Complement the hot days and cool nights of Beijing with a drink at one of the city's best open-air terraces and bars. There's something for everyone on our list, whether you're a party-hopping hipster or a relaxed “old gent”.

The Scene-ster

A Sanlitun hotspot, Migas' rooftop is packed with party-goers until closing time. “It can get pretty crazy up here,” says Migas' Sofia Ballon. “We'll have DJs every weekend this summer—even on Sunday afternoons as well!”

This quirky restaurant takes inspiration from Spanish artist Sixeart's geometric chickens. But the patio, with an egg theme to match the restaurant's funky décor, has made a few changes. They've ripped out the plants from last year and planted Japanese bonsai in their places. It makes for a sleeker patio with lots of greens—and egg whites—but still plenty of room for dancing until the late hours of night.

The view from atop the roof Nali Patio is spellbinding, with each direction facing something completely different, whether it be a quiet, leafy xiaoqu, glitzy Sanlitun SOHO, or the outlines of the skyscrapers in the CBD.

Sink your teeth into the sangria (¥65), a Spanish favorite with pungent, yet fruity flavors. Or, try the "cucumber goes to Moscow" cocktail (¥70), a silky smooth libation with just a hint of spiced ginger.

Find It: Migas 6/F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun North Road, 三里屯北街81号那里花园6层, Tel: 5208-6061

Classic Rooftop

With its natural woods and beautiful view over the capital, Q Bar has the classiest rooftop terrace in Beijing. Elegantly divided with minimalist wooden arbors, the terrace's chic design gives revelers the impression they have staked out their own private rooftop wonderland. This summer stunner attracts a smart thirty-something crowd that knows this gorgeously lit outdoor bar serves some of China's most outstanding cocktails.

"The terrace is a big draw during the summer," says Q Bar owner Echo Sun. "We've just put the finishing touches on a summer's drink menu that I think may be our best yet."

Q Bar revolutionized the Beijing cocktail scene when it opened five years back, and its creative cocktails continue to astound. On a hot summer's night, kick back with one of Q Bar's legendary frozen drinks, like the lychee daiquiri (¥65). Better yet, try one of the fresh fruit margaritas during Q Bar’s new summer happy hour (Mon-Thu, 6-9pm) for just ¥39. Or, indulge in a perfect martini (¥60) any night of the week. Complete the experience with a taste of Q Bar's sumptuous panna cotta (¥35).

Find It: Q Bar 6/F, Eastern Hotel, 三里屯南路和工体南路交接口 Tel: 6595-9239

The Newcomer

Partner to stellar Spanish favorite Agua, Fez Bar adds some exotic flavor to the rooftop of Nali Patio. This gorgeous Moroccan-style terrace bar served stunning cocktails when it was located at Ch'ienmen 23, and we're expecting even greater things from the second incarnation. Kick back with a cool fresh fruit cocktail after work, or sip a perfect martini late into the night.

Find It: Fez Bar, 6/F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun North Street, 三里屯北街81号, 那里花园6层 Tel: 5208-6188

Blues Under Stars

Summer brings a wind of change to Eudora Station’s leafy outdoor terrace, as the longtime pub grub favorite prepares to unveil its new menu. Up on the rooftop, sip a fresh mojito (¥45) and enjoy the handiwork of the bar’s new Finnish chef, Kimmo Lahti, while taking in one of the best views you’re ever likely to come across ... in Lido at least. On the downstairs patio, you can soak in the sounds of Eudora's stellar house band, Bump City, dancing and clapping along to their sets of blues and soul tunes. The lanterns and live music make for an ambiance that elegantly fuses Western and Eastern aesthetics.

Find It: Eudora Station 6 Fangyuan Xilu, 芳园西路6号 Tel: 6437-8331

The Daydrinker

Alba boasts one of Gulou's few truly spacious decks. It may be as close as Beijing comes to a backyard porch, with a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere perfect for afternoon drinking—and spying on pokey hutong residents. If the sun gets too strong, retreat to one of the rooftop cabanas. We recommend the snappy "lemongrass special" (¥35). Or, start tasting from Alba's very respectable selection of whiskies.

Find It: Alba 70 Gulou Dong Dajie, 鼓楼东大街70号 Tel: 6709-1383

Mesh Together

Just outside the architectural wonders of The Opposite House, you will find the beguiling terraces of its Mesh lounge and Sureño restaurant.

Cached inside a small bamboo grove, Mesh's chic minimalist patio allows for secretive Sanlitun people watching while indulging in mixologist Cobain Fu's refreshing summer cocktails. Stop by weekdays after work from 5-8pm, and score two-for-one cocktails.

With its stellar wine list and expertly mixed cocktails, Sureño is as fine a destination for al fresco drinking as it is al fresco dining. Kick back with a few flutes of bubbly over a Sunday lunch (¥298 for set with Champagne), or return in the evening for martinis (¥60).

Find It: Mesh and Sureño, The Village at Sanlitun, Opposite House Hotel, 11 Sanlitun Beilu, 三里屯北路11号 Tel: 6417-6688

Indie Paradise

Plunked down on the north side of Chaoyang Park behind a drive-in movie theater, 2 Kolegas may be off the beaten path, but it's still the perfect summertime escape for a night of rollicking, rock 'n' roll fun.

Customers flock to the bar not only to catch some of Beijing's best live music, but also to enjoy its spacious, grassy yard.

"We have a ton of regulars," says Liu Miao, owner of 2 Kolegas. "It's a lively, energetic place." Though Liu Miao says whiskey, rum, and tequila are the big sellers, partiers shouldn't miss out on the Bucañero (a strong Cuban beer priced at ¥25). If you get too sweaty in the mosh pit, cool down with one of 2K's refreshing mojitos (¥40).

