The Ultimate New York Cocktails Bucket List: Drinks to Try Before You Die
New York City is home to some of the world’s most legendary cocktails and inventive bars. From classic drinks that capture the city’s rich history to innovative creations from modern mixologists, there’s something for every cocktail enthusiast. Here’s a bucket list of must-try cocktails across NYC, from timeless staples to unforgettable experiences at top bars around town.
1. The Manhattan at Old King Cole Bar (St. Regis Hotel)
It’s only fitting to start with the Manhattan, a drink as iconic as the city itself. A blend of rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, this cocktail is one of NYC’s greatest creations, said to have been invented here in the late 1800s. The Old King Cole Bar at the St. Regis Hotel offers one of the city’s most classic Manhattans in a luxurious, historic setting.
Ingredients: Rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, Angostura bitters
Why It’s a Must: A classic NYC cocktail served in a bar with old-world charm.
2. The Penicillin at Attaboy
Invented by bartender Sam Ross at the now-closed Milk & Honey, The Penicillin has become a modern classic, combining scotch, lemon, honey-ginger syrup, and a float of smoky Islay whisky. Now you can find this delicious cocktail at Attaboy, the successor to Milk & Honey, where the bartenders will craft it to perfection.
Ingredients: Blended scotch, honey-ginger syrup, lemon juice, Islay scotch float
Why It’s a Must: A modern NYC classic with bold, smoky flavors.
3. Martini Service at Bemelmans Bar (The Carlyle Hotel)
For fans of classic cocktails and timeless glamour, Bemelmans Bar offers an iconic martini service in the famed Carlyle Hotel. The bartenders are known for their expert martini skills, serving them ice-cold and tailored to your preference—gin or vodka, twist or olives.
Ingredients: Gin or vodka, dry vermouth, olive or lemon twist
Why It’s a Must: A sophisticated martini experience in one of NYC’s most historic bars.
4. The Garibaldi at Dante
Dante in Greenwich Village, voted one of the world’s best bars, is known for its simple but unforgettable Garibaldi cocktail. Made with Campari and freshly whipped orange juice, this cocktail is light, refreshing, and beautifully balanced.
Ingredients: Campari, freshly whipped orange juice
Why It’s a Must: A vibrant, refreshing drink with a unique twist on a classic Italian cocktail.
5. Espresso Martini at Employees Only
Employees Only, one of NYC’s trendiest speakeasies, makes an impeccable Espresso Martini. Known for its strong coffee flavor with a hint of sweetness, this cocktail is ideal for those looking for a drink that’s both energizing and indulgent.
Ingredients: Vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur
Why It’s a Must: A chic classic at a renowned NYC speakeasy.
6. Greenpoint at Clover Club
Named after a neighborhood in Brooklyn, the Greenpoint cocktail at Clover Club is a tribute to the borough’s love for whiskey cocktails. Made with rye whiskey, yellow Chartreuse, and sweet vermouth, it’s a bold, herbaceous twist on the classic Manhattan.
Ingredients: Rye whiskey, yellow Chartreuse, sweet vermouth, Angostura bitters
Why It’s a Must: A unique twist on a Manhattan and a perfect homage to Brooklyn.
7. Pisco Punch at Katana Kitten
Katana Kitten, a Japanese-American cocktail bar in the West Village, is famous for its inventive takes on traditional drinks. Their Pisco Punch is a standout, made with pisco, pineapple gomme, and citrus, giving a tropical, refreshing taste with a Japanese flair.
Ingredients: Pisco, pineapple gomme syrup, lemon juice
Why It’s a Must: A vibrant and refreshing cocktail with a unique, cross-cultural twist.
8. Vesper Martini at Bar Hemingway (Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park)
The Vesper Martini, made famous by James Bond, is a sophisticated cocktail that combines gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc. Bar Hemingway at the Ritz-Carlton offers a refined version of this drink in a glamorous setting, ideal for a taste of Bond’s world.
Ingredients: Gin, vodka, Lillet Blanc, lemon twist
Why It’s a Must: A stylish, spy-approved cocktail in a luxurious NYC setting.
9. Mai Tai at Mother of Pearl
Mother of Pearl, a tiki-inspired bar in the East Village, serves up a playful and tropical Mai Tai that’s unlike any other. Their unique take includes almond orgeat, rum, and fresh citrus for a fruity, island-inspired escape right in NYC.
Ingredients: Rum, lime juice, almond orgeat, Curaçao
Why It’s a Must: A creative tiki cocktail in a fun, colorful atmosphere.
