Brooklyn vs. Manhattan: Which Borough Owns the Cocktail Scene?
New York City is the undisputed cocktail capital of the world, but within this metropolis, a spirited rivalry simmers: Brooklyn vs. Manhattan. Both boroughs boast legendary bars, world-class mixologists, and a cocktail culture that sets global trends.
Manhattan, steeped in cocktail history, is home to some of the most prestigious bars on the planet—where timeless classics like the Martini and the Manhattan (of course) were perfected. But across the East River, Brooklyn has become a playground for experimental mixologists, where locally sourced ingredients, house-made infusions, and offbeat creativity define the drinking experience.
So, in this ultimate head-to-head battle, which borough truly owns NYC’s cocktail scene? Let’s break it down.
Round 1: The History & Legacy
Manhattan: The Birthplace of Cocktail Culture
Manhattan’s cocktail history is unparalleled. Some of the world’s most iconic drinks—like the Manhattan, Martini, Old Fashioned, and Negroni—owe their legacy to this borough’s classic cocktail culture.
The legendary Manhattan Cocktail, made with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, was born here in the 1880s, allegedly at the Manhattan Club. The borough became a beacon for cocktail sophistication, setting the gold standard for the art of mixing drinks.
Throughout the Prohibition era, speakeasies flourished in Manhattan. Hidden behind unmarked doors, these underground bars pioneered creative mixology to mask the harshness of bootlegged spirits. Today, some of NYC’s best cocktail bars, like Employees Only and Please Don’t Tell (PDT), carry on this speakeasy legacy.
Brooklyn: The Rebel with a Cause
Brooklyn, however, has always been about reinvention. While Manhattan built its reputation on tradition, Brooklyn created its own counter-culture cocktail movement.
In the early 2000s, as the borough underwent a creative renaissance, Brooklyn bartenders began challenging the status quo. They revived obscure spirits, pushed boundaries with unusual flavor pairings, and focused on craftsmanship over mainstream trends.
The Brooklyn Cocktail, a lesser-known cousin of the Manhattan, emerged as a symbol of the borough’s mixology identity. Made with rye whiskey, dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and Amer Picon, it offers a more complex and bittersweet take on the classic.
Winner: Manhattan. The sheer weight of history gives it the edge, but Brooklyn is the scrappy underdog rewriting the rules.
Round 2: The Best Bars – Who Reigns Supreme?
Manhattan’s Cocktail Icons
Employees Only (West Village) – This legendary speakeasy combines world-class cocktails with a lively, unpretentious atmosphere. Their Manhattan is flawless, and the bartenders serve drinks with unmatched precision.
Milady’s (SoHo) – A revival of a classic dive bar, offering cocktails like the Raisin’ Hell, a playful take on peanut butter and celery.
Superbueno (East Village) – A newcomer pushing the envelope with inventive Mexican-inspired cocktails, including the Green Mango Martini and Fresca Tonic.
Dante (Greenwich Village) – Voted one of the best bars in the world, famous for its Negronis and Aperitivo Hour.
PDT (East Village) – A speakeasy hidden behind a phone booth inside a hot dog shop. Their Benton’s Old Fashioned (made with bacon-infused bourbon) is legendary.
Brooklyn’s Game-Changers
Clover Club (Cobble Hill) – The heart of Brooklyn’s cocktail scene. Known for its seasonal ingredients and legendary hospitality. Try the Clover Club cocktail, a raspberry gin sour that’s silky smooth.
Maison Premiere (Williamsburg) – An absinthe-forward bar that transports you to old-world New Orleans with expertly crafted drinks and an award-winning oyster selection.
Fresh Kills (Williamsburg) – A low-key cocktail den where bartenders customize drinks based on your preferences.
Leyenda (Cobble Hill) – A temple of Latin American spirits, featuring everything from smoky mezcal concoctions to pisco punches.
The Long Island Bar (Brooklyn Heights) – A retro-chic bar famous for its expertly balanced Daiquiris and offbeat take on the Martini.
Winner: Tie. Manhattan has the icons, but Brooklyn has the soul. It depends on your style—glamorous tradition or inventive artistry?
Round 3: Innovation & Trends
Manhattan’s Approach – Refining the Classics
Manhattan bars focus on perfection and technique. They take classic recipes and refine them to an elite level. Expect high-end ingredients, flawless presentation, and bartenders with encyclopedic knowledge of spirits.
Trends dominating Manhattan’s cocktail scene:
✔️ Luxury cocktail experiences (custom glassware, rare spirits)
✔️ Seasonal menus with fresh ingredients
✔️ High-end speakeasies with tailored drinks
Brooklyn’s Approach – Experimental & Playful
Brooklyn bars, on the other hand, are unafraid to experiment. Mixologists embrace house-made infusions, underappreciated spirits, and unexpected flavors. Their drinks are more experimental, personal, and often more affordable than their Manhattan counterparts.
Trends defining Brooklyn’s cocktail movement:
✔️ Locally sourced ingredients & farm-to-glass cocktails
✔️ Reviving forgotten spirits (like amaro and sherry)
✔️ Unorthodox pairings—think smoked miso and mezcal
Winner: Brooklyn. If you love classic cocktails done right, Manhattan wins. But if you crave creativity and edge, Brooklyn is where the magic happens.
Final Verdict: Who Owns NYC’s Cocktail Scene?
If history, prestige, and refinement are your thing, Manhattan is the winner. The bars here have set the global standard for mixology for over a century.
But if you’re seeking bold experimentation, fresh ideas, and a more relaxed vibe, Brooklyn is the future of cocktails.
Ultimately, NYC cocktail lovers don’t have to choose. The beauty of this city is that you can start with a perfectly executed Martini in Manhattan and end your night with an offbeat, house-infused Negroni in Brooklyn.
💡 The real winner? You. Because in NYC, there’s a perfect cocktail waiting for everyone—no matter which borough you choose.
Want to Become a Cocktail Pro?
If this deep dive into NYC’s cocktail scene has inspired you, why not take your skills to the next level? Art of the Cocktail, hosted at the Park South Hotel, offers immersive mixology classes led by expert bartenders. Whether you’re looking to master the classic Manhattan or experiment with Brooklyn-style infusions, this is the perfect place to refine your craft.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of cocktail artistry, hands-on learning, and exceptional drinks. Manhattan or Brooklyn—why not master both?
