How NYC’s Skyline Inspired Its Most Famous Cocktails
Drinks Inspired by Iconic Skyscrapers Like the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building
New York City’s skyline is more than just an architectural marvel—it’s a symbol of ambition, elegance, and reinvention. Each towering structure tells a story, shaping not only the city’s identity but also its cocktail culture. Some of the most iconic drinks in history have drawn inspiration from the soaring Art Deco spires, gleaming glass towers, and timeless grandeur of Manhattan’s skyscrapers.
From the classic Manhattan to modern creations that channel the spirit of NYC’s skyline, here’s how architecture has influenced mixology—and where to sip these sky-high inspirations.
The Manhattan Cocktail – The Drink That Defines NYC
Inspired by: The bold, unmistakable Manhattan skyline itself.
Why It Represents NYC:
Just like the city, the Manhattan cocktail is powerful, timeless, and refined. It’s a drink that embodies the grit and sophistication of New York, much like the steel and concrete that form its towering skyline. First crafted in the late 19th century at the Manhattan Club, this cocktail is as much a part of the city’s legacy as the Empire State Building or the Chrysler Building.
Where to Drink It:
Little Branch (West Village) – A moody, dimly lit speakeasy known for perfecting classic cocktails.
Bemelmans Bar (Upper East Side) – An elegant, old-world lounge with live jazz, making every sip feel cinematic.
Recipe:
2 oz rye whiskey
1 oz sweet vermouth
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Stirred and served up with a brandied cherry
The Manhattan is not just a cocktail—it’s an institution, much like the city it’s named after.
The Empire Cocktail – A Tribute to the Empire State Building
Inspired by: The Empire State Building, New York’s ultimate symbol of grandeur.
Why It Represents NYC:
Much like the Empire State Building itself, the Empire Cocktail is elegant, balanced, and timeless. It evokes the glitz of 1930s Manhattan, when both the cocktail and the building were in their prime.
Where to Drink It:
The Empire Room (Midtown) – A lounge within the Empire State Building, offering a perfect setting to enjoy this namesake drink.
Dear Irving on Hudson (Times Square) – A high-rise cocktail bar with a Gatsby-era aesthetic and sweeping city views.
Recipe:
2 oz gin
1 oz dry vermouth
2 dashes orange bitters
Stirred and served up with a lemon twist
The Empire Cocktail is a sip of New York’s golden age, reflecting the city’s Art Deco splendor and enduring sophistication.
The Chrysler Cocktail – The Spirit of Art Deco New York
Inspired by: The Chrysler Building, one of the most stunning skyscrapers in the world.
Why It Represents NYC:
With its intricate design and shimmering steel curves, the Chrysler Building is a masterpiece of Art Deco architecture. The Chrysler Cocktail mirrors that style—sleek, complex, and built with craftsmanship in mind.
Where to Drink It:
The Campbell (Grand Central Terminal) – An opulent bar that transports guests to the era of the Chrysler Building’s debut.
The Raines Law Room (Flatiron & Chelsea) – A sophisticated cocktail lounge with a moody, intimate ambiance.
Recipe:
1.5 oz gin
0.75 oz maraschino liqueur
0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
2 dashes orange bitters
Served up with a cherry garnish
Just like its namesake, the Chrysler Cocktail is a reflection of the city’s ability to merge artistry with innovation.
The Skyscraper Cocktail – A Celebration of NYC’s Skyline
Inspired by: The rise of Manhattan’s skyline and its ever-changing architectural wonders.
Why It Represents NYC:
The Skyscraper Cocktail is a drink that captures the spirit of constant reinvention—a tribute to the city’s ability to grow, evolve, and reach new heights. It’s a forgotten classic, much like the grand hotel bars of old New York.
Where to Drink It:
Clover Club (Brooklyn) – A cocktail bar that celebrates vintage drinks with flawless execution.
Dante (West Village) – A legendary institution that elevates timeless recipes.
Recipe:
1 oz gin
0.5 oz dry vermouth
0.5 oz sweet vermouth
0.5 oz fresh orange juice
Shaken and served with an orange peel garnish
This drink toasts the ambition of New York—a city where the skyline is always growing, and the possibilities are endless.
Bring NYC’s Cocktail Culture to Your Next Event
New York’s cocktail scene is as iconic as its skyline, and the best way to experience it isn’t just by drinking—it’s by understanding the craft behind every pour.
At Art of the Cocktail, we offer:
✔ Private mixology classes where guests learn to craft NYC’s most legendary cocktails
✔ Custom cocktail menus inspired by the city’s architecture, culture, and history
✔ Bespoke tasting experiences featuring spirits, history, and expertly mixed drinks
Whether you're planning a rooftop soirée, a luxury corporate event, or an intimate gathering, our expert mixologists will bring the skyline-inspired cocktail experience straight to you.
Because New York’s greatest stories aren’t just told in skyscrapers—they’re told in every glass raised to the city.
A Toast to NYC’s Skyline
New York’s skyline is more than just a collection of buildings—it’s a testament to innovation, ambition, and timeless style. From the Manhattan Cocktail, rooted in the city’s past, to modern interpretations inspired by its famous towers, NYC’s cocktail culture continues to evolve, just like the city itself.
So the next time you sip on a perfectly stirred drink, take a moment to look up. The inspiration behind that glass may just be standing tall above you, gleaming in the city lights.
