Come the holiday season, New York City’s hustle and bustle reaches a fever pitch. You will find the apex of activity atop Forbes Travel Guide’s Recommended Park Lane New York at Darling, the 47th-floor restaurant with a wraparound patio offering sweeping views of the glittering lights of Fifth Avenue storefronts, taxi cabs and Central Park. Park Lane might take the spot as Manhattan’s most festive hotel with two month-long events celebrating the season in a big way — a fizzing champagne ski chalet pop-up and a custom-designed cocktail menu.
The stylish décor at Darling, the only rooftop lounge and cocktail bar on Billionaire’s Row, is a worthy backdrop for a cocktail menu collaboration with Manhattan’s patron saint of department stores (and neighbor), Bergdorf Goodman. Three colorful libations, each made with the hotel’s mixology team and a luxury fashion designer, are on the menu until December 31.
To find the right drink fit, order the Escalade Margarita (Casamigos Reposado tequila, Grand Marnier, lime and pomegranate) from Sergio Hudson, known for his power dressing aesthetic. Try on the Cranberry Skirt (Belvedere vodka, St. Germain elderflower, lime and cranberry) from Christopher John Rogers, whose bright, monochromatic pieces have been worn by Kamala Harris and Rihanna. Or sip the Hibiscus Royale (hibiscus, ginger, lime and orange blossom) from Diotima, a brand that incorporates founder and creative director Rachel Scott’s Jamaican culture and exquisite crocheting. But no matter which cocktail you choose, you’re promised to have the season’s hottest accessory in hand.
But drinks aren’t the only thing on Darling’s menu for the next few weeks. Through January 3, the rooftop lounge is also transforming into the city’s premier “après-work” destination. The garden-inspired space doubles as a luxurious ski lodge, complete with plush faux fur rugs, pillows and blankets. Cozy up with a specialty champagne menu courtesy of Moët & Chandon, which also provided the waitstaff’s chic goggles, parkas, skis and snowboards.
The menu includes two exclusive bubbly cocktails: the floral Moët Rosé Impérial Snow Bunny and the fruity Moët Impérial Brut Alpine Passion. “Darling, Choose Your Own Adventure” encourages guests to go off-trail and create a custom champagne cocktail prepared tableside.
Those feeling particularly festive can even add a “caviar bump” or snack on sea-salt-toasted chestnuts, caviar blinis, grilled cheese and roasted tomato soup, and other holiday hors d’oeuvres.
Continue the holiday revelry into 2024 at the 610-room hotel. Park Lane and Moët & Chandon will host a black-tie New Year’s Eve celebration at Darling from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Partake in an open bar, dance to the spinning DJ and enjoy passed hors d’oeuvres. When midnight arrives, welcome the new year with Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut and get a great view of the fireworks over Central Park. There isn’t a more delicious way to toast the season.
Stay tuned for our 2024 Star Awards announcement on February 7, 2024.
