In addition to National Lobster Day, June 14 is also National Bourbon Day – who knew the second week of June was so feisty? If you’re looking for an excuse to sip a sophisticated cocktail, you’re in luck. From bacon-infused bourbon elixirs to a frozen dessert cocktail, these are the six best bourbon drinks in New York City.

Bourbon Insider, Char No. 4

credit: Char No. 4

196 Smith St.
New York, NY 11201
718-643-2106
charno4.com

There is perhaps no better venue for celebrating National Bourbon Day than this Brooklyn haunt. Char No. 4 is a bourbon-inspired bar and restaurant in Carroll Gardens – and you’ll notice the “Bourbon Insider” right away as you peruse the cocktail list. Hard Cider, honey, lemon, and baking spices round out this robust drink. Don’t forget to check out their long Bourbon menu, containing such favorites as Elijah Craig 18-yr old (2 oz. – $16) and Four Roses single barrel (2 oz. – $18).

Manhattan On Draught, Saxon + Parole

The Seelbach from Saxon + Parole (credit: Saxon + Parole’s Facebook Page)

316 Bowery
at Bleecker St.
New York, NY 10012
212-254-0350
saxonandparole.com

More: The 5 Best Bars On The Bowery

At 90 proof, or 45% alcohol by volume, W.L. Weller 12 yr old bourbon is on the weaker end when it comes to high proof spirits. Naren Young and Linden Pride, of Saxon + Parole, are serving a Manhattan cocktail on draught using this lovely bourbon. Yes, you heard us, on draught. They round out the recipe with cocchi torani vermouth, and Jon’s leather bitters, and serve it off the tap. A unique feature, for sure, and when you try it, you’ll wonder why all Manhattan’s aren’t served this way. Also try their Seelbach cocktail – a mix of bourbon, champagne and bitters.

Perfect Pearl Manhattan, Bar Seven Five at Andaz Wall Street

Credit: Syndicate Media Group

75 Wall St.
New York, NY
(212) 590-1234
newyork.wallstreet.andaz.hyatt.com

More: NYC’s 5 Best Luxury Cocktail Bars

Modern and sleek, Bar Seven Five doesn’t have an actual bar, rather, moveable “pods” bring the bartender and drink station to you. Their Perfect Pearl Manhattan is a mix of Bulleit Bourbon, Dolin Sweet and Dry Vermouths, with a rinse oh Lagavulin Scotch. For those with sophisticated taste, this bar leaves nothing to be desired. But for all of its future-forward design, the cocktail menu skews old school. On any given evening, don’t be surprised if an opera singer starts belting out an aria or a dance performance breaks out–the bar’s latest promotion involves impromptu entertainment.

(credit: Vintry Wine & Whiskey)

Vintry’s Lemonade, Vintry Wine & Whiskey

57 Stone St.
New York, NY
(212) 480-9800
vintrynyc.com

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Ah, lemonade with a twist. This drink is the perfect bourbon blend for a warm spring day. Vintry’s Lemonade (Evan Williams Sour Mash Bourbon, watermelon, lemon juice, simple syrup and Urban Moonshine Organic Citrus Bitters) is found at Vintry’s Wine & Whiskey, a respite from the boisterous pubs on Stone Street. The bar offers a candlelit atmosphere and a sprawling wine and whiskey list. For those who don’t want to drink their whiskey straight up, the cocktail menu offers plenty of variations.

(credit: Thinkstock)

Del Sasser, Angel’s Share