Behind the Bar – The Secret Ingredients NYC Mixologists Swear By
New York City’s cocktail scene is a blend of creativity, precision, and artistry, with mixologists constantly experimenting to craft drinks that surprise and delight. Behind every show-stopping cocktail lies a set of secret ingredients—those unique syrups, bitters, and spirits that elevate a drink from good to unforgettable.
Let’s take a peek behind the bar and uncover some of the favorite ingredients NYC mixologists swear by to create their masterpieces.
1. Orgeat Syrup: The Unsung Hero of Tiki Drinks
What It Is
A sweet, almond-based syrup with floral undertones, orgeat is a key ingredient in classic tiki cocktails like the Mai Tai.
Why Mixologists Love It
Orgeat adds depth and complexity, balancing tropical fruit flavors with a nutty richness. Many bartenders in NYC are now making their own house versions, infusing it with unique flavors like pistachio or rose.
Cocktail to Try
Pistachio Mai Tai: A blend of rum, lime juice, pistachio orgeat, and orange liqueur.
2. Smoked Bitters: A Dash of Drama
What It Is
Bitters are the spice rack of cocktails, and smoked bitters bring a bold, smoky note to the mix. Made by infusing botanicals with charred woods or smoked spices, they add complexity to spirit-forward drinks.
Why Mixologists Love It
Smoked bitters can transform a simple Old Fashioned or Manhattan into a drink with layers of intrigue.
Cocktail to Try
Smoky Old Fashioned: Bourbon, smoked bitters, sugar, and a twist of orange peel, served with a large ice cube for slow dilution.
3. Falernum: A Taste of the Tropics
What It Is
A Caribbean syrup made from lime, almond, cloves, and ginger, falernum is a staple in rum-based cocktails.
Why Mixologists Love It
Falernum adds spice, sweetness, and citrus, making it an ideal complement to both light and dark rums.
Cocktail to Try
Rum Swizzle: A refreshing mix of rum, falernum, Angostura bitters, and fresh lime juice.
4. Shiso Leaves: An Herbal Twist
What It Is
Shiso is a Japanese herb with a flavor profile somewhere between basil and mint, often used in Asian cuisine. NYC bartenders are incorporating it into cocktails for a fresh, aromatic twist.
Why Mixologists Love It
Shiso’s unique flavor pairs beautifully with spirits like gin and sake, adding an unexpected layer of complexity.
Cocktail to Try
Shiso Smash: Gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and muddled shiso leaves, garnished with a fresh leaf for aroma.
5. Barrel-Aged Spirits: Depth in Every Sip
What It Is
Spirits aged in oak barrels (or even small barrels behind the bar) take on woody, caramelized flavors, adding depth to cocktails.
Why Mixologists Love It
Barrel aging softens harsh notes in spirits like whiskey or tequila, creating a smoother, richer flavor profile. Many NYC bars even barrel-age their cocktails for a unique twist.
Cocktail to Try
Barrel-Aged Negroni: Equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, aged in oak barrels for several weeks.
6. Exotic Citrus: Beyond Lemon and Lime
What It Is
From yuzu to calamansi, mixologists are sourcing exotic citrus fruits to add bright, tangy notes to their cocktails.
Why Mixologists Love It
These fruits bring unexpected flavors and vibrant acidity that can elevate even the simplest drinks.
Cocktail to Try
Yuzu Margarita: Tequila, yuzu juice, orange liqueur, and agave syrup, served with a salted rim.
7. Amaro: The Bitter Backbone
What It Is
Amaro is a family of Italian herbal liqueurs with a bittersweet flavor profile, ranging from light and citrusy to dark and earthy.
Why Mixologists Love It
Amaro adds complexity and balance to both stirred and shaken cocktails, acting as a bridge between sweet and bitter flavors.
Cocktail to Try
Black Manhattan: Rye whiskey, amaro, and bitters, garnished with a cherry.
8. Infused Syrups: Custom Creations
What It Is
Infused syrups are made by steeping ingredients like herbs, fruits, or spices into simple syrup. NYC mixologists are getting creative with flavors like lavender, jalapeño, or hibiscus.
Why Mixologists Love It
Infused syrups allow bartenders to add a signature flair to their cocktails, tailoring each drink to their unique style.
Cocktail to Try
Lavender Gin Fizz: Gin, lavender syrup, lemon juice, and soda water for a light, floral refreshment.
Learn the Secrets with Art of the Cocktail
Want to master the art of using these secret ingredients in your own cocktails? Join an Art of the Cocktail class, where expert mixologists will teach you how to craft show-stopping drinks using syrups, bitters, and spirits that elevate your creations.
Or Book Our Mixologists
Hosting an event? Let Art of the Cocktail mixologists bring their expertise—and these unique ingredients—to your party, ensuring your guests enjoy unforgettable drinks. Book our cocktail experts today.
