Splash & Sip: Your Summer Just Got Cooler in Deira

Al Bawaba

3 days ago

This summer, Deira gets a fruity and cool refresh. For those looking to escape the city heat with some chilled coolers, a view, and an icy sip in hand, Novotel Dubai Gold District and Mercure Dubai Deira promise to turn up the heat—and cool it down—by announcing the launch of their limited-edition summer beverage menus. Featuring a bold mix of mocktails and cocktails inspired by local flavours, it's perfect for those looking to explore a flavourful twist in a glass this season.Crafted for sun-soaked days, alluring rooftop views, and laid-back poolside lounging, each venue offers its own distinct vibe. At Mercure Dubai Deira, ATMOS Rooftop Lounge brings a lively rooftop pulse, while over at Novotel Dubai Gold District, the Aqua Pool Bar invites guests to cool off in style with a dip and a drink.Set against the serene backdrop of Dubai Creek, these two properties are unveiling a limited-time rooftop and poolside beverage series that blends summer indulgence with cultural depth. As you step into the serenade of Deira Creek's views, guests are invited to explore bold local flavours, creative mocktails, and globally inspired sips that capture the true spirit of the city.Where Deira Meets DesignAt Mercure Dubai Deira's rooftop lounge, ATMOS Rooftop Lounge, it's not just the skyline that catches your eye. The new Sweet Summer Sips menu reads like a passport stamped with flavour: from the lemongrass goblet that riffs on calming lemongrass and basil, to the Java Stone—served in a terracotta cup with a bold blend of coriander, agave, and jalapeño brine—a nod to Dubai's spice trade legacy.Mercure Dubai Deira brings their 'Discover Local' ethos to life, delivering an immersive experience.The standout? Serenity Proson, a surreal blue-hued drink with blue pea tea and coconut water that tastes like a seaside breeze and changes colour in the light. It's as photogenic as it is refreshing.Signature Sips Include:Java Stone: A terracotta cup filled with tequila, jalapeños, coriander, and lemonSerenity Proson: Gin, blue pea tea, coconut water, and passionfruit syrupRoyal Fresher: A surprising fusion of whisky, pineapple, cucumber, and lotus bittersThe menu is thoughtfully crafted to elevate the experience into something far more artful, weaving delicious bites seamlessly into the rooftop journey. From Avocado Tattoo—a luxurious cold tapas of salmon tartare, avocado mousse, and black caviar—to Artistic Trio Crostini, a visual feast of beef bresaola, almond flakes, and avocado salsa, every dish is a celebration of flavour and form. For groups seeking something light and refreshing, the Ocean Basket for Four offers a generous spread of sashimi, sushi rolls, and nigiri. And when it comes to sweet finishes, Baked Alaska and Watermelon Fries with Cream Cheese double as palate cleansers and conversation starters. At every level, the menu reflects Mercure Dubai Deira Discover Local ethos, blending global presentation with a distinctive regional flair.A Pool Bar That Doesn't Try Too HardJust a few steps away, Novotel Dubai Gold District's Aqua Pool Bar is an oasis in motion. The pool glistens against the golden hour light as floaties bob gently and trays of mocktails arrive like postcards from afar.Here, drinks like Fizzy Lizard Pop (pineapple, green apple, lime) and Melon Mayhem (watermelon, basil, cucumber) come to life and are perfect to pair with the sweeping views of old Dubai. And for those seeking something one the fruity side: Strawbrrreezy, a frozen strawberry swirl, and Mango Tango Meltdown, bursting with flavours of chili and frozen mango—bring summer into a glass.It's playful, unapologetically fun, and exactly the kind of place you don't expect to find tucked away in Deira.Highlights Include:Strawbrrreezy: A frozen mix of strawberries and limeMelon Mayhem (mocktail): Watermelon juice, basil, and cucumberDrip Drop (mocktail): A dreamy blend of coconut milk, pineapple, and vanillaBut it's not just the drinks doing the talking. Aqua Pool Bar's hot bites menu takes familiar comfort food and reimagines it with creativity and local inflections. Think Beef Ribs Poori, a fusion twist of slow-cooked pulled beef wrapped in crispy Indian poori, laced with grilled corn and mint yoghurt. There's also Watermelon Pizza topped with berries, feta, and pomegranate molasses, and Ebi Furai, crispy fried shrimp drizzled with spiced mayo. Even classics like the Chef's Signature Beef Burger and BBQ Chicken Nachos come with a side of flair and a panoramic view.It's not just food; it's fun on a plate. And whether you're vegan, pescatarian, or somewhere in between, there's something thoughtfully crafted for every kind of palate.This rooftop series runs only through the summer months, making it a limited-edition moment in Dubai's ever-evolving hospitality scene. It's also one of the few places where mocktails receive as much creative love as their better-known counterparts, and where the backdrop—old-world charm meets modern mixology—makes each sip feel like a new discovery.
Whether you're a guest, a city-dweller in search of a different view, or a traveler with an eye for experiences that aren't just 'grammable but grounded, these rooftops offer something refreshingly rare: a reason to stay in Deira—even if just for a brief moment.