Drink of the Week

Summer nights seem so right for a little Latin lovin'. And since my blue-eyed, blond-haired boyfriend doesn't exactly fill that bill, when I'm in the mood for Caribbean spice I hit the twinkling patio at Cuba Cuba for a Havana Special ($6.50). A recent addition to the exotic drink menu, this fresh, fruity cocktail is made with pineapple and lime juices, grenadine and white rum, and served shaken on the rocks. It's the ultimate cool-down -- but Cuba Cuba will heat you right back up. Located in a vibrant space in the Golden Triangle that combines two Victorian houses, this authentic Cuban restaurant features spinning palm-frond fans, drums as cocktail tables and a sizzling salsa beat. The bar also serves mighty batches of mojitos and red and white sangria -- I prefer to dive right into a pitcher, but you can also order it by the glass -- to go with its zesty shrimp ceviche and addictive, deep-fried plantain chips dipped in a ginger-garlic mojo sauce. If you're looking for a romantic tropical escape, be advised that there's no embargo against sipping and snuggling at Cuba Cuba.