10. Corpse Reviver #2 at Death & Company
One of NYC’s most beloved cocktail bars, Death & Company, offers the Corpse Reviver #2, a classic cocktail that’s both refreshing and invigorating. Made with gin, Cointreau, Lillet Blanc, and a hint of absinthe, this drink lives up to its name as the perfect reviver.
Ingredients: Gin, Cointreau, Lillet Blanc, lemon juice, absinthe rinse
Why It’s a Must: A powerful and classic cocktail served in an iconic NYC cocktail bar.
11. Oaxaca Old-Fashioned at Mayahuel
Inspired by the flavors of Mexico, the Oaxaca Old-Fashioned is a smoky twist on the Old-Fashioned, featuring mezcal and reposado tequila in place of whiskey. While Mayahuel has since closed, this drink has been adopted by numerous bars in the city, including Leyenda, a Latin-inspired cocktail bar in Brooklyn.
Ingredients: Mezcal, reposado tequila, agave syrup, Angostura bitters
Why It’s a Must: A unique twist on the Old-Fashioned, with mezcal’s smoky flavor adding depth and complexity.
12. The Red Snapper at King Cole Bar
Another creation of the iconic King Cole Bar, the Red Snapper is often credited as the original Bloody Mary. This gin-based cocktail with tomato juice, lemon, and spice is a must for brunch lovers who want to taste a part of NYC history.
Ingredients: Gin, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce
Why It’s a Must: A historical cocktail with a savory twist, perfect for brunch.
13. Smoked Rosemary Gin & Tonic at The Aviary
The Aviary, located in the Mandarin Oriental, is famous for its innovative cocktails, including the Smoked Rosemary Gin & Tonic. This drink is infused with rosemary smoke, giving a classic gin and tonic a bold, aromatic twist.
Ingredients: Gin, tonic, smoked rosemary
Why It’s a Must: An immersive cocktail experience with complex flavors and aromas.
14. Sazerac at Maison Premiere
Maison Premiere in Williamsburg offers a superb Sazerac, the historic cocktail from New Orleans. Made with rye, sugar, Peychaud’s bitters, and an absinthe rinse, this drink brings a touch of Southern charm to Brooklyn.
Ingredients: Rye whiskey, sugar cube, Peychaud’s bitters, absinthe
Why It’s a Must: A taste of New Orleans in a Brooklyn setting with a touch of elegance.
15. Frosé at Bar Primi
For a refreshing summer treat, Bar Primi on Bowery serves up an iconic Frosé (frozen rosé), which has become a seasonal favorite in NYC. This slushy, refreshing drink is perfect for a warm day or a lighthearted evening with friends.
Ingredients: Rosé, strawberries, lemon juice, simple syrup
Why It’s a Must: A fun and fruity summer favorite that’s become an NYC staple.
16. Sweetbriar: The “Sweetbriar Spritz”
Sweetbriar, a wood-fired restaurant known for its seasonal, innovative American fare, offers a cocktail menu crafted to complement their rich flavors. One of the standouts on their menu is the Sweetbriar Spritz—a drink that combines the light, refreshing qualities of a spritz with Sweetbriar’s unique twist. Made with prosecco, Aperol, a hint of peach liqueur, and garnished with fresh herbs, the Sweetbriar Spritz is a refreshing blend of fruitiness, effervescence, and a subtle herbal aroma that’s perfect for enjoying with friends over one of their iconic wood-fired dishes.
Ingredients: Prosecco, Aperol, peach liqueur, fresh herbs
Why It’s a Must: The Sweetbriar Spritz perfectly balances a fruit-forward spritz with subtle, herbal notes, making it an ideal drink to pair with their signature wood-fired menu in an upscale yet cozy setting.
17. Roof at Park South: The “Pick Me Up”
The seasonal Roof at Park South rooftop bar is a favorite for its stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, and their cocktail menu is as captivating as the vistas. The Pick Me Up is an iconic choice, combining coffee liqueur with cold brew and a hint of herbal amaro. This coffee-forward cocktail is perfect for city nights, bringing a delicious blend of rich coffee flavors with a slight herbal kick. It’s a must-try for anyone looking to experience a unique twist on the espresso cocktail with views that make it even better.
Ingredients: Coffee liqueur, cold brew coffee, herbal amaro
Why It’s a Must: The Pick Me Up delivers bold coffee flavors with a balance of bitter and herbal notes, offering a drink that’s energizing, complex, and perfect for a sophisticated rooftop evening.
Cheers to the Ultimate NYC Cocktail Experience
With so many iconic and innovative drinks to try, NYC is the ultimate playground for cocktail enthusiasts. From timeless classics at historic bars to inventive new creations at trendy hotspots, these cocktails showcase the city’s diversity, history, and creativity. Raise a glass to New York’s best—there’s no better way to explore the city than one sip at a time.
