Sustainability in the Glass: NYC’s Eco-Friendly Cocktail Bars
As sustainability becomes a core value in industries worldwide, the cocktail scene in New York City is following suit. From reducing waste to sourcing local, organic ingredients, eco-conscious bars are transforming the way we enjoy drinks. This growing trend of sustainability in the bar industry is about more than just reducing environmental impact—it's about crafting exceptional, mindful cocktails that reflect a commitment to the planet and future generations.
In this blog, we’ll explore how some of NYC’s top bars are embracing sustainability, including Roof at Park South and Sweetbriar, both of which are striving to create a more sustainable and thoughtful drinking experience.
Why Sustainability in Bars Matters
For years, the bar industry has been notoriously wasteful, with single-use plastics, excess food waste, and the frequent use of imported, non-seasonal ingredients contributing to its environmental footprint. Today, however, many bars are rethinking their operations. Bartenders and bar owners are recognizing that sustainability is not only a responsibility but also an opportunity to be more creative and conscious about what goes into each drink.
From adopting zero-waste policies to using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, the movement toward eco-friendly practices is reshaping the way cocktails are made—and enjoyed.
Eco-Friendly Practices: What NYC Bars Are Doing Right
Across New York City, a growing number of cocktail bars are integrating sustainability into their everyday practices. These eco-conscious steps are part of a larger effort to support the environment and reduce their carbon footprint. Let’s look at some key initiatives.
1. Reducing Waste with Recycled Ingredients
One of the easiest ways for bars to adopt sustainability is by cutting down on waste—particularly in how ingredients are sourced and used. Many bars have moved toward zero-waste operations by repurposing ingredients that would otherwise be discarded. For example, citrus peels, herb stems, and fruit scraps are often dehydrated and used as garnishes, or even infused into syrups and tinctures to extend their lifespan.
2. Local and Seasonal Ingredients
Sourcing ingredients locally reduces transportation emissions and supports nearby farmers and producers. By embracing seasonal produce, bartenders create cocktails that are not only fresher but also more aligned with nature’s natural rhythms. This also allows for more innovative, rotating cocktail menus that reflect the time of year and what’s growing at local farms.
3. Sustainable Spirits
Many eco-friendly bars are choosing spirits from distilleries that prioritize sustainability, whether by using organic ingredients, adopting green energy practices, or minimizing water waste. Some bars are even partnering with smaller, sustainable distilleries to create exclusive, eco-conscious cocktail offerings.
4. Eliminating Single-Use Plastics
From plastic straws to stirrers, single-use plastics are being phased out in many bars in favor of reusable or compostable alternatives. Metal or bamboo straws, wooden picks, and even edible garnishes are now commonplace in bars committed to reducing plastic waste.
Leading by Example: Roof at Park South and Sweetbriar
Two of NYC’s standout venues, Roof at Park South and Sweetbriar, are at the forefront of the city’s sustainability movement, incorporating eco-friendly practices into their cocktail menus and overall business operations.
Roof at Park South
Known for its stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and impeccable craft cocktails, Roof at Park South is more than just a stylish rooftop bar—it’s an example of how sustainability can be seamlessly integrated into the luxury cocktail experience.
Local Sourcing: Roof at Park South takes pride in using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, reducing its carbon footprint while supporting nearby farmers. Fresh herbs, seasonal fruits, and regionally produced spirits are key components in their cocktails, ensuring that each drink is both fresh and eco-friendly.
Zero Waste: The bar has adopted a zero-waste approach, repurposing ingredients like citrus peels and herbs that would otherwise go to waste. These items are often infused into house-made syrups or used as garnishes, reducing waste while adding creative elements to the drinks.
Eco-Friendly Alternatives: Roof at Park South has also eliminated plastic straws in favor of reusable options, aligning with the global movement to reduce single-use plastics. By making small but impactful changes, the bar is contributing to a greener future while still providing guests with an upscale experience.
Sweetbriar
At Sweetbriar, where the focus is on wood-fired cuisine and comfort food, sustainability is a key part of the restaurant and bar’s ethos. Chef Bryce Shuman and his team are dedicated to using seasonal ingredients and reducing waste across the board.
Sourcing and Sustainability: Sweetbriar emphasizes using seasonal, local ingredients not only in their food but also in their cocktails. The bar’s rotating menu highlights what’s fresh and available locally, ensuring that drinks are as sustainable as they are flavorful. This local-first philosophy also helps reduce the transportation emissions associated with importing ingredients from distant locations.
Commitment to Community: Sweetbriar’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its ingredients. The restaurant and bar are also focused on supporting local suppliers and fostering relationships within the community, ensuring that their eco-conscious efforts contribute to a better, more sustainable future for everyone.
Sustainable Cocktails You Have to Try
If you’re curious to taste what sustainability in the glass really means, here are two must-try cocktails from Roof at Park South and Sweetbriar, both created with eco-friendly practices in mind:
1. "Up in the Air" at Roof at Park South
Ingredients: Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Amaro Nonino, Fragola Strawberry Liqueur, and Citrus
Why it’s sustainable: This cocktail features seasonal ingredients, such as strawberry liqueur made from locally sourced fruit, and house-made citrus reductions that minimize waste. The bourbon comes from a distillery known for its eco-friendly practices.
2. "Smoked Chicken Margarita" at Sweetbriar
Ingredients: Tequila, fresh lime juice, and house-smoked agave syrup
Why it’s sustainable: Sweetbriar’s use of organic limes and house-smoked agave syrup adds a sustainable twist to this cocktail, which reflects the restaurant’s commitment to minimizing waste and sourcing locally.
A Better Future, One Cocktail at a Time
The trend toward sustainability in the cocktail world isn’t just a passing fad—it’s an essential shift toward a more responsible way of enjoying the things we love. Bars like Roof at Park South and Sweetbriar are showing that it’s possible to craft world-class cocktails while caring for the planet and future generations.
As more bars across New York City adopt eco-friendly practices, guests can feel good knowing that their drinks are crafted with care—for both them and the environment. So next time you’re sipping on a cocktail at one of these venues, raise a glass to sustainability and a brighter future for us all.
