NYC's Best Tequila Cocktails
Whether you're in the mood for a margarita, a caffeinated cocktail, or a traditional drink with a twist, here are eight bars and restaurants that will be celebrating all-things-tequila. By Carly Petrone.
If you like a little coffee with your tequila, then make your way to Sweetwater Social. Mixologist Tim Cooper has created quite the caffeinated cocktail – introducing the "Bustelo." Served in a ceramic Greek "to-go" cup, this fun drink is made up of Tequila Cabeza, coffee and cacao-infused Carpano Antica, Lustau Pedro Ximinez and a few drops of Mole bitters. You can even get a quick jolt from the coffee bean garnish on top.
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Pamela Wiznitzer has come up with a cocktail that will transport you to the tropics. "Hola From The Other Side" is a mix of Milagro Tequila, Crème de Cassis, Sandeman's, lime and coconut. Grab a seat at this unique hotel bar and restaurant, located inside the Hotel Le Soleil, and enjoy one of their signature dishes to accompany your cocktail. Favorites include the Burrata & Knots (homemade burrata and garlic knots served with tomato jam and roasted garlic), Tuna Poke (avocado, macadamia, crackers), as well as the TM Burger (bacon, jalapeno jack, fried pickled onions, and special sauce).
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Stop into Dream Baby in the East Village and enjoy the "Tequila Buck." This delicious cocktail, created by bartender Jane Elkins, is a refreshing and lightly-carbonated cocktail that's perfect for summer. Sip on a combination of Milagro Tequila, fresh lime juice, Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur, club soda, and a lime wedge garnish. Bottoms up!
Go off the menu at Seamstress and ask for one of their custom libations. The "Watermelon Crush" is a fun and fruity option, made with Tres Agaves Blanco, actual pieces of watermelon, Hibiscus Syrup, lime juice and coconut water. If you're more of a beer person, you'll love the "Twisted Bocktail" – Tres Agaves Reposado, lemon, Cointreau, simple syrup, and a splash of Hefeweisen. Finally, make everyone else jealous with the Green with Envy cocktail – CRUZ Reposado Tequila, lime, honey water, pieces of green pepper, and a dash of cayenne. It's smooth with a touch of heat to tantalize your senses in this July heat.
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If you really want to go big this National Tequila Day, then grab a seat at Anejo. This tequileria has a variety of tequilas and tequila cocktails to choose from, including the spicy "Mexican Firing Squad." This fiery drink is made with Tapatio Reposado, grenadine, fresh lime, and spiced salt. If you're in the mood for something more tart, definitely sip on the "Lemonita" – Suerte Blanco, Combier Orange, lemon and citrus salt. Don't forget to try something from their long and refreshing menu. The Michelada Roja (Negra Modelo or Pacifico with house hot sauce, lemon and spicy salt) or the Pimm's Copita (Pierde Almas Mezcal gin, Pimm's Cup, lime, ginger, and Jarritos Tamarindo) are two traditional options with a twist. Plus, you may be able to say hello to owner and Top Chef favorite Angelo Sosa while you're there.
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Start your day out with a National Tequila Day brunch over at Toloache Thompson. Chef Julian Median will be serving up a tequila-infused menu and customers can also enjoy a two-hour open bar. Nosh on Guacamole Borracho (Milagro Blanco Tequila, avocado, onions, habanero cilantro, and jicama) while sipping on delicious cocktails like La Oveja Negra (Milagro Single Barrel, blackberries, mint syrup, Cointreau, lime juice) or the Paloma Santa (Don Diego Santa Tequila, tomatillo, lime juice, Himalayan salt, Mexican grapefruit soda). DJ JC Morales will provide the music while the folks from Don Diego Santa Tequila and Milagro Tequila will be there to offer party favors and tequila tastings. Brunch is $55 and seatings will be from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m and 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 24th.
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Enjoy simple, yet intriguing tequila-based cocktails at Green Fig. Head bartender Adrian Grossman has come up with two drinks that are definitely worth trying this National Tequila Day. The first is a tonque-in-cheek reference to Donald Trump's call to build a wall along the country's border called The Wall. This tequila-based rocks drinks is similar to a margarita but with addition of a jalapeno-cilantro puree and Mexican Tajin seasoning (a blend of chilies, lime, and salt). If you don't want to go the political route try the Shore Thing. This drink goes down easy thanks to its base of tequila and pineapple juice. But don't be fooled, this cocktail is enhanced with fresh sage, honey syrup, and lemon juice. Pair these delicious libations with a nice Mediterranean meal and call it a day.
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Cool off with a refreshing Margarita Buzz Pop or Tanteo Mean Margarita Frozen Drink over at The Attic Rooftop. Take in the views of the city skyline as the sun sets on another warm summer day. There's also plenty of bites available to help soak up all that alcohol. Favorites inclue the Korean BBQ pork belly lollypops with Sriracha ketchup and fried lotus root chips, the always-popular lobster roll with avocado and mango dill aioli, and the soft Brie flatbread with heirloom tomato, kale pesto, soft goat cheese, mozzarella cheese and balsamic glaze. Your Sunday just got more exciting.
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Carly Petrone is the founder of Petrone on the Rocks, a lifestyle site about food, drinks, beauty, travel, and more. She lives in New York City.
