Mastro’s Steakhouse New York’s Caliente Breeze, Photo Credit: Mastro’s Steakhouse New York
Global warming may have given us a sneak preview of warm weather in February, but March’s snowstorms and winds had New York City residents clamoring for spring. By the time April rolled around, you could practically taste the sunshine and rooftop cocktails.
Boost your morale (and your internal temperature gauge) with these spring-inspired libations.
Cull & Pistol Oyster Bar’s Sweater Weather
Envision summer at Cull & Pistol Oyster Bar, an upscale seafood shack in Chelsea Market. Warm up with an oyster shooter, featuring Aloo vodka, cherry pepper brine, scallions and bacon.
Another great option is Sweater Weather, which is made with Medley Bros bourbon, apple cider, lime juice and ginger, to help you feel cozy on a chilly spring day.
Pair your cocktail with any of the globally inspired seafood found on the restaurant’s menu, like the shrimp tostada, lobster ramen or Vietnamese grilled branzino.
Café Serai‘s Bay of Bengal
Visit the Rubin Museum, which features the art of the Himalayas, and make sure to pop into Café Serai for happy hour (museum admission is not required). The Zen-like ambience is a great setting to enjoy Tibetan and Indian delicacies.
During the museum’s free Friday hours, Café Serai becomes K2 Lounge and offers pan-Asian tapas as well. We suggest trying the momos, a popular dumpling from Tibet and Nepal.
Wash them down with the signature Bay of Bengal, a spring cocktail featuring gin, elderflower, cucumber and basil — the perfect segue into springtime.
The Knickerbocker’s Iris and Ivy, Photo Credit: The Knickerbocker Hotel
The Knickerbocker Hotel‘s Iris and Ivy
When entering the secret garden at The Knickerbocker, let the clamoring of New York City disappear. Imbibe cocktails from a floral-inspired menu, customized by chef Charlie Palmer and resident cocktail curator, Eben Klemm.
Order the Iris and Ivy, which features Elyx Vodka, strawberry Lillet, St-Germain, Aperol with rose petal garnish, to fully appreciate an urban oasis consisting of a water fountain, faux green grass and oodles of ivy and spring flowers everywhere.
Uncover the secret word of the week and receive half-off appetizers (hint: take a peek at the hotel’s social media). The Knickerbocker also continues to host monthly Full Moon parties on its St. Cloud rooftop with a spring lineup that includes May 6’s Flower Moon celebration.
The Clam’s Rum Snuggie
The Rum Snuggie at The Clam, a quaint eatery in the West Village, is served hot and is a comforting mix of aged rum, allspice dram, coconut cream, lime and bitters.
While this is cozy enough for winter, it still contains a refreshing hint of tropical flavors to conjure anticipation of the warmer months ahead.
Mastro’s Steakhouse New York’s Caliente Breeze
This restaurant offers a swanky, avant-garde atmosphere with cutting-edge cocktails. We highly recommend gearing up for May and June with the Caliente Breeze, a pour that combines Svedka grapefruit-jalapeño vodka, Aperol, Combier Creme de Pamplemousse Rose liqueur and fresh lemon crowned with a jalapeño slice or two.
It pairs well with the signature two-foot tower of seafood (which dazzles with billowing smoke) and live music.
Bar SixtyFive’s Outdoor Terrace, Photo Credit: Rainbow Room
Bar SixtyFive’s Black Orchid
Enjoy awe-inspiring 360-degree vistas of the city while you’re warm and cozy inside at Bar SixtyFive at Rainbow Room. Sophistication meets sky-high altitude when you’re soaring 65 floors above Manhattan.
Order a Black Orchid (Allaire Vodka, crème de violette, lemon juice, peach bitters and edible orchid garnish) and you’ll feel as if you’ve been instantly transported to a tropical paradise — albeit one that’s virtually in the clouds.
The Modern’s Spiced Rum
Sip on the Spiced Rum cocktail at Four-Star The Modern. This landmark establishment has always been highly acclaimed. Residing in The Museum of Modern Art with most seats affording great views of the MoMA sculpture garden next door certainly helps.
New bar director Sean Kelly keeps interest high with a twist on the classic drink that features Far North Alander rum, brown butter, steamed milk and cocoa. But hurry, the tasty tipple is only available through April.
Mykonos Blue’s Self-Titled Drink
Evoke the spring spirit at Mykonos Blue, a new Greek restaurant at the boutique Hotel Hayden. The self-titled Mykonos Blue delivers a blend of fig vodka, plum sake, apricot jam, cranberry juice and Greek honey. The fruit flavors and festive pink color will inspire island weather.
After dinner, head to Hayden’s Rooftop for après-dinner Greek spirits like ouzo and mastika. Opa!
