The Best Cocktails in NYC Under $15: Affordable Sips Without Sacrificing Quality
New York City is known for its world-class cocktail scene, but finding a great drink at a reasonable price can feel like a challenge. With some high-end bars charging $20 or more for a single cocktail, budget-conscious drinkers may assume that quality and affordability do not go hand in hand.
Fortunately, there are plenty of bars across the city serving expertly crafted cocktails for $15 or less, proving that you do not need to break the bank to enjoy a well-made drink. Whether you are looking for a classic Negroni, a tropical Daiquiri, or a refreshing Martini, these spots offer some of the best budget-friendly cocktails in NYC—without sacrificing flavor, craftsmanship, or ambiance.
Where to Find NYC’s Best Cocktails for $15 or Less
These bars are known for delivering high-quality cocktails at an affordable price, ensuring you can enjoy the city’s mixology scene without overspending.
1. Dante (Greenwich Village) – $10 Martini Hour
79-81 MacDougal St, Greenwich Village
Dante, one of the world’s most celebrated cocktail bars, may seem like a pricey destination, but their daily Martini Hour from 3-5 PM offers some of the best deals in town.
Best Budget Cocktail: The Emerald Martini ($10), featuring Rutte celery gin, Dolin Dry vermouth, Manzana Verde, celery bitters, and black pepper—a sophisticated, herbaceous twist on a classic.
2. Holiday Cocktail Lounge (East Village) – Classic Cocktails in a Historic Setting
75 St. Marks Pl, East Village
This East Village institution, once frequented by Beat poets and punk rockers, has been revived into a stylish but unpretentious cocktail bar. Their "Bulk Order" cocktails—designed for groups—allow you to enjoy expertly made drinks at a fraction of the usual price.
Best Budget Cocktail: The Pineapple Daiquiri ($10 per person when shared), made with Ten to One Dark Rum, piña cordial, and lime.
3. Zombie Hut (Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn) – Affordable Tiki Drinks
273 Smith St, Brooklyn
If you are in the mood for tropical vibes and tiki drinks without the hefty price tag, Zombie Hut delivers. This Brooklyn tiki bar is known for serving strong, flavorful cocktails at unbeatable prices.
Best Budget Cocktail: The Mai Tai ($10), a classic blend of pineapple, rum, and amaretto, offering the perfect balance of fruitiness and depth.
4. Botanica Bar (Nolita) – Frozen Cocktails for Under $15
47 E Houston St, Nolita
This casual but stylish bar is a go-to for affordable frozen cocktails, making it a perfect stop on a hot day or for an easygoing night out. Their happy hour specials until 7 PM make the deal even sweeter.
Best Budget Cocktail: The Frozen Margarita ($11, or $8 during happy hour), a refreshing blend of tequila, lime, and house-made agave syrup.
5. Fresh Kills (Williamsburg, Brooklyn) – Craft Cocktails at Happy Hour Prices
161 Grand St, Williamsburg
Fresh Kills is one of Brooklyn’s best cocktail bars, and their daily happy hour from 5-7 PM makes their top-tier cocktails accessible at just $10 each.
Best Budget Cocktail: The Penicillin ($10 during happy hour), a smoky, honeyed Scotch cocktail featuring blended Scotch, ginger, lemon, and Islay Scotch float.
6. Clandestino (Lower East Side) – Hidden Gem for Cheap Cocktails
35 Canal St, Lower East Side
A laid-back, candlelit bar tucked away on Canal Street, Clandestino is a favorite among locals for its charming atmosphere and reasonably priced cocktails.
Best Budget Cocktail: A classic Old Fashioned ($13), featuring bourbon, bitters, sugar, and an orange twist.
7. Welcome to the Johnsons (Lower East Side) – Dive Bar Nostalgia
123 Rivington St, Lower East Side
Step into a retro 1970s-style rec room, complete with plastic-covered couches and a pool table, where cheap drinks are the norm.
Best Budget Cocktail: The Whiskey Sour ($10), a no-frills but well-made blend of whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup.
8. Sly Fox (East Village) – Affordable Drinks & Eastern European Vibes
140 2nd Ave, East Village
Attached to the Ukrainian East Village restaurant, Sly Fox is an unpretentious neighborhood bar offering $7 well drinks and four-dollar shots alongside authentic Eastern European fare.
Best Budget Cocktail: The Vodka Mule ($9), a simple but refreshing mix of vodka, ginger beer, and lime.
9. 169 Bar (Two Bridges) – A Historic Dive with Modern Drinks
169 E Broadway, Two Bridges
169 Bar has been around since 1916, and while it has evolved over the decades, it remains one of NYC’s best spots for cheap but quality drinks.
Best Budget Cocktail: The Whiskey Ginger ($9), made with house-blended whiskey and spicy ginger beer.
10. The Commodore (Williamsburg, Brooklyn) – Arcade Games & Cheap Drinks
366 Metropolitan Ave, Williamsburg
With arcade games, cheap beer, and well-made cocktails, The Commodore offers an affordable but high-quality drinking experience in Williamsburg.
Best Budget Cocktail: The Dark & Stormy ($12), featuring dark rum, ginger beer, and lime, a refreshing choice at any time of year.
Why Budget-Friendly Cocktails Matter
Drinking in NYC does not have to be expensive. Some of the city’s best bars offer affordable, high-quality cocktails, proving that great drinks are not just about the price tag.
Benefits of Choosing Budget-Friendly Cocktails:
Savor expertly crafted drinks without breaking the bank
Discover hidden gem bars with unique atmospheres
Enjoy more drinks for less, making nights out more affordable
NYC’s cocktail culture is not just about luxury and exclusivity—it is also about craftsmanship, creativity, and accessibility.
Learn the Art of Crafting Affordable Cocktails with Art of the Cocktail
Want to master the craft of budget-friendly mixology? Art of the Cocktail, hosted at the Park South Hotel, offers expert-led classes where you can:
Learn how to create world-class cocktails with everyday ingredients
Discover cost-effective mixology techniques to elevate home bartending
Experiment with flavors and garnishes to craft sophisticated drinks without the high price
Whether you are looking to improve your bartending skills, plan an elegant yet affordable cocktail party, or simply gain confidence behind the bar, these classes provide a high-end experience at an accessible price.
Final Thoughts: Sipping Smart in NYC
Finding an affordable cocktail in NYC is not as difficult as it seems—you just have to know where to look. Whether it is a $10 Negroni at happy hour, a classic Martini served tableside for a fraction of the usual cost, or a frozen margarita in a Nolita bar, there are plenty of budget-friendly ways to enjoy NYC’s incredible cocktail scene.
Raise a glass to great drinks without the high prices, and let the city’s best bartenders show you how quality and affordability can go hand in hand.
