Famous NYC Love Stories & the Cocktails They Inspire
New York City has long been a place where love stories unfold—some legendary, some scandalous, and all unforgettable. From rebellious affairs during the American Revolution to glamorous Jazz Age romances, these couples left their mark on history and high society.
To celebrate their passion, we’re pairing each iconic love story with a cocktail inspired by their romance—so you can raise a glass to NYC’s most famous lovers and the city that brought them together.
F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald: The Jazz Age Darlings
The Love Story:
F. Scott Fitzgerald, the celebrated author of The Great Gatsby, and his wife Zelda were the golden couple of the Roaring Twenties. Their romance, fueled by glamorous parties, extravagant spending, and passionate fights, was the talk of New York’s elite social scene. From speakeasies to literary salons, the Fitzgeralds lived for the nightlife, making NYC their playground.
Inspired Cocktail: The Gin Rickey
A Prohibition-era favorite, the Gin Rickey captures the Fitzgeralds' effervescent lifestyle and love for all things indulgent.
Recipe:
2 oz gin
0.5 oz fresh lime juice
Club soda
How to Make It:
Fill a highball glass with ice.
Add gin and lime juice.
Top with club soda and stir gently.
Garnish with a lime wheel.
Why It’s Perfect: Light, refreshing, and bubbly—just like Scott and Zelda’s whirlwind romance.
Where to drink it: The Campbell (Midtown) – A Gatsby-worthy hidden bar inside Grand Central Terminal.
Georgia O’Keeffe & Alfred Stieglitz: A Love in Art
The Love Story:
Painter Georgia O’Keeffe and photographer Alfred Stieglitz shared a deep, artistic love affair that transformed both their work and their lives. Stieglitz, a famed NYC gallerist, championed O’Keeffe’s talent, while she became his muse. Their letters reveal a fierce passion and devotion, proving that love can inspire masterpieces.
Inspired Cocktail: The Artist’s Special
A refined cocktail with layered flavors, just like their intense and complex relationship.
Recipe:
1.5 oz Scotch whisky
0.75 oz sweet vermouth
0.5 oz lemon juice
0.5 oz grenadine
How to Make It:
Shake all ingredients with ice.
Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist.
Why It’s Perfect: Smoky, slightly sweet, and sophisticated, much like O’Keeffe and Stieglitz’s bond.
Where to drink it: Dante (West Village) – An artsy, historic cocktail bar where creatives still gather.
Aaron Burr & Theodosia Prevost: The Revolutionary Romance
The Love Story:
Aaron Burr—yes, the same Burr who dueled Alexander Hamilton—fell deeply in love with Theodosia Prevost, a British officer’s wife during the American Revolution. Their intellectual and passionate affair defied social norms, and after Theodosia’s husband passed, the two married in New York.
Inspired Cocktail: The Revolutionary Rum Punch
A bold, colonial-style punch that matches their daring love story.
Recipe:
2 oz dark rum
1 oz fresh lime juice
0.5 oz simple syrup
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Club soda
How to Make It:
Shake rum, lime juice, simple syrup, and bitters with ice.
Strain into a highball glass filled with ice.
Top with club soda.
Garnish with a lime wheel and a sprig of mint.
Why It’s Perfect: Strong, bold, and a little rebellious—just like Burr’s love life.
Where to drink it: Fraunces Tavern (Financial District) – A Revolutionary War-era bar where Burr himself once drank.
Jessie Benton Frémont & John C. Frémont: Love on the Frontier
The Love Story:
Jessie Benton was a fierce, politically savvy writer who married explorer John C. Frémont. Together, they helped shape America’s westward expansion, with Jessie chronicling John’s expeditions and fighting for his legacy. Their love was built on adventure, ambition, and partnership.
Inspired Cocktail: The Frontier Old Fashioned
A twist on a classic Old Fashioned, adding maple syrup for a rugged, frontier feel.
Recipe:
2 oz bourbon
0.5 oz maple syrup
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Orange peel
How to Make It:
Stir all ingredients with ice in a mixing glass.
Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
Garnish with an orange peel.
Why It’s Perfect: Smooth yet strong, with bold flavors that embody their adventurous spirit.
Where to drink it: The Dead Rabbit (Lower Manhattan) – An award-winning bar with a pioneer-era vibe.
Celebrate NYC Love Stories with Art of the Cocktail
Want to sip your way through NYC’s most legendary romances?
At Art of the Cocktail, we bring the history, storytelling, and mixology of these great love stories to life.
✔ Private cocktail classes inspired by NYC’s famous lovers
✔ Bespoke drink menus crafted for romantic events
✔ Themed tasting experiences that celebrate love and mixology
Whether you’re planning a Valentine’s Day soirée, a wedding celebration, or an intimate date night, let our expert mixologists curate the perfect love story in a glass.
Because every great romance deserves a great cocktail.
Love & Cocktails in the City That Never Sleeps
From Gatsby-era extravagance to revolutionary passion, New York’s love stories are as bold, dramatic, and unforgettable as the city itself.
Next time you’re out in NYC, raise a glass to the lovers who made history here—and maybe, just maybe, create a little history of your own.
