15+ Must-Try Cocktails You Can Only Find in New York City
New York City is a cocktail lover’s paradise, brimming with so many unique drinks to discover and enjoy. From hidden speakeasies to rooftop lounges, each neighbourhood offers a unique drink worth trying. This curated list of must-try cocktails in New York City highlights standout creations that can’t be found anywhere else.
Must-Try Cocktails In New York City
1. Green Mango Martini – Superbueno
This vibrant cocktail blends tequila, mango eau de vie, Sauternes, green mango, and honey, creating a sweet and tangy profile. The drink’s vivid hue and balanced flavours make it a standout and as a bonus, Superbueno’s lively atmosphere complements this cocktail’s zest.
- Website: https://www.superbuenonyc.com
- Price: $22.50
- Location: 13 1st Avenue, East Village, New York
- Email: info@superbuenonyc.com
- Phone: (347) 866-7739
2. Wild Perfume – Wonderland Bar
An aromatic blend of vodka, vetiver, vanilla bean, sandalwood, black tea, peppercorn, green cardamom, orange, vermouth, and lemon. This cocktail offers a complex, earthy flavour profile that’s both intriguing and satisfying. Wonderland Bar’s eclectic decor enhances the sensory experience. The cocktail’s impressive presentation also makes it one of the best-looking must-try cocktails in New York City.
- Website: https://wonderlandbarnyc.com
- Price: $22.
- Location: 96 2nd Avenue, New York City
- Email: Wonderlandbarnyc@gmail.com
- Phone: (212)-814-2943
3. Negroni Affumicato – The Riff Raff Club
A smoky twist on the classic Negroni, featuring barrel-aged gin, Caffè Amaro, Campari, and chicory-applewood smoke. The infusion of smoke adds depth and a unique character to the drink. The Riff Raff Club’s vintage ambiance and rooftop seating complement this sophisticated cocktail.
- Website: https://www.riffraffnyc.com
- Price: $23
- Location: 1227 Broadway, 39th Floor, New York
- Phone: (646) 869-0675
4. Ube Espresso Martini – Arriviamo Bar
A delightful fusion of Starbucks Reserve® Espresso, Kalak Vodka, cream, white mocha, and ube coconut cold foam. This cocktail offers a creamy, sweet, and slightly nutty flavor that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Arriviamo Bar’s modern setting provides the perfect backdrop for this unique drink.
- Website: https://www.starbucksreserve.com/menus/new-york-roastery-arriviamo-menu
- Price: $23
- Location: 61 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011
5. Greenhouse – The Elgin
A refreshing mix of vodka, mint & lemon verbena shrub, lime, and ginger beer. This cocktail is light, zesty, and perfect for a summer evening. The Elgin’s cozy atmosphere makes it an ideal spot to enjoy this drink.
- Website: https://www.elginnyc.com
- Price: $15
- Location: 64 W 48th St, New York
- Phone: (212) 221-2100
6. The 1884 Martini – The Lobby Bar at Hotel Chelsea
Crafted with gin, Cedro lemon, vetiver, and Spanish olive oil, this martini offers a citrusy and slightly savoury profile. The unique combination of ingredients provides a fresh take on a classic. The Lobby Bar’s historic charm adds to the drink’s allure.
- Website: https://hotelchelsea.com/dining-and-bar/lobby-bar
- Price: $29
- Location: 226 West Twenty-Third Street New York
- Phone: (212) 483-1010
7. Nitro Ristretto – The Back Bar
This isn’t the average espresso martini, it’s a caffeine jolt with an edge, with Grey Goose and Kahlúa as the base, with an absinthe kick, citrus almond espuma, and cocoa nibs floating on top.
- Website: https://www.backbarnyc.com
- Price: $20
- Location: 851 Avenue of Americas, New York
- Email: reservations@lthm.nyc
- Phone: (212) 201-4065
8. Nopalito – Oxomoco
The Nopalito is a love letter to agave lovers. It’s built around mezcal and infused with cactus, giving it a fresh, vegetal edge that’s hard to forget. Light citrus notes brighten things up, making this a great crisp, cool drink to enjoy.
