The Refreshingly Colorful Manderley
Photo Courtesy of Katie Lara
If you’re looking to responsibly imbibe, now is the time to pick up a glass. With the sunshine (mostly) here to stay, you’ll want to cool off with one (or more?) of these five summer cocktails around New York.
Billionaire’s Row, Photo Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel New York
Billionaire’s Row
The legendary Ty Bar at the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Four Seasons Hotel New York in Midtown evokes an exclusive Art Deco ambience with a modern twist. It’s hard to choose between creative 1930s-inspired cocktails or a craft beer created by local brewery, Captain Lawrence. But the Billionaire’s Row, the signature summer cocktail, is the perfect power drink to share with colleagues after work. Served in a Lalique crystal glass, this twist on your typical Old Fashioned features Colorado clover honey, Macallan whiskey, orange bitters and is garnished with an orange peel. Choose your favorite libation from The Macallan 18 Years Old, Rare Cask, 25 Years Old and the exclusive Macallan M.
The Grasshopper
Have a toast at the newest restaurant, Oleanders, from acclaimed Brooklyn restaurateurs Joe Carroll (of Fette Sau and St. Anselm) and Francesco Panella (Antica Pesa). Located in McCarren Hotel & Pool in Williamsburg, the eatery’s concept is a modernized take on 70s and 80s dining. Its cocktail menu features updates of retro cocktails like the Pina Colada, Harvey Wallbanger and our favorite, the Grasshopper, which expertly blends Menthe Pastille, crème de cacao, half & half and Jade 1901 absinthe. Upgrade your summer experience and enjoy your drink poolside. Non-hotel guests can purchase day pool passes ($40 on weekdays, $60 on weekends) to one of New York City’s largest outdoor pools for the ultimate summer retreat. Waiter!
Hello, Goodbye
Choose from a curated list of elegant cocktails at Bar Room at The Modern, one of The Museum of Modern Art’s premier dining options. The Four-Star, Midtown restaurant’s head bartender, Sean Kelly, recently introduced the Hello Goodbye, a Tiki-inspired cocktail, perfect for the season. The concoction features spiced rum with blackberry, rhubarb, fernet-branca and coconut. If you’re looking for the perfect summertime shandy, try the varietal here comprised of Allagash Belgian-style white ale, a house-made strawberry-balsamic reduction and mint. Try to get seats that overlook the MoMA sculpture garden.
Cucumber Smash, Photo Courtesy of Katie Lara
Cucumber Smash
Sip sophisticated spirits at The Strand Hotel’s cozy Top of the Strand rooftop bar — it’s retractable, so come rain or shine — while gazing at the Empire State Building, which is so close you’ll swear you can reach out and touch it. Unwind with drinks and conversation as you take in the best light show in town from its Garment Center location. The perfectly simple Cucumber Smash is made with gin, mint, cucumbers and fresh lime. This is the ideal nip at the right spot on a steamy summer night, especially in a neighborhood otherwise lacking in much nightlife. Come early to snag highly coveted seating.
The Manderley
Gallow Green in Chelsea is a charming oasis on the rooftop of The McKittrick Hotel, venue of the long-running immersive theater sensation, Sleep No More. Just a short walk from the High Line, this whimsical and sprawling space is dotted with hanging lights, antique railroad tracks and an impressive amount of foliage. Expertly poured cocktails feature freshly picked herbs from Gallow Green’s own aeroponic garden, the largest in the city. The Manderley, served in a Collins glass over ice, is a balanced concoction of Plantation 3 Stars artisanal rum, lime juice, demerara syrup, red bell pepper, fresh cilantro and a dash of sparkling water. The best time to enjoy? During brunch or at sunset while you nibble on chef R.L. King’s famous fried chicken and listen to a live jazz band.
