Mixology Meets Art: Cocktails Inspired by NYC’s Most Famous Artists

A Tribute to Warhol, Basquiat, and Pollock Through Mixology

New York City has long been the epicenter of artistic innovation, home to visionaries who reshaped modern art. Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Jackson Pollock each brought a distinct creative force to their work—Warhol with his vibrant pop culture commentary, Basquiat with his raw, street-inspired neo-expressionism, and Pollock with his dynamic, abstract splatters. Their artistry extends beyond the canvas and into the world of mixology, inspiring a collection of cocktails that embody their unique styles.

At Art of the Cocktail, we invite you to experience these artists in a new way—through drinks that capture their spirit, aesthetics, and bold approach to creativity.

The Warhol: A Pop Art Martini

Bold, vibrant, and a little playful—just like Warhol’s famous Marilyn Monroe prints. This cocktail reimagines the classic martini with unexpected colors and flavors that pay homage to his fascination with commercial culture and mass production.

• Ingredients:

  • 2 oz premium vodka

  • 1 oz dry vermouth

  • 0.5 oz raspberry liqueur

  • Edible gold dust for garnish

  • Ice

• Why It’s Warhol:
  The drink is served in a clear coupe with layers of striking color—reflecting Warhol’s signature silk-screening technique. A dusting of edible gold recalls his obsession with glamour and celebrity.

The Basquiat: A Neo-Expressionist Mezcal Old Fashioned

Gritty, complex, and layered—just like Basquiat’s graffiti-infused masterpieces. This drink fuses the smokiness of mezcal with deep, earthy flavors, echoing the artist’s raw energy and his ability to transform the chaos of the streets into fine art.

• Ingredients:

  • 2 oz mezcal

  • 0.5 oz spiced honey syrup

  • 2 dashes chocolate bitters

  • Orange twist

  • Charred cinnamon stick for garnish

• Why It’s Basquiat:
  The bold, smoky depth of mezcal is an ode to the artist’s Brooklyn roots and underground influences, while the vibrant spiced honey represents the unexpected bursts of color and emotion in his work.

The Pollock: Abstract Expressionist Spritz

Unpredictable, dynamic, and full of movement—this effervescent cocktail pays tribute to Pollock’s famous drip paintings. Just as his paint splatters formed intricate, chaotic compositions, this cocktail features a layered burst of flavors.

• Ingredients:

  • 1.5 oz gin

  • 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur

  • 1 oz fresh lemon juice

  • 3 oz sparkling wine

  • Blueberry purée and citrus zest for garnish

• Why It’s Pollock:
  The drink is served in a stemless wine glass with streaks of blueberry purée dripped along the inside—a nod to his iconic technique. The effervescence and citrus brightness capture the liveliness of his work.

Experience Cocktails as Art at Art of the Cocktail

These cocktails are more than drinks; they are liquid canvases that tell the stories of three legendary artists. At our next mixology class, you'll learn how to craft each of these signature cocktails while exploring the artistic inspirations behind them. Join us at the Art of the Cocktail for an evening where art and mixology collide.

Whether you’re an art lover, a cocktail connoisseur, or simply looking for a unique experience in NYC, this event promises to be a masterpiece of taste and creativity.