The Rise of Craft Spirits in NYC: Exploring Local Distilleries and Their Impact on the Cocktail Scene
New York City has long been known as a global destination for cocktail culture, but a recent trend is bringing a fresh, local twist to the scene: the rise of craft spirits. Fueled by innovation, creativity, and a commitment to quality, NYC’s craft distilleries are offering unique, small-batch spirits that redefine what we pour into our glasses. From gin with locally foraged botanicals to whiskey aged in American oak, these distilleries aren’t just changing the way New Yorkers drink—they’re helping support local businesses and foster a sustainable, community-driven industry.
Join us as we explore some of the most exciting craft distilleries in New York City, along with their standout spirits that are redefining cocktail menus across the city.
Why Craft Spirits?
The popularity of craft spirits in NYC is part of a larger movement that values quality over quantity. Craft distilleries produce small-batch, hand-crafted spirits with a focus on authenticity, sustainable practices, and unique flavors. By sourcing local ingredients and experimenting with innovative production methods, these distilleries create products that not only support local agriculture and economies but also offer drinkers a one-of-a-kind tasting experience.
Supporting local distilleries also means supporting a commitment to sustainability, as many craft producers prioritize eco-friendly practices, from responsible ingredient sourcing to packaging and distribution.
Top NYC Distilleries to Know
Let’s take a closer look at a few of NYC’s most notable craft distilleries, each of which has its own distinct approach to creating spirits that reflect the flavor and culture of the city.
1. New York Distilling Company
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Standout Spirits: Dorothy Parker American Gin and Ragtime Rye Whiskey
About: Founded in Williamsburg, the New York Distilling Company was one of the first distilleries in NYC since Prohibition. Their Dorothy Parker American Gin, named after the witty New York icon, is a beautifully balanced gin infused with a blend of traditional botanicals as well as elderberries, citrus, and cinnamon. The Ragtime Rye Whiskey, aged in American oak barrels, has a rich, spicy profile that’s perfect for a classic Manhattan or Old Fashioned.
Sustainability and Community: New York Distilling Company is committed to sustainability, partnering with local farms to source grains and herbs while minimizing their environmental impact. Their dedication to supporting New York agriculture has made them a local favorite among bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
2. Kings County Distillery
Location: Brooklyn Navy Yard, Brooklyn, NY
Standout Spirits: Kings County Bourbon and Peated Bourbon
About: Kings County Distillery is New York City’s oldest, post-Prohibition distillery and has gained a reputation for its high-quality, small-batch whiskeys. Their flagship Kings County Bourbon is aged in American oak barrels and boasts a rich, caramelized flavor profile, while their Peated Bourbon offers a unique, smoky twist inspired by traditional Scottish whiskies.
Sustainability and Community: Kings County sources local, non-GMO grains for their whiskeys and ages their spirits in barrels sourced from American forests. Their commitment to transparency and quality has earned them several awards and cemented their place in NYC’s craft whiskey scene. Kings County Distillery also offers distillery tours and tastings, inviting New Yorkers to connect with the art and process behind their favorite spirits.
3. Greenhook Ginsmiths
Location: Greenpoint, Brooklyn, NY
Standout Spirits: Greenhook Ginsmiths American Dry Gin and Beach Plum Gin Liqueur
About: Greenhook Ginsmiths has taken gin to new heights by blending traditional methods with innovative techniques. Their American Dry Gin, made with Tuscan juniper, elderflower, and chamomile, is vacuum-distilled, which preserves the fresh flavors of the botanicals. Their Beach Plum Gin Liqueur, made from locally harvested beach plums, is a unique New York twist on the classic sloe gin.
Sustainability and Community: Greenhook Ginsmiths sources local, organic ingredients whenever possible and is dedicated to creating spirits that are as sustainable as they are delicious. Their innovative distillation process uses less energy than traditional methods, and they prioritize eco-friendly packaging for their bottles. Greenhook has become a favorite among NYC bartenders who seek out unique flavors for modern cocktails.
4. Van Brunt Stillhouse
Location: Red Hook, Brooklyn, NY
Standout Spirits: Van Brunt Stillhouse Whiskey and Grappa
About: Van Brunt Stillhouse has earned a reputation for its flavorful, grain-to-glass whiskeys made from New York-sourced grains. Their flagship whiskey offers a smooth yet complex flavor profile, while their Grappa—a spirit traditionally made from grape pomace—is produced with local grape skins, bringing a taste of Italy to the heart of Brooklyn.
Sustainability and Community: Van Brunt Stillhouse sources all of their grains from upstate New York, minimizing the distance ingredients travel and reducing their carbon footprint. They are also known for their support of local farmers and artisans, creating a community-focused approach to distilling.
The Impact of Craft Spirits on NYC’s Cocktail Scene
The rise of craft spirits has not only enriched the city’s offerings behind the bar but has also spurred a new era of creativity among NYC’s bartenders and mixologists. With access to high-quality, unique ingredients, bartenders are experimenting with inventive cocktails that capture the essence of New York’s local flavors.
Craft spirits encourage the development of seasonal cocktail menus, as bars showcase spirits made from ingredients that are fresh and available locally. This focus on locality and seasonality reflects New Yorkers’ growing interest in sustainable and responsible drinking. At bars like Sweetbriar and Roof at Park South, where sustainability is a priority, you’ll find cocktails featuring locally crafted spirits that bring a touch of authenticity to each drink.
Supporting Local: Why It Matters
When you choose to order a craft cocktail made with local spirits, you’re doing more than just supporting a local business—you’re helping to sustain a community of artisans, farmers, and entrepreneurs who share a dedication to quality and integrity. Craft distilleries are more than just producers; they’re hubs of community and culture, often creating jobs and fostering partnerships with local suppliers. By supporting craft spirits, you’re helping to preserve New York’s diverse culinary landscape and contribute to a more sustainable, community-focused future.
NYC Craft Spirit Cocktail Recipes to Try at Home
If you’re inspired to bring the world of New York craft spirits into your own home, here are two cocktail recipes featuring some of the city’s best local spirits:
Dorothy’s Martini
Ingredients:
2 oz Dorothy Parker American Gin (New York Distilling Company)
1/2 oz dry vermouth
Lemon twist for garnish
Directions: Stir gin and dry vermouth with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Brooklyn Bourbon Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
2 oz Kings County Bourbon (Kings County Distillery)
1 sugar cube or 1/2 oz simple syrup
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Orange twist for garnish
Directions: Muddle the sugar and bitters in an Old Fashioned glass. Add bourbon and ice, stir, and garnish with an orange twist.
The rise of craft spirits in New York City reflects the city’s vibrant, innovative spirit, bringing local flavor and sustainability to the forefront of the cocktail experience. As distilleries like New York Distilling Company, Kings County, and Greenhook Ginsmiths continue to redefine what’s possible in the world of spirits, NYC’s cocktail scene is evolving in new, exciting directions.
So, the next time you find yourself at an NYC bar or liquor store, consider opting for a locally produced spirit—it’s a small choice that makes a big difference for local businesses, the environment, and your cocktail experience.
