ In the time before Coronavirus, they used to give tours of the bottling plant in North PVD and I’ve heard of RI’ers who have relocated to other states having cases of it shipped to them.

Well, that’s all for now.

If you have a signature summertime drink with RI roots, feel free to share it in the comments below or via the comment section of the repost on the PattyJ.com Facebook Page.