Literary Libations: Cocktails Inspired by NYC Authors and Their Works

New York City has long been a muse for some of the greatest writers in literary history. From jazz-soaked speakeasies to the gritty streets of Manhattan, NYC’s stories are as intoxicating as its cocktails. In this blog, we pay tribute to famous New York authors by creating cocktails inspired by their lives and works. Let each sip take you into the world of literature, blending storytelling with mixology.

1. The Gatsby Spritz
Inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, this cocktail captures the glittering decadence of the Roaring Twenties. Sparkling wine and elderflower liqueur mirror the opulence of Gatsby’s legendary parties.
Recipe:

• 2 oz Prosecco

• 1 oz St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur

• 0.5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice

• Top with Soda Water

• Garnish: Lemon twist and edible gold glitter (optional)
  Pour prosecco, elderflower liqueur, and lemon juice into a glass filled with ice. Top with soda water and garnish.

2. The Harlem Renaissance Cooler
This cocktail honors Langston Hughes and the vibrant cultural movement he helped define. A mix of bourbon, ginger beer, and peach pays homage to the rich flavors of Southern roots and Harlem nightlife.
Recipe:

• 2 oz Bourbon

• 0.5 oz Peach Syrup

• 0.5 oz Lime Juice

• Top with Ginger Beer

• Garnish: Fresh peach slice and mint sprig
  Shake bourbon, peach syrup, and lime juice with ice. Strain into a tall glass with ice, top with ginger beer, and garnish.

3. The Catcher’s Rye
J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye inspires this rye whiskey-based cocktail. It’s bold and bittersweet, reflecting Holden Caulfield’s complex view of the world.
Recipe:

• 2 oz Rye Whiskey

• 0.5 oz Sweet Vermouth

• 0.25 oz Amaro

• 2 Dashes Orange Bitters

• Garnish: Orange peel and cherry
  Stir all ingredients with ice, strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube, and garnish.

4. The Breakfast at Tiffany’s Martini
Truman Capote’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s inspires this elegant, shimmering martini. Featuring hints of vanilla and citrus, it’s as refined and sparkling as Holly Golightly herself.
Recipe:

• 2 oz Vodka

• 0.5 oz Vanilla Liqueur

• 0.25 oz Lemon Juice

• Top with Champagne

• Garnish: Lemon twist
  Shake vodka, vanilla liqueur, and lemon juice with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass and top with champagne.

5. The Subway Poet’s Punch
This cocktail celebrates Frank O’Hara, who captured the beauty of everyday NYC moments in his poetry. Bright and unexpected, it combines citrus and herbs, evoking the city’s vibrant energy.
Recipe:

• 1 oz Gin

• 0.5 oz Aperol

• 0.5 oz Grapefruit Juice

• 0.5 oz Honey Syrup

• Garnish: Fresh thyme sprig
  Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a sprig of thyme.

6. The Edith Wharton Fizz
Inspired by Edith Wharton’s The Age of Innocence, this champagne cocktail reflects the gilded elegance of Old New York society. The addition of elderflower and bitters lends complexity and depth.
Recipe:

• 4 oz Champagne

• 1 oz Elderflower Liqueur

• 1 Dash Orange Bitters

• Garnish: Sugar-dusted grape cluster
  Combine elderflower liqueur and orange bitters in a flute, then top with champagne. Garnish for added flair.

Crafting Stories in Every Glass
These literary libations are more than just drinks; they’re invitations to step into the worlds of NYC’s most beloved authors. Whether you’re hosting a themed book club night or enjoying a quiet evening with a classic novel, these cocktails let you sip on a story as you turn the page.