The History of NYC’s Signature Hotel Cocktails: Iconic Drinks from The Plaza, The Carlyle, and The Algonquin
New York City’s grand hotels have long been synonymous with luxury, culture, and world-class hospitality. But beyond their lavish suites and legendary guests, these establishments have also played a pivotal role in shaping the city’s cocktail culture.
For over a century, bars inside The Plaza, The Carlyle, and The Algonquin have been the birthplace of some of NYC’s most celebrated cocktails—drinks that have stood the test of time and remain classics today. These signature cocktails are more than just beverages; they are liquid history, capturing the elegance and storytelling of their respective hotels.
From the whimsical glamour of Bemelmans Bar to the literary legacy of The Algonquin and the timeless elegance of The Plaza, here is a look at the drinks that made these hotels legendary in the world of mixology.
The Plaza Hotel – Timeless Elegance in a Glass
768 5th Ave, Midtown Manhattan
Since opening its doors in 1907, The Plaza Hotel has been a beacon of opulence, attracting everyone from literary icons and Hollywood royalty to world leaders. It is home to one of NYC’s most refined hotel bars, The Champagne Bar, where guests sip on sparkling cocktails and refined classics while overlooking Fifth Avenue and The Pulitzer Fountain.
The Signature Cocktail: The Gatsby Mint Julep
This Plaza Hotel classic pays tribute to F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”, a novel that perfectly captures the Jazz Age luxury The Plaza embodies. Made with Woodford Reserve bourbon, fresh mint, simple syrup, and crushed ice, this cocktail is as refreshing as it is iconic.
Why It’s Famous:
A tribute to the Roaring Twenties and The Plaza’s connection to literary history.
Served in an elegant silver julep cup, keeping it ice-cold and sophisticated.
A drink perfectly suited for the hotel’s classic, high-society ambiance.
Experience It: Order the Gatsby Mint Julep at The Plaza’s Champagne Bar, where luxury meets history.
The Carlyle – The Art of a Perfect Martini at Bemelmans Bar
35 E 76th St, Upper East Side
Since 1930, The Carlyle has been one of NYC’s most exclusive hotels, frequented by presidents, Hollywood stars, and literary figures. Inside, you will find Bemelmans Bar, named after Ludwig Bemelmans, the illustrator of the beloved “Madeline” children’s books. His whimsical murals line the walls, creating a space that feels both playful and timeless.
The Signature Cocktail: The Bemelmans Martini
A perfectly balanced gin Martini, crafted with Plymouth Gin, Dolin Dry Vermouth, and orange bitters, stirred over ice and served with a twist. It is a drink that has been ordered by some of the most famous figures in American history.
Why It’s Famous:
Served in one of NYC’s most legendary hotel bars, surrounded by hand-painted murals by Ludwig Bemelmans.
A go-to drink for celebrities and politicians, including John F. Kennedy and George Clooney.
Reflects the timeless elegance and classic New York sophistication of The Carlyle.
Experience It: Order a Bemelmans Martini while listening to live jazz in one of NYC’s most iconic cocktail settings.
The Algonquin Hotel – A Literary Classic in a Glass
59 W 44th St, Midtown Manhattan
If there is any hotel that embodies the intellectual and literary spirit of NYC, it is The Algonquin. Opening in 1902, it became the unofficial headquarters for writers, journalists, and Broadway insiders. The hotel is best known for hosting The Algonquin Round Table, a group of celebrated writers, including Dorothy Parker, Robert Benchley, and Harold Ross, who gathered daily in the 1920s for drinks and witty conversation.
The Signature Cocktail: The Algonquin Cocktail
A sophisticated mix of rye whiskey, dry vermouth, and pineapple juice, this drink is both bold and refined, much like the literary minds that once filled the hotel’s bar.
Why It’s Famous:
Named after one of NYC’s most historic hotels, famous for its literary crowd.
A whiskey-forward cocktail with a hint of tropical influence, making it both classic and unexpected.
A tribute to Dorothy Parker and The Algonquin Round Table, one of the most legendary social circles in American history.
Experience It: Order an Algonquin Cocktail at the Blue Bar, where you can sip history in a setting that feels frozen in time.
Other Iconic Hotel Cocktails in NYC
The St. Regis – The Red Snapper (The Original Bloody Mary)
The King Cole Bar at The St. Regis Hotel is the birthplace of the Bloody Mary, originally named The Red Snapper. First created in 1934, this cocktail has been imitated countless times but remains one of the most famous hotel drinks in the world.
Signature Ingredients:
Vodka
Tomato juice
Lemon juice
Worcestershire sauce
Hot sauce
This cocktail is a must-try for brunch lovers, best enjoyed in the ornate setting of the King Cole Bar.
The Legacy of NYC’s Hotel Cocktails
Each of these historic hotels has contributed to NYC’s rich cocktail history, proving that hotel bars are not just for travelers but for anyone who appreciates classic mixology in a refined setting.
What Makes NYC’s Hotel Cocktails Special?
✔ They tell a story, often linked to the hotel’s history and famous guests.
✔ They have stood the test of time, with recipes dating back decades.
✔ They are served in settings that exude elegance, making every sip an experience.
Sip History at NYC’s Most Legendary Hotels
Whether you are toasting with a Gatsby Mint Julep at The Plaza, savoring a Martini at The Carlyle, or drinking in the literary history of The Algonquin, NYC’s hotel bars offer more than just a cocktail—they offer a connection to the city’s past.
For those who love a well-crafted drink with a side of history, these bars are must-visit destinations.
So next time you are looking for a drink with a story to tell, step into one of these legendary hotel bars and experience the flavors that helped define NYC’s cocktail culture.