- Website: https://www.oxomoconyc.com
- Price: $22
- Location: 128 Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn
- Email: info@oxomoconyc.com
9. Smashing Rupert – Pebble Bar
This fall-themed drink is a dessert caffeine boost all in one glass. With a base of Jack Daniel’s Bonded Rye and Nikka Coffey Grain, the cocktail gets layered with rum, pumpkin, coconut, and cold brew, then rounded out with warm spices and a hit of Angostura. Think of it as a pumpkin spice latte’s cooler, much bolder cousin.
- Website: https://www.pebblebarnyc.com
- Price: $23
- Location: 67 W 49th St, New York
- Phone: (917) 540-4494
10. Strawberry & Rhubarb Negroni – Dante NYC
This Negroni is a full-on garden party with Lillet Rosé and Aviation Gin bringing a floral base, while clarified strawberry, rhubarb bitters, and Cocchi Rosa dial up the fruit without losing that signature Negroni edge. It’s bright, bitter-sweet, and beautifully balanced.
- Website: https://www.dante-nyc.com
- Price: $21
- Location: 79-81 MacDougal St, New York
- Email: dante@dante-nyc.com
- Phone: (212) 982-5275
11. Moira Rose – Magic Hour Rooftop
As fabulous as its namesake, this cocktail’s Hendrick’s Gin sets a floral tone and includes a raspberry tea and lemon to add tart elegance, and a splash of prosecco brings a bubbly. It’s bright, refreshing, and made for rooftop golden hour.
- Website: https://moxytimessquare.com/dining/magic-hour-rooftop-bar-lounge/
- Price: $20
- Location: 485 7th Ave 18th floor, New York
- Phone: (212) 268-0188
12. Old Fashioned – The Campbell
Simple, classic, and perfectly executed, The Campbell’s Old Fashioned stays true to tradition, and that’s exactly what makes it work. Crafted with Old Forester Bourbon, angostura bitters, and a hint of orange bitters, it offers a rich, warm, and balanced sip. It’s the kind of cocktail that feels right at home in a velvet booth or a familiar bar seat.
- Website: https://www.thecampbellnyc.com
- Price: $22
- Location: 15 Vanderbilt Ave, New York
- Email: info@thecampbellnyc.com
- Phone: (917) 209-3440
13. Whistler Punch – The Dead Rabbit
This punch is fruity, spiced, and deeply layered. The Whistler Cherry Bitters Cask Irish Whiskey forms a rich base, while sweet vermouth, hibiscus, orange-cinnamon tea, and pomegranate bring a bright, aromatic twist.
- Website: https://thedeadrabbit.com
- Price: $20
- Location: 30-32 Water Street, New York
- Phone: (917) 540-5228
14. Clover Club – The Clover Club
A throwback that still slaps, this pre-prohibition classic is creamy, tart, and totally irresistible. Gin and dry vermouth give it structure, while fresh raspberry, lemon, and a silky egg white foam make it lush and bright.
- Website: https://www.cloverclubny.com
- Price: $17
- Location: 210 Smith St, Brooklyn
- Email: info@cloverclubny.com
- Phone: (718) 855-7939
15. Donkey Conga – The Sunken Harbor Club
For this drink, bourbon and aged cachaça are centrifuged with banana, then stirred with Cynar and sweet vermouth for a tropical, bittersweet twist on a spirit-forward sipper. Served over a big rock, the Donkey Conga is boozy and fun.
- Website: https://www.sunkenharbor.club
- Price: $22
- Location: 372 Fulton St, Brooklyn (above Gage & Tollner)
- Phone: (347) 689-3677
16. A Rose Among Thorns – The Up & Up
A Rose Among Thorns was the very first cocktail created for The Up & Up, dreamed up by founder Matt Piacentini before the bar even had walls. Made with Roku Gin, Brennevín Aquavit, Amaro Montenegro, dry vermouth, and orange bitters, it’s a smooth, slightly herbal pour that feels classic but just off-center enough to be memorable.
- Website: https://www.upandupnyc.com
- Location: 116 MacDougal St, New York
- Email: info@upandupnyc.com
New York City has a cocktail for everyone, and each cocktail tells a story. For those looking to go beyond the usual, this list offers bold, inventive options worth exploring. For even more bar inspiration, check out the feature on These New York Bars Were Named The Best In North America.
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