A Cocktail for Every NYC Museum: Drinks Inspired by Art & History
New York City’s museums are home to some of the world’s most inspiring art and history, and what better way to celebrate them than with a carefully crafted cocktail? Each museum tells a unique story, and so can the drinks that accompany them. Whether you're visiting The Met, The Whitney, or MoMA, here’s how to sip your way through NYC’s iconic cultural institutions with cocktails inspired by their collections.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art – The Gilded Martini
Inspired by the grandeur of The Met and its European masterpieces, this elegant martini is a tribute to the golden age of art. Think high society, shimmering chandeliers, and the refined taste of a bygone era.
Recipe:
2 oz London Dry Gin
½ oz Dry Vermouth
¼ oz Elderflower Liqueur
Lemon Twist
Gold leaf garnish (for that touch of opulence)
Why It Works:
The Met’s historic collections call for a timeless cocktail. This classic martini, with a floral hint of elderflower and a gold leaf flourish, is as refined as the works of Rembrandt and Vermeer.
The Whitney Museum of American Art – The Abstract Highball
The Whitney celebrates modern American art, bold creativity, and contemporary design. This cocktail reflects the museum’s innovative spirit with bright flavors and an unexpected twist.
Recipe:
2 oz Bourbon
½ oz Honey Syrup
¾ oz Lemon Juice
2 oz Club Soda
A dash of Angostura bitters
Grapefruit peel for garnish
Why It Works:
Like the bold strokes of an Edward Hopper painting or the playful shapes of Calder’s mobiles, this highball is full of contrast—rich bourbon balanced by effervescent citrus.
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) – The Avant-Garde Negroni
MoMA’s collection is a testament to pushing boundaries, so why not reinvent a classic? This Negroni variation takes inspiration from Picasso’s cubist forms and Warhol’s pop-art vibrance.
Recipe:
1 oz Mezcal
1 oz Campari
1 oz Sweet Vermouth
2 dashes of Chocolate Bitters
Orange Peel
Why It Works:
Mezcal brings a smoky depth to this twist on the traditional Negroni, mirroring MoMA’s fearless approach to modernism and abstraction.
The American Museum of Natural History – The Expedition Old Fashioned
A tribute to the museum’s adventurous spirit and vast collection of natural wonders, this Old Fashioned variation evokes the feeling of a well-worn explorer’s journal and a sip of something strong after a long journey.
Recipe:
2 oz Aged Rum
½ oz Maple Syrup
2 dashes Angostura Bitters
Smoked Cinnamon Stick
Why It Works:
The deep, earthy flavors of rum and maple echo the museum’s love for history and nature, while the smoky cinnamon adds an element of discovery.
The Guggenheim – The Spiraled Spritz
Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpiece deserves a cocktail that embodies its curves and airiness. This light, effervescent spritz is as elegant and modern as the museum itself.
Recipe:
1 oz Lillet Blanc
1 oz Aperol
3 oz Prosecco
1 oz Club Soda
Orange Wheel
Why It Works:
Like the museum’s white spiraling structure, this cocktail is sleek, balanced, and refreshingly modern.
Experience These Cocktails at Art of the Cocktail
Inspired by these museum-worthy creations? At Art of the Cocktail, we bring history and creativity to life through mixology. Join one of our interactive cocktail classes at Park South Hotel to craft your own museum-inspired drinks and explore the art behind every sip. After class, enjoy dinner at Sweetbriar, where expert chefs complement fine cocktails with wood-fired cuisine.
Reserve your spot today and bring a taste of NYC’s art scene into your glass.
