7 Signature Cocktails You Should Try in New York

Last Updated on May 2, 2023

Without a doubt, New York City is one of the most exciting cultural hubs in the world. Brimming with exciting activities and sightseeing opportunities, this is a place too vast and expansive for you to experience it in a single trip. And for your next visit, we are gonna help you find the best cocktails you should try in New York. Coincidently, this is the place where prominent foodie bloggers reside, and where you can taste unique culinary delicacies.

But amazing food is not all there is to it. New York is the place where getting properly plastered has become an art form in its own right! From up-scale Manhattan bars to Brooklyn hipster pubs, world-renowned bartenders are shaking and making signature cocktails that will dazzle and bewilder your palate. Here are the seven signature drinks you need to try.

The Manhattan

First off, the cocktail that got its name as the embodiment of all that is beautiful about this bustling city. The Manhattan is the star of every show and the leading actor in every bartender’s arsenal.

Every single bar serves this cocktail, and you’re soon to discover that different bartenders tend to make it a bit differently. Usually, they will play with the whiskey-to-vermouth ratios to create a unique blend. Don’t be afraid to give this one a try in every borough.

The Black Russian

This one is all about the opulent taste and the subtle yet tantalizing aroma of coffee. The “coffee culture” is prevalent in the city of NY, so it’s no surprise that you can find coffee houses, cocktails, and eve coffee-infused foods here. So naturally, the Black Russian is a must-try.

Consisting of two parts coffee liqueur and five parts Vodka, it has a kick to it and a familiar taste. Opulent in every sense of the word, this mid-century American cocktail is a definite must on your NY exploration list.

The Martini

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Probably one of the most iconic cocktails, the Martini is a signature beverage every New York traveler should try. Boasting a light gin-and-vermouth base and garnished with the iconic green olive, the Martini offers a distinctly dry taste. On the tongue, it has a zesty aftertaste and a bit of a kick depending on the spirit-to-vermouth ratio.

What’s exciting is that this is a traditional cocktail that also comes in numerous other iterations. With that in mind, don’t miss a chance to taste the chocolate martini crafted by a professional mixologist in NYC, an iteration of the famous beverage that’s just perfect for those idyllic autumn New York holidays. Be sure to seek out such innovative Martini styles across Manhattan. Better yet, have a cocktail party yourself and bring a superstar bartender to make it that much more exciting.

The Old Fashioned

Not to sound overly stereotypical, but this one is often referred to as the man’s drink. Or at least it used to bear such a moniker in the 20th century. The Old Fashioned is unique not only for its serving style but the ingredients as well. It’s made with a strong whiskey or bourbon base, mixed with bitters and complemented with a single sugar cube. The Old Fashioned is a traditional NY cocktail you should try in one of the jazz clubs at Broadway Blvd.

The Red Snapper

People know it as the exciting Bloody Mary, the Red Snapper is actually the same drink. However, the base can differ in spirits depending on where you order it. Sometimes the base will be gin instead of vodka, and the garnishes might vary, but the gist is the same. Now, keep in mind that this is not your typical nigh-on-the-town drink. No, this is a sophisticated brunch beverage, so be sure to order it at a designated brunch restaurant.

The Margarita

The Margarita is the party animal, and you needn’t wait for Cinco de Mayo to have your fill. This is a sturdy and zesty drink consisting of tequila, lime juice, and Cointreau. You can find it at any bar in New York so don’t miss your chance to sip the most popular cocktail in the US.

TAKEAWAY: Your maximum Margarita count per hour might be three or four, but interestingly more than 185,000 of these cocktails are drunk in the US every single hour. That makes it the most popular cocktail in the country, which is all the more reason to join the party.

The Moscow Mule

Another Russia-inspired cocktail that has nothing to do with the East-European Country, the Moscow Mule is unique in every way. This one has a hefty vodka base and it’s mixed with lime juice and ginger beer. The Moscow Mule is served in a beautiful copper mug as well, tastefully reminiscent of the up-scale ‘40s New York.

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New York is a one-of-a-kind place, a place every traveler should visit at least once in a lifetime. Among the foodie gems of the city lie the popular and less-known bars that serve extraordinary cocktails that are bound to bewilder your taste buds. Don’t miss these iconic mixology recipes the next time you find yourself in the Big Apple.