Breakup Cocktails: The Best Drinks for Moving On in Style
Because Not Every Valentine’s Day Has a Happy Ending
Not every Valentine’s Day is about candlelit dinners and love songs. Sometimes, it’s about shedding the past, reclaiming your independence, and toasting to new beginnings. Whether you’ve just ended a relationship, dodged a bad one, or simply want to celebrate the single life in style, there’s no better way to move on than with a perfectly crafted cocktail in hand.
From bold, bitter drinks that say “good riddance” to sweet, celebratory sips that toast to freedom, here’s a list of the best breakup cocktails—plus where to drink them in NYC when you need a night out to remind yourself who’s really in charge: you.
The “Thank You, Next” – A Martini with a Vengeance
For when you’re feeling unapologetically bold
Nothing says confidence and power like a classic Martini. Crisp, cold, and composed, this is the drink of icons, CEOs, and people who refuse to text their ex back.
Ingredients:
2 ½ oz gin (or vodka, if you prefer)
½ oz dry vermouth
A dash of orange bitters
Lemon twist or olives for garnish
How to Make It: Stir all ingredients with ice, strain into a chilled Martini glass, and sip it like you mean it.
📍 Where to Drink It in NYC: Bemelmans Bar (Upper East Side) – Because nothing says unbothered like sipping a Martini in a Gatsby-era jazz lounge.
The “Boy Bye” – A Spicy Mezcal Paloma
For when you need a little fire to burn the past away
Smoky, citrusy, and unapologetically strong, the mezcal Paloma is the ultimate drink for someone who’s over it. This one isn’t about wallowing—it’s about moving forward with flair.
Ingredients:
2 oz mezcal
¾ oz fresh lime juice
½ oz agave syrup
2 oz grapefruit soda
Tajín or salt rim
How to Make It: Rim a glass with Tajín, shake mezcal, lime juice, and agave with ice, top with grapefruit soda, and enjoy with zero regrets.
📍 Where to Drink It in NYC: Ghost Donkey (NoHo) – A lively, neon-lit tequila and mezcal bar perfect for celebrating your independence.
The “Cry Me a River” – A Bittersweet Negroni
For when you need a drink as bitter as your last relationship
A Negroni is a drink that pulls no punches—just like you. It’s bold, bitter, and complex, reminding you that while some things might be an acquired taste (like your ex’s bad opinions), you’ve moved on to finer things.
Ingredients:
1 oz gin
1 oz Campari
1 oz sweet vermouth
Orange peel garnish
How to Make It: Stir with ice, strain over a large rock, and garnish with an orange peel. Sip and smirk.
📍 Where to Drink It in NYC: Dante (West Village) – Home to some of the best Negronis in the world.
The “Block & Delete” – A Spiked Espresso Martini
For when you need energy to celebrate your freedom
This is not the drink for staying up late and reminiscing. This is for getting dressed, going out, and making new memories. The Espresso Martini is bold, sophisticated, and gives you just the right amount of edge to remind yourself that you’re better off.
Ingredients:
2 oz vodka
1 oz espresso (freshly brewed)
½ oz coffee liqueur
½ oz simple syrup
How to Make It: Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a coupe glass, and cheers to better decisions.
📍 Where to Drink It in NYC: The NoMad Bar (Flatiron) – Chic, dimly lit, and perfect for sipping an Espresso Martini in your best revenge outfit.
The “New Number, Who Dis?” – A Champagne Cocktail
For when you’re celebrating your glow-up
Breakups don’t have to be about sadness. Sometimes, they’re about moving up, moving on, and moving into a new era of you. A Champagne cocktail is the drink of celebration, confidence, and knowing you’re better off.
Ingredients:
4 oz Champagne (or prosecco)
1 sugar cube
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Lemon twist
How to Make It: Drop a sugar cube into a flute, add bitters, top with Champagne, and toast to yourself.
📍 Where to Drink It in NYC: Ophelia (Midtown East) – A rooftop bar with skyline views, because you’re on to bigger and better things.
The Ultimate Breakup Bar Crawl in NYC
If you’re ready to go all out and celebrate your single life, here’s a bar crawl designed for moving on in style.
🚪 Stop 1: Bemelmans Bar (Upper East Side) – Start with a classic Martini, because confidence is key.
🔥 Stop 2: Ghost Donkey (NoHo) – A spicy mezcal Paloma to burn the past away.
🍊 Stop 3: Dante (West Village) – A bitter Negroni to remind yourself that you deserve better.
☕ Stop 4: The NoMad Bar (Flatiron) – Espresso Martini, because the night is still young.
🥂 Stop 5: Ophelia (Midtown East) – Champagne cocktail to toast to your next adventure.
Final Thoughts: Cheers to Moving On
Breakups aren’t the end—they’re a new beginning, and what better way to start fresh than with a cocktail that fits the moment? Whether you’re embracing your independence, hitting the town with friends, or just treating yourself, these drinks will help you move on with confidence and style.
For those looking to take their breakup party to the next level, Art of the Cocktail offers:
✔ Private cocktail-making classes for you and your best friends
✔ A “Breakup Cocktail” menu featuring bold, indulgent drinks
✔ Luxury mixology experiences designed for fresh starts
Because the best revenge? Living well—and drinking even better.
