The Power Lunch Cocktail: A Guide to NYC’s Most Iconic Business Drinks
New York City has long been the epicenter of high-powered business meetings, where deals are sealed over steakhouse lunches, rooftop martinis, and exclusive club lounges. While the modern corporate scene has shifted, the power lunch cocktail remains a timeless tradition—a symbol of confidence, status, and refined taste.
The History of the Power Lunch in NYC
The 1960s and ’70s were the golden era of the power lunch, fueled by the city’s elite at Midtown institutions like The Four Seasons Restaurant and 21 Club. Business tycoons, publishers, and Wall Street execs would gather for multi-course lunches paired with classic cocktails, making these midday meetings as much about influence as indulgence.
Today, while three-martini lunches have given way to more refined sipping, the tradition lives on in some of NYC’s most iconic business bars.
NYC’s Best Power Lunch Cocktails & Where to Order Them
1. The Martini – The Undisputed Power Drink
The ultimate business cocktail, the Martini is sharp, sophisticated, and effortlessly cool. Whether ordered gin or vodka, stirred or shaken, it’s a drink that signals confidence and decisiveness.
Where to Order It:
The Grill (Midtown) – A power-lunch staple, known for impeccable Martinis served with a side of history.
Keens Steakhouse (Midtown) – Old-school charm meets perfectly chilled gin and vermouth.
2. The Old Fashioned – A Classic with Authority
The Old Fashioned is a drink of quiet confidence—rich, slow-sipping, and no-nonsense. It’s favored by Wall Street executives and creative directors alike, symbolizing tradition with a modern edge.
Where to Order It:
Delmonico’s (Financial District) – NYC’s original steakhouse and a prime location for an Old Fashioned.
Manhatta (FiDi) – Skyline views and a refined take on the classic.
3. The Negroni – A Drink for the Bold & Decisive
Bittersweet, complex, and unforgettable, the Negroni is the drink of choice for creative professionals and high-stakes negotiators. Its bold flavors demand attention—just like the people who order it.
Where to Order It:
Dante (West Village) – An award-winning Negroni program featuring multiple variations.
American Bar (West Village) – A chic setting perfect for industry meetups over Negronis.
The Power of a Well-Chosen Cocktail
Whether closing a deal or simply channeling old-school NYC business culture, the power lunch cocktail is here to stay. For those looking to host their own high-stakes cocktail experience, Art of the Cocktail offers private mixology events designed for networking, team-building, and corporate entertaining.
