Our Favorite Spring Cocktails
Goodness knows we can appreciate an expertly made Old Fashioned or Negroni. But now that it’s spring, we couldn’t be happier to abandon brown liquor in favor of crisp, citrusy, fruity and refreshing tipples at au courant bars and restaurants, like the minty “Three to Get Ready” at Seamstress, the cool Sherry Cobbler at Porchlight, the green juice-based “Emerald” at Genuine Superette and more!
Seamstress
The Upper East Side isn’t exactly known for its nightlife, which is why the three-month-old, hotter than hot Seamstress was a bit of a surprise coup for the buttoned-up nabe. Star bartender Pam Wiznitzer collaborated with cocktail king David Wondrich on the impressive list of libations, which currently includes the “Three to Get Ready” (Spring 44 vodka, soda, verbena and mint), and the “Tabletop” (tequila, thyme, celery soda and pink salt), ideally accompanied by bites from Ducks Eatery’s Will Horowitz, such as Shaved Artichokes and Fennel, Fried Chicken with citrus oil, and Strawberry and Tarragon Baked Alaska.
Read MoreGrand Army
This brand new Boerum Hill oyster bar and cocktail destination boasts its own all-star lineup — co-owners include Mile End’s Noah Bernamoff, Rucola’s Julian Brizzi, and Prime Meats’ Damon Boelte. This spring, try creative cocktails named after train lines, such as the “Trans-Siberian” with vodka, aperol, grapefruit juice, orange flower water and fresh lime, with light, seafood-centric offerings from Alder’s Jon Bignelli, including Smoked Shrimp Toast with pickled ramps, Soft Poached Egg with clam broth and fava beans, and Hamachi paired with pickled daikon and gochujang.
Read MoreGenuine Superette
Acclaimed mixologist Eben Freeman makes delightful use of fresh juices in Genuine Superette’s mixology program, which essentially makes them healthy, right? Work up a buzz (and get your daily dose of vitamins) while downing concoctions such as the “Emerald” — a combo of green juice, chartreuse and mezcal, or the “Ruby” — a vibrant slurry of luxardo maraschino, bourbon and beets.
Read MorePorchlight
It’s worth travelling to a dark corner of Chelsea (well removed from the nearest train station) to try Danny Meyer’s first foray into the bar world, which serves fun, Southern-inspired, easy-drinking cocktails like the “Behind the Mule” with George Dickel White Dog, Rock & Rye and raspberry vinegar, and the “Stay All Night,” featuring Tito’s vodka, peach preserves and black tea.
Read MoreMace
As the name would imply, all of the tipples at this East Village bar (from Boilermaker’s Greg Boehm) are inspired by spices. But don’t think you’ll be stuck drinking liquid pumpkin pie; current options include the “Thai Chili” made with gin, cucumber and elderflower liquor, the “Chamomile,” which includes hay fat-washed cognac, lemon juice and champagne, and the “Grass;” silver needle white tea-infused sochu, paired with grass cordial and grapefruit oil.
Read MoreLa Contenta
We could happily eat Mexican food every day during spring and summer, especially if it’s accompanied by mezcal and tequila-fueled Mexican drinks. And La Contenta offers the best of both worlds, with dishes like Blue Crab Tostadas courtesy of David Bouley and Cesar Ramirez-trained chef, Luis Arce Mota, and cocktails like the Pulque de Fresa (brandy, fermented agave, aloe vera and strawberries) from Alex Valencia, of Apotheke, Little Branch and PDT.
Read MoreLazy Point
If you can’t escape the city this season, you might as well turn Lazy Point into your own urban oasis; a sunny, seaside-inspired haven with plenty of raw shellfish, and appropriately beachy drinks — try “The Volstead” with vodka, St. Germain, lemon and strawberry, the “Lomax Paloma” with grapefruit and lavender, or the “Bramble Rose;” featuring gin, lemon and housemade rose jam.
Read MoreLe Fanfare
This utterly charming Greenpoint bistro from the owners of Epistrophy Café delights with live jazz music, impeccable pastas, a thoughtful wine list, and a small but mighty roster of fresh herb-infused cocktails, such as a Sage Daiquiri with rum and grapefruit, a Rosemary Gin Fizz topped with lemon and soda, and a Thyme Margarita, spiked with tequila and a refreshing squirt of lime.
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