The Art of Seasonal Cocktails: Sipping Through the Seasons in NYC

New York City’s vibrant cocktail scene is as dynamic as the city itself, with menus that shift to match the changing seasons. From refreshing summer spritzes to cozy winter toddies, the city's mixologists celebrate nature’s bounty by crafting drinks that resonate with the time of year. Here’s a guide to enjoying the art of seasonal cocktails in NYC, complete with recipes and recommendations.

Spring: Fresh and Floral

As New York awakens from winter’s chill, spring cocktails embrace vibrant flavors and floral notes.

• Where to Sip:

  • Apotheke (Chinatown): Known for its herbaceous creations, Apotheke’s spring menu often features elderflower liqueur, lavender syrup, and fresh herbs.

  • Clover Club (Brooklyn): Their spring cocktails include bright gin-based drinks with seasonal garnishes like edible flowers.

• Try This at Home:
  Lavender Lemonade Spritz

  • 1 oz gin

  • 0.5 oz lavender syrup

  • 0.75 oz lemon juice

  • Top with sparkling water
    Combine the first three ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a glass with ice. Top with sparkling water and garnish with a sprig of lavender.

Summer: Light and Refreshing

Summer calls for crisp, cooling cocktails that pair perfectly with rooftop views and outdoor patios.

• Where to Sip:

  • The Roof at Park South (Flatiron): Known for seasonal updates, their summer menu includes cocktails like the Cucumber Mint Cooler, made with gin, lime, and muddled mint​.

  • Grand Banks (Hudson River): This docked schooner offers cocktails like the Seafarer Spritz, featuring Aperol and fresh citrus.

• Try This at Home:
  Watermelon Basil Cooler

  • 2 oz vodka

  • 1 oz fresh watermelon juice

  • 0.5 oz lime juice

  • 3 basil leaves

  • Top with soda water
    Muddle basil leaves in a shaker, add vodka, watermelon juice, and lime juice. Shake with ice, strain into a glass, and top with soda water.

Fall: Warm and Spiced

Autumn cocktails highlight the cozy flavors of spices, apples, and other harvest ingredients.

• Where to Sip:

  • Sweetbriar (Flatiron): Their fall menu showcases cocktails like a spiced bourbon cider, using locally sourced apples and house-made syrups​.

  • Death & Co. (East Village): Known for their experimental cocktails, expect creative uses of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.

• Try This at Home:
  Spiced Apple Old Fashioned

  • 2 oz bourbon

  • 0.5 oz spiced apple syrup

  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
    Stir all ingredients with ice, strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube, and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Winter: Rich and Comforting

Winter cocktails bring warmth to cold evenings with ingredients like chocolate, coffee, and warming spirits.

• Where to Sip:

  • PDT (Please Don’t Tell) (East Village): Their winter menu includes comforting classics like Hot Buttered Rum and spiked hot chocolate.

  • Little Branch (West Village): Offers cocktails like the Nutmeg Flip, a creamy delight with eggnog-inspired flavors.

• Try This at Home:
  Classic Hot Toddy

  • 2 oz whiskey

  • 1 tbsp honey

  • 0.5 oz lemon juice

  • Hot water to top
    Combine ingredients in a heatproof glass, stir, and garnish with a lemon wheel and cinnamon stick.

Discover Seasonal Creativity with Art of the Cocktail

To dive deeper into seasonal mixology, join the Art of the Cocktail class at Park South Hotel​​. These sessions explore rotating themes and ingredients, ensuring you’re equipped to craft cocktails that complement any season. Afterward, indulge in a seasonal dinner at Sweetbriar, where the flavors of the moment shine​.

Whether you’re savoring a spritz under the summer sun or warming up with a toddy by the fire, NYC’s seasonal cocktail offerings promise something for every palate.