Seasonal Sips: Celebrating NYC’s Farmers Markets in Your Glass

New York City’s farmers markets are a celebration of fresh, local ingredients that change with the seasons. From Union Square Greenmarket to smaller neighborhood markets, these spaces offer an array of fruits, herbs, and botanicals that inspire mixologists to craft vibrant, flavorful cocktails. By incorporating seasonal produce, your cocktails can reflect the natural rhythms of the year while supporting local farmers and sustainable practices.

Why Source from Farmers Markets?

Using market-fresh ingredients in cocktails elevates both flavor and quality. Seasonal produce offers:

• Superior Taste: Ingredients are at peak ripeness, delivering bold, fresh flavors.

• Sustainability: Supporting local agriculture reduces your environmental footprint.

• Creativity: Seasonal changes inspire unique, limited-time recipes that keep your drinks exciting.

Seasonal Cocktail Recipes

Spring: Rhubarb Basil Spritz
Spring marks the arrival of rhubarb and fresh herbs like basil, perfect for a light, fizzy drink.
Ingredients:

• 2 oz Rhubarb Syrup (made by simmering rhubarb with sugar and water)

• 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice

• 3 Fresh Basil Leaves

• Top with Prosecco

• Garnish: Rhubarb ribbon and basil sprig
  Muddle basil with rhubarb syrup and lime juice. Add ice, shake gently, and strain into a glass. Top with Prosecco and garnish.

Summer: Watermelon Mint Mojito
Juicy watermelon and refreshing mint make this mojito a summer favorite.
Ingredients:

• 2 oz White Rum

• 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice

• 0.75 oz Simple Syrup

• 5 Fresh Mint Leaves

• 3 Chunks of Watermelon (muddled)

• Top with Soda Water

• Garnish: Mint sprig and watermelon slice
  Muddle watermelon and mint in a shaker. Add rum, lime juice, and simple syrup. Shake with ice and strain into a glass. Top with soda water and garnish.

Autumn: Apple Thyme Old Fashioned
Crisp apples and earthy thyme capture the flavors of fall in this twist on a classic.
Ingredients:

• 2 oz Bourbon

• 0.5 oz Apple Cider Syrup (reduce apple cider with cinnamon and sugar)

• 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters

• Garnish: Thyme sprig and apple slice
  Stir bourbon, apple cider syrup, and bitters with ice. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube and garnish.

Winter: Blood Orange Rosemary Mule
Citrusy blood orange and fragrant rosemary brighten up cold winter nights.
Ingredients:

• 2 oz Vodka

• 1 oz Blood Orange Juice

• 0.5 oz Rosemary Syrup (made by simmering rosemary in simple syrup)

• Top with Ginger Beer

• Garnish: Rosemary sprig and blood orange wheel
  Shake vodka, blood orange juice, and rosemary syrup with ice. Strain into a copper mug filled with ice. Top with ginger beer and garnish.

Farmers Markets to Visit in NYC

1. Union Square Greenmarket

   • A hub for fresh, seasonal produce, herbs, and honey.

2. Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket

   • Located in Brooklyn, this market offers a diverse range of fresh ingredients.

3. Jackson Heights Greenmarket

   • Known for its global produce, reflecting the area’s multicultural community.

4. Morningside Park Farmers Market

   • A great source for organic and sustainably grown produce.

Book Art of the Cocktail for Your Next Fresh-Focused Event

Turn your event into a celebration of seasonal flavors with Art of the Cocktail. Our expert mixologists specialize in crafting cocktails using market-fresh ingredients, ensuring every drink is as vibrant and flavorful as possible. Whether you’re hosting a wedding, corporate event, or private gathering, our team will create an unforgettable experience that highlights the best of NYC’s local bounty.

Raise a Glass to Freshness

Seasonal cocktails are more than just delicious—they’re a way to connect with nature and support your community. Whether you’re exploring farmers markets or booking Art of the Cocktail for your next event, let the changing seasons inspire your glass. Cheers to fresh, local, and unforgettable sips!