We’ve narrowed down eastern Maine’s pubs, taverns, bars and lounges to a select seven. The best of the best — where you don’t even necessarily have to have a drink in your hand to have fun, because it’s such a great place to hang out.

Where: Passports Pub, Pentagoet Inn, Castine

What’ll it be? The Ambassador, a cocktail that combines Bombay Sapphire gin, ginger lemonade, lime juice and mint garnish

What’s so special about it? Passports Pub bar staff Emily Slocum developed this tasty summer drink, combining the oh-so-British libation of gin with spicy homemade ginger lemonade. Think of it as a nod to both Castine’s Colonial heritage and to the Victorian-era Explorer’s Club aesthetic in the pub