"Ah, summer," essayist Russell Baker once quipped. "What power you have to make us suffer and like it."

And so it is for those of us who weather summer in the subtropics. We endure the heat and humidity, the insects and the daily rains, but for the right to say we live in paradise. Is it any wonder that at the end of a long, hot day we seek shelter from the swelter? In this sultry season, we are drawn to cooler, darker spaces where frozen concoctions are served up beneath lazy ceiling fans. One sip and we’re chillin’.

2. Looking for something doce e delicioso? Vixe Maria, have we found it! The folks at Roy’s have taken Brazil’s national cocktail and put a sweet exotic spin on it with their Lychee Caipirinha. This potent potable will get a rise out of even the most wilted summer solace seeker. Ask for it frozen, and you’ll be treated to a super cool blend of Leblon Cachaça rum and Soho lychee liqueur topped with fresh lime juice and lychee fruit. Roy’s, 475 Bayfront Place, Naples. (239) 261-1416.

3. On a sweltering day in Southwest Florida, there’s nothing like the restorative power of the Mango Colada Smoothie from Wild Oats Marketplace. Made fresh to order, this chilly blend of whole mango, banana and coconut-pineapple juice will revive any withered wanderer. Added bonus: This citrusy treat is nonalcoholic, nondairy and nonfat—what’s not to love? Wild Oats Marketplace, 6424 Naples Blvd., Naples. (239) 513-1053.

4. If Gulfshore transplants agree on one thing, it’s that we never want to see snow again, unless it’s the icy cool Summer Snow at Blue Water Bistro. This slushy sensation could cool off all of Coconut Point with its blend of shaved lemon ice, Bacardi Limón, Blue Curacao and 7UP. Bright and clean without being astringent or boozy, it makes a fitting summer pit-stop or the perfect ending to an Estero evening. Blue Water Bistro, 23151 Village Shops Way, Estero. (239) 949-2583.

5. If your visit to the Gulfshore is just too good to be true, maybe it’s time for a little Trouble in Paradise from the Ritz-Carlton’s beachside Gumbo Limbo restaurant. This creamy libation is made with spiced rum, dark rum and coconut crème, but it’s the banana liqueur that gives it that tropical kick. It’s served in a plastic cup with a slice of pineapple; perfect refreshment for a beach stroll. Gumbo Limbo at the Ritz-Carlton, 280 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples. (239) 598-3300.

6. The choice of tequila can make or break a margarita. So make the bartender pull out the ladder and go top shelf with Selección Suprema from Casa Herradura at Cantina Laredo. Mixed with the restaurant’s fresh, signature margarita mix, Cointreau, triple sec and lime, this margarita goes perfectly with the restaurant’s fabulous guacamole, which they prepare right at your table. Cantina Laredo in the Bell Tower Shops, 5200 Big Pine Way, Fort Myers. (239) 415-4424.

7. If you love Creamsicles, try a Grapefruit Shake at Royal Scoop for a tart twist on the original. Ruby Red grapefruit sorbet (or red raspberry, Key lime or a variety of others) is blended with vanilla ice cream and milk to create a tangy-sweet, creamy delight. Or try the sorbet blended with Sprite—slushy style—for a lighter sip. Royal Scoop, 15 Eighth St., Bonita Springs. (239) 992-2000.

8. Any chance we get, we like to be transported back to childhood. That’s why we like the Raspberry Lemonade at Rumrunners. A game of I Spy is so much more fun with a blend of raspberry-infused vodka, Chambord and a lemon ice mix, topped with a floater of more Chambord. It tastes like a Sweet Tart candy—for all you other kids at heart. Rumrunners, 5848 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral. (239) 542-0200.

9. The Strawberry Daiquiri at the ’Tween Waters Inn poolside Oasis bar is a classic one—yummy strawberry Island Oasis mix and Bacardi rum, garnished with a fresh strawberry. It’s served in a plastic cup so you can sink into that crystalline pool or nip across the street to the beach. Catching a Captiva sunset with a daiquiri in hand … who could resist that? The Oasis at ’Tween Waters Inn, Captiva Island. (239) 472-5161.

10. Granted a drink with cheeseburger in the name doesn’t sound very refreshing. But this is paradise after all, and the eponymous Cheeseburger In Paradise cocktail packs four ways to cool your jets. The CIP boasts frozen layers of Parrot Bay piña colada, Myers’ Rum runner, house margarita and strawberry daiquiri all swimming in a pool of Blue Curacao. This drink is supposed to serve two. Yeah right. Get your own. Cheeseburger in Paradise, 5050 Daniels Parkway, Fort Myers. (239) 481-4386.