10 Essential Summer Cocktails for NYC
Summer is ALMOST here… Yes, so far it’s been quite the cock tease. One day it’s so hot, you dress your pale body in booty shorts and crop tops, the next so cold you gotta take your parka back out from storage. But I am an optimist, and trust that soon enough it will get hotter than Becky’s hair. So to get you all pumped and prepared, I have put together a list of my favorite summer cocktails in NYC.
1. Belle Of The Ball
Photo Courtesy of Forbes.com
Where to Find: The Happiest Hour – 121 W 10th St – West Village
The Scoop: Ok, so mostly the ambiance at this bar is what makes it all worth it, but this summery cocktail is fun, a little spicy and pairs well with almost any spirit.
Ingredients: Red Pepper, Lemon, Habanero shrub + your choice of Mezcal, Tequila or Gin.
2. Horse Apple
Photo Courtesy of Robbreport.com
Where to Find: Suffolk Arms – 269 E Houston St – LES
The Scoop: This two ingredient cocktail is a sneaky one! Goes down easy so pace yourself… tangy, sweet and refreshing as hell, sure to quench your thirst during those hot summer days.
Ingredients: Vodka (or any spirit) , Fresh Granny Smith Apple Juice and a Horseradish garnish.
3. Ginger Smash
Photo Courtesy of Liquor.com
Where to Find: Employees Only – 510 Hudson St – West Village
The Scoop: Boozy as hell! The muddled fruit will help you drink it slowly…plus, the word kumquat is hilarious to me. Fun bartenders, fun drink, fun summer times.
Ingredients: Muddled ginger root and fresh kumquats, Tequila Cabeza, Clement Creole Shrubb and Fresh Lime Juice.
4. Shark Eye
Photo Courtesy of Yelp.com
Where to Find: Mother Of Pearl – 95 Avenue A -East Village
The Scoop: This drink is mostly just super fun to order. I like to hum the Jaws theme song while it approaches my mouth. If you’re into tiki drinks, Hawaiian shirts and being silly, make sure to check this place out.
Ingredients: Passion Fruit, Lemon, Maraschino, Curacao, Bourbon, Tiki Bitters.
5. Pina Verde
Photo Courtest of Housedeepcocktails.com
Where to Find: Boilermaker – 13 Ist Avenue – East Village
The Scoop: Herbaceous and cooling with creamy notes of lush tropical fruit, this little gem can be enjoyed in a non-pretentious ambiance but with all the quality of a fancy bar.
Ingredients: Green Chartreuse, Fresh Lime Juice, Fresh Pineapple Juice, Coconut Cream.
6. Old Fashioned
Photo Courtesy of Thesocialny.com
Where to Find: Mr. Purple @ Hotel Indigo, 180 Orchard St – LES
The Scoop: This take on a classic is surprisingly good for such a trendy lounge. A little sweeter than the usual, you can count on this year round cocktail to perk up your summer days. Plus, nothing beats that amazing pool area.
Ingredients: Old Forester Bourbon, Demerara Syrup, Angostura and Orange Bitters.
7. Zaragoza
Photo Courtesy of Timeout.com
Where to Find: Dirty French @ The Ludlow Hotel – 180 Ludlow St – LES
The Scoop: The one that keeps me coming back! This wonderful explosion of flavors can be downed within seconds. Refreshing, subtly sweet, slightly smokey, and addicting as hell. Drink this in their adorable little patio and have the most romantic summer date possible.
Ingredients: Reposado Tequila, Vanilla Yogurt, Creme de Peach, Fresh Lime Juice, Clove.
8. Smoked and Roasted
Photo Courtesy of Foodspotting.com
Where to Find: The Wayland – 700 E 9th St – East Village
The Scoop: I think you can tell by now that I love Mezcal and this is my current favorite. That rim job is a dream come true and those flavors are everything my little heart has ever desired: smokey, citrusy, and sweet.
Ingredients: Mezcal, Fresh Pineapple Juice, Lemon Juice and Chipotle Agave with a Smoked Paprika and Salt rim.
9. Frozen Raspados
Photo Courtesy of Weheartastoria.com
Where to Find: Tacuba Cantina Mexicana – 802 9th Avenue – Hell’s Kitchen
The Scoop: Who doesn’t love a frozen margarita? But it’s hard to find a good quality one that won’t give you a bitch of a hangover the next day. Look no further! The best frozen margarita you’ll have this summer.
Ingredients: Choice of Mango, Strawberry, Lime or Tamarind.
10. Watermelon-Cucumber Cooler
Photo Courtesy of punchdrink.com/
Where to Find: Bar Goto – 245 Eldridge St – LES
The Scoop: Light, balanced, and fresh as fuck. This cocktail is to be downed with gusto. The best Japanese-inspired cocktail bar in all of Manhattan will keep these drinks coming during the hottest summer days.
Ingredients: Gin, Watermelon, Cucumber, Lime, Lemon, and Wasabi Salt.
