Sizzling summer sips can be summed up in a word, or two...vodka, flavored vodka. Without exception, local bar staff tell The Guide to Dining this is the summer of the colorful and flavorful vodka martini. The variations on the theme are as plentiful and diverse as the bartenders creating them.

At 30, Rico Ciccone has already spent nine years behind the bar at Cricket’s in downtown Coeur d’Alene. This summer he says the trend in libations is vodka and bright colors. The Ruby Red Plunge features Absolute Ruby Red vodka, with cranberry and pineapple juice. Another popular drink at Crickets is the Sunkist, made with mandarin orange-flavored vodka, Red Bull and orange juice. The blended Cherry Bomb contains cherry vodka, grape and cranberry juices. The guys go for a non-vodka drink, though. The Bull Blaster which combines Yaegermeister and Red Bull.

On a warm summer night the outdoor deck at the Beachouse is full of revelers. This is Graham Hanson’s second summer season serving Beachouse guests. With the view of the marina, Graham certainly has a scenic workplace. The two most popular drinks on the deck are the Hawaiian martini, made with Smirnoff vanilla vodka and the juice from pineapple that’s marinated for a week in Malibu rum. An eye-catching North Idaho signature drink is the huckleberry martini, made with vodka, huckleberry juice and served in a sugar-rimmed glass.

Hadley Long is an institution among local bartenders. His high energy interaction with the crowd at Tony’s is as well-known as his enthusiastic mix-ology. Hadley declares his signature Lemon Drop made with muddled lemons cleans the palette and sugar-coats the lips. At Tony’s martinis are the drink of summer, especially the pomegranate martini, known as the Pom-a-politin. Hadley recommends a unique Vanilla Crush, with vanilla vodka, orange juice and 7-Up to satisfy a sweet tooth. Some diners order their dessert in a glass, opting for a chocolate martini in lieu of a more traditional confection.

The Iron Horse (downtown Coeur d’Alene) - Janel says the Derailer rum punch bucket with multiple straws for sharing is their most popular as is the Washington Apple cocktail.

Rusty’s (Hayden) - Brenda tells us that the Pom Bomb made from pomegranate vodka and Red Bull is right up there with their signature summer drink, Rusty’s Trombone, a fruity grown-up punch concoction.

Mallards (RedLion Templins Post Falls) - Dawn serves up their Primo Margarita to many customers and even in the summer Mallard’s special "coffee" is popular, served with Irish Cream. In the lounge Scott makes the popular Ruby Red Slipper with vodka and a hint of cranberry juice.

The Beacon (downtown Coeur d’Alene) - Justin doesn’t hesitate when naming the most popular drink of summer...the MoJito, made with flavored rum or vodka in a variety of flavors. The Pom-Tini rates up at the top of the charts for the Beacon and Brix.

Shore Lounge (Coeur d’Alene Resort) - You’ll have to ask Heidi about the popular "Naked on the Beach" recipe but Idaho’s state fruit plays a big role in the lounge’s most popular summer cocktails...huckleberry MoJitos and daiquiris.

Bardenay (Riverstone in Coeur d’Alene) - With the novel advantage of distilling their own vodka and rum, this newest local hot spot will prove to be a player on the summer drink scene. Andrew touts the Ginger Rum cocktail made with ginger-infused rum and select liqueurs. MoJitos make the Bardenay "A" list of summer sips, too.