Hot toddies, ciders, and spiked eggnogs… oh my! If there’s one thing to look forward to when it comes to the winter in NYC, it has to be the specialty cocktails. As soon as the temperatures start dropping below 30, we know exactly where to go to get our evening fix of boozy beverages. Our top five picks for NYC’s best winter cocktails are listed below, and if you’ll be in town for the winter, you’ll definitely want to make the trek (or cab ride) to each and every one of these locations.
Best of NYC Winter Cocktails: Spiced Cider @ The Ainsworth (Chelsea)
There are a handful of things that we look forward to indulging in come every winter season, and a well-made cider is one of them. The Ainsworth serves up a traditional Spiced Cider with a special blend of comforting and titillating spices that will leave you coming back for more. Top it all off with a a cinnamon stick and fresh slice of lemon? Yes, please! Additional locations in the Flatiron and Midtown East. 122 W. 26th St., 212-741-0645, ainsworthnyc.com
Best of NYC Winter Cocktails: Sakegg-Nog @ Piora (West Village)
Want to up your eggnog game this year? Piora’s got you covered with their ultra rich (and ultra delicious) Sakegg-Nog. Made with nigori sake, soy milk, vanilla beans, and of course, egg yolk, this frothy beverage is basically Christmas in a glass. While eggnog may be America’s favorite holiday beverage, it seems that the Japanese may have just made it even better. Also, this drink can be ordered chilled or hot, so take your pick! 430 Hudson St., 212-960-3801, pioranyc.com
Best of NYC Winter Cocktails: In Good Fashion @ Spyglass Rooftop Bar (Midtown West)
Replace the typical bourbon with Flor de Cana 12-year rum in your Old Fashioned by ordering up one of Spyglass Rooftop Bar’s In Good Fashion (clever name, right?). Angostura bitters add in the perfect amount of spices and herbs for a winter cocktail, with orange bitters and a flamed orange peel finishing off the job. What could be more “holiday” than rum, spice, and orange peel? Not much, in our humble opinion. Archer Hotel, 47 W. 38th St., 212-730-0538, spyglassnyc.com
Best of NYC Winter Cocktails: Yellow Snow @ Park Avenue Winter (Flatiron)
With a name like Park Avenue Winter, you had better believe this hot spot knows how to make a memorable winter cocktail. While the De-Frosty, Yule Mule #2, and Festivus are all worth trying, it’s the Yellow Snow (yup, that’s really what it’s called) that gets up going. Mezcal, vodka, coriander and lemon make up this pun-titled drink, and it’s just as refreshing as you might think. 360 Park Ave. S., 212-951-7111, parkavenyc.com
Best of NYC Winter Cocktails: Dorian Gray @ Analogue (Greenwich Village)
Need a little more nutmeg in your life this holiday season? Order the Dorian Gray at Analogue, you’ll get it shaved and accompanied with Black Bottle Scotch, Pur Pear, Dolin Dry Vermouth, rosemary maple syrup, lemon, and angostura bitters. Who could ask for more out of a beverage? Make sure you call ahead to find out when the weekly live music performances will be taking place, because there’s nothing better than listening to live jazz while sipping on one of these babies. 18 W. 8th St., 212-432-0200, analoguenyc.com