Find It:2 Kolegas 21 Liangmaqiao Lu, 亮马桥路21号汽车电影院内 Tel: 135-5227-6845, 136-9118-0119

Back Street Classic

Somehow, almost every weekend, partiers of every stripe eventually end up back at Kokomo, a rooftop classic located at the heart of Sanlitun. With a Carribbean-themed terrace and frilly cocktails, Kokomo is a standby for well-heeled expats and study-abroad students alike. Customer favorites include the mojitos and navy grog, but for the most bang for your buck, order Kokomo's singular Long Island (¥68), which, El Mar says, "has so much alcohol, it's unbelievable."

Find It: Kokomo 4/F, Tongli, Sanlitun Back Street, 三里屯后街同里4层 Tel: 6413-1019

Clubber’s Delight

Open for its first season since the club’s highly successful facelift courtesy of Acupuncture Records, The House’s third-floor rooftop bar provides a romantic respite from the two sweaty dance floors below. With a long bar, big comfy seating and a sensational bird’s-eye-view over the Gongti nightlife, we can’t think of a better setting for a disco-break.

“The quality of the rooftop has jumped up more than just three storys,” says Acupuncture's Miao Wong. “For a drink, I recommend the French 75 (¥80), mixed with cognac, Champagne and lemon.” Sounds like a perfect drink for chatting up Beijing's DJ elite and serious clubbers.

Find It: The House North Gate of Workers Stadium, 工体北门 Tel: 138-1188-2470

Beijing Home Brew

When it comes to craft beers, you can’t do any better than Great Leap, a cozy, down-home microbrewery tucked into a quiet hutong in Gulou.

Opened in October by longtime home-brewer Carl Setzer, Great Leap features a rotating menu of five beers, ranging from staples like Setzer's coffee-like oatmeal porter (¥25), to the more exotic "honey ma gold" (¥35), featuring majiao, or Sichuan peppercorns.

Though the honey ma wins the most raves, the "pale ale #6" (¥25) is most popular. “It's a smooth, American-style pale, light and easy to drink,” says Great Leap's Nathalie Johnston.

Great Leap features a spacious flagstone courtyard, where on Tuesdays they host live bluegrass and acoustic acts. Even if you miss the jam sessions, the "May Day dubbel” (¥50), Setzer's take on a Belgian monastic brew, will make the trip to this hidden hutong wonderland well worth the journey.

Find It: Great Leap Brewery 6 Doujiao Hutong, 豆角胡同6号 Tel: 135-5223-7655

Backpacker Hideaway

We wouldn't normally recommend a backpacker hostel as a drinking destination for actual Beijing residents, but Peking Yard Hostel's roof terrace overlooking the hutongs is simply breathtaking. Plus, they're open until 2am and have a stellar wine list prepared by Cambulac Wines. Kick back with a bottle of Insolia Barbazzale 2008 white (¥315), or order one of the international beers. They serve both Stella (¥25) and Duvel (¥45).

Find It: Peking Yard Hostel, 28 Wangzhima Hutong, 汪芝麻胡同 Tel: 8404-8787

For Wine Lovers

Enoterra takes Beijing's wine scene to a whole new level when it opens its rooftop pavilion on May 7.

“Expect the same deals as before,” says manager Ludovic Lafleur, who recommends an aromatic white wine for summer, such as the South African Colombar (¥193/bottle).

Lafleur also recommends the Enoterra label Chardonnay from Chile (¥228), which suits those who prefer a drier white. For rosé lovers, he suggests the Sauska from Hungary (¥200).

Enoterra's darkly paneled patio seats 80 and has cozy couches for chilling. Take a large pour from one of its many reasonably priced wines and stare out from the peak of Sanlitun SOHO.

Find It: Enoterra D405, Nali Huayuan, 那里花园D405Tel: 5208-6076

Ultimate Bargain

The impressive vista over the Drum and Bell towers makes the appropriately named Drum and Bell Bar and Café a summer classic. Grab a cheap Tsingtao (¥15) and head up to the roof for a stunning sunset over lao Beijing. Even better, end your weekend on a high note and take advantage of their Sunday “all you can drink” special (¥100 between 3-6pm).

Find It: Drum and Bell 41 Zhonglouwan Hutong, 钟楼湾胡同41号 Tel: 8403-3600

Ibiza Moon and Sand

First opening four summers ago, The Beach may be the capital's most iconic outdoor club. With a gorgeous design, featuring blonde woods, a white DJ tower, VIP booths and a labyrinth of soft white sand pathways, The Beach hosts nightly DJ parties that keep revelers dancing late into the night. A seen-and-be-seen club, this is the rooftop for those who want to party with Beijing's beautiful people while popping the cork on a chilled bottle of Champagne.

Find It: The Beach 4/F Block 8, West Gate of Chaoyang Park, 朝阳公园西门8号公馆4层 Tel: 135-2188-2889

High-Roller

Xiu's breathtaking rooftop elegantly blends the contemporary and the classical. Its dreamy, Chinese-style pavilion attracts A-listers who down flutes of Champagne. The addition of an outdoor barbecue pit for the summer will make Xiu more of a meat market than ever.

You can score a Tsingtao for ¥40, but no one comes to Xiu to skimp. Try a mango mojito (¥80) and gawk at the parade of obnoxiously beautiful women and even more obnoxiously rich men.

Find It: Xiu Park Hyatt Beijing, 6/F, 2 Jianguomenwai Street, 北京柏悦酒店, 建国门外大街2号6楼 Tel: 8567-1108