Our Favorite Frozen Cocktails
Many people think of frozen cocktails as being silly or girly, topped with paper umbrellas and maraschino cherries, and chock full of syrupy fruit juices, cordials and rum. And so what if they are? When it’s 70+ degrees outside, nothing hits the spot like a highly alcoholic, yet seriously icy libation. So leave those staid, buttoned-up Manhattans and Negronis until the fall, and get frosty this summer with a series of Tequila Snow Cones from Zengo, an amaretto-slicked Pina Colada from The Commodore, or a refreshing Beer Slushie from Uncle Boons!
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Our Favorite New Spring Cocktails
We’ve been lavishing lots of love on spring dishes as of late, like lamb paired with ramps and fiddlehead ferns, and ricotta-swabbed pasta dotted with asparagus tips and morel mushrooms. But restaurant cocktail menus have also undergone a sprightly seasonal makeover, and from the “Organic Pea Mojito” at Rouge Tomate on the Upper East Side to the strawberry-flavored “Kon-Tiki” at Wallflower in the West Village, we’re rounding up the most mouth-watering, warm weather libations in New York!
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Drink Spotting: Negronis at The Gilroy
It’s no secret that I’m obsessed with food, but even a Restaurant Girl gets thirsty and I’m quite fond of liquor. Luckily, I met a boy who knows his way around the bottle – let’s call him Booze Boy. He’s stopped by to share the wisdom of his scotch drinking ways: Have you ever heard someone walk up to a bartender and order their scotch “neat”? Hey, maybe you’ve even been that person. Did you ever notice that the first (and second and third) sip burn? That’s because neat translates to no ice, no water, nothing – just plain straight up. Most single malt scotches are anywhere between 42% and 50% ABV (alcohol by volume), also known as 84-100 proof. That’s almost half alcohol – no wonder the stuff burns. It’s not the same grain alcohol burn we all...
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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…
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“Maple’s” Mark Cocktail
Sugar is a standard ingredient in cocktails. But now that it’s fall, why not swap out the white stuff for the more nuanced sweetness of maple syrup? It lends body, aroma, and an appealing amber color to almost any drink, along with autumnal flavors like caramel, wood smoke and spice. We’ve highlighted those delightful qualities even further in this indulgent cocktail recipe, with a dash of Vermont Maple Liquor (ask your local store to get it in stock), a hint of nutty Frangelico, and a healthy pour of toasty Maker’s Mark!
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New York’s Tastiest Summer Cocktails
There’s no other word for it… summertime cocktails are just so fun. From frosty Margaritas and fragrant Mojitos to fruity Sangrias and spicy Micheladas, each makes you feel like you’re relaxing on a tropical island somewhere — even if you’re merely sipping from a plastic cup on the stoop of your brownstone, or on a crowded restaurant patio along a city street. Since New York’s cocktail scene is only getting better and better, there’s no reason to limit yourself to the usual suspects this season. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the most unique summer cocktails, from the Ouest Daisy at Lafayette to the Big Daddy Kane at Tribeca Canvas and more!
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Drink Spotting: Mint Juleps at Maison Premiere
If what excites you most about the upcoming Kentucky Derby is horseracing and oversized hats, well, you’ve come to the wrong place. For us, the annual event is nothing less than an unabashed celebration of the mint julep, one of our favorite, seasonal cocktails. Considered the signature drink of the Kentucky Derby for over 70 years, the standard julep is made with bourbon, sugar, water, and mint, and traditionally served in a silver or pewter cup. But this in NYC, not the Deep South. And our cocktail scene is infinitely more exciting — so why limit yourself to sipping a single rendition of the centuries old tipple all night? That’s why we’re placing our bets on Maison Premiere as a serious front-runner this Saturday, in a race to become the city’s top Kentucky Derby destination.
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Spring Cocktails on the Rise
Dishes like Boeuf Bourguignon and Brussels Sprouts don’t really have a place on lightened-up, springtime menus. And neither do heady, malty spirits, like Port or Brandy, or comfort cocktails, like Rum Punch or a Tom & Jerry. That’s why bars and restaurants are making sure their cocktails are every bit as seasonal as the food they accompany, from the sugar snap pea-topped “Green Giant” at Clover Club in Brooklyn to the blood orange and rhubarb-accented “Spiritual America” at Nolita’s Pearl and Ash. So put down your wintry Manhattan and try one of these warm-weather libations this spring!
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“Hold the Alcohol” Pear and Rosemary Fizz
Savory elements like Rosemary and Ginger play a central role in this drink, which also incorporates yet another 2013 cocktail trend. It’s entirely alcohol free. Not that you can’t sneak a shot of Bourbon or jigger of Sherry in there if you want (especially since the fortified wine happens to be trending too!) But sometimes it’s nice to indulge in a cocktail that’s still entirely grown-up tasting, without being intoxicating. So next time you’re looking to raise a toast (without actually ending up toasted yourself,) make up a pitcher of these celebratory Pear and Rosemary Fizzes!
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Top Cocktail Trends to Watch For in 2013
Like Kale salads and Sriracha sauce, small batch bitters and speakeasy inspired cocktails are so 2012. So if you’re going to be feasting on Roasted Chicken and Fresh Baked Bread all year long (see our Food Trends to Watch for in 2013), you’ll want to pair them with some equally “of the moment” drinks. From chef driven tipples at The Third Man in the East Village to fancy Daiquiri’s at Donna in Brooklyn, here are the trends you can expect to see more of in the coming year!
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