Our Favorite Holiday Cocktails
There’s nothing quite as festive as a great cocktail during the holidays. But far too often they can be off-puttingly sweet or just plain goofy, like egg nog-flavored this or candy cane-topped that. That’s why we’ve rounded up a list of great seasonal cocktails that manage to feel entirely celebratory while still tasting appropriately adult, like the “Chai No Lait” at Rotisserie Georgette on the Upper East Side or the Peppermint-scented “Hjalmar” at Skal in Chinatown.
Skal
Considering it’s named after an Icelandic drinking toast, it only makes sense to kick off an evening at Skal, located on Chinatown, with one of their frosty, deliciously bracing libations. And while it’s made with Peppermint Syrup, the “Hjalmar” still manages to avoid tasting like cough drops or candy canes, tempered with Gosling Rum, Lemon Juice and Soda. But don’t mistake this charming eatery for a bar. Chef Ben Spiegel serves tasty, Nordic-style plates (he apprenticed at the renowned Noma), like Fried and Marinated Smelts, Mackerel with Sour Onions and Walnuts, and Hay-Smoked Duck Wings with Red Seaweed.
Betony
Betony’s general manager, Eamon Rockey, also happens to be one of the most respected mixologists in the city, and has helped make the restaurant not just a serious dinner destination (love chef Shuman’s high end Tuna Melt!), but a prime spot for cocktails as well. And while his “Milk Punch” sounds like a kiddie drink, it’s actually a super potent mixture of juices, tea, hot milk and whiskey, which Rockey strains and clarifies until it’s crystal clear – a warm and fuzzy bedtime drink.
Rotisserie Georgette
Who would have expected Daniel Boulud’s longtime head of communications, Georgette Farkas, to open a restaurant currently serving one of the best Roast Chickens in the city? And yet, the spit-fired, Herbes de Provence-rubbed birds are currently the calling card of the month-old eatery, which happen to pair particularly nicely with spicy, toasty cocktails like the “Chai No Lait” with Chai-Infused Gin, Sake, Demerara and Egg White.
Read MoreDistilled
In addition to above average bar bites (Gochujang-glazed Chicken Wings, Pork Ribs, Country Fried Duck and Waffles), this self-proclaimed, “New American Public House” in Tribeca serves a list of drinks that extend well beyond beer. This winter, they’re stirring up two, decadent hot cocktails this winter; “Pop’s Cider” with Brugal 1888, Baked Pumpkin Jus, Fall Spices and Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream, and the “Mulled Mystic;” the Mystic Mead with Fall and Winter Spice.
Read MoreThe East Pole
If you have company in for the holidays (and don’t feel like making bacon and eggs for eight), take them for a long, leisurely brunch at The East Pole, a sleek spot tucked inside an Upper East Side brownstone. They’ll love the hearty, seasonal, and locally sourced fare, like Dutch Apple Pancake with New York Maple Syrup, or a Pumpkin Frittata with Goat Cheese and Sage, accompanied by a sparkling Spiced Pear Bellini with housemade Gin, Lillet White and Cinnamon.
Decoy
Ed Schoenfeld just debuted this Peking Duck house and cocktail bar, located just underneath his original, West Village outpost of RedFarm. But really, chef Joe Ng’s Duck Wraps, Pastrami Egg Rolls and meticulously formed Greenmarket-Stuffed Dumplings set the stage for an extensive selection of libations, like Manhattans and Negronis made with duck fat-washed, barrel-aged Whisky as well as “The Triple Luck,” a round of three specialty Sochu cocktails, and potent drinks like the “Timelessness,” a blend of Hibiki, Pomegranate Molasses, Sherry and Yellow Chartreuse with a Laphroaig mist.
Achilles Heel
Accomplished Brooklyn restaurateur Andrew Tarlow (of Diner, Roman’s, Reynard and Marlow & Sons) is the man behind this new Greenpoint café and bar, which boasts an excellent cheese and charcuterie program, small bites like Portuguese Sardines and Duck Liver Mousse, and six or more thoughtfully constructed cocktails. The vibrantly red “Third Arm” is especially well suited to the holiday season, made with Cassis (blackcurrant liquor), Bonded Bourbon, Pernod, Orange Bitters and Lemon.
Grace 365
How could you not love this new Irish bar in midtown, featuring drinks created exclusively by female mixologists? You’ll definitely want to cuddle up this winter with Jane Elkins’ “Westport,” made with Bushmill’s Black Bush Whiskey, Vermouth, Egg, Demerara Syrup, Ruby Port and Grated Nutmeg, Lynette Marrero’s “Black Tom” with Rum, Sherry, Ginger Liquor, Date Molasses and Lime Juice, and Pamela Wiznitzer’s “The Blind Abbot” with Galliano Ristretto, Coffee, Cinnamon Syrup and Bitters. And don’t forget to order a plate of Stuffed Razor Clams, rich with spicy sausage, celery, onion and parsley to partner with yoor cocktails.
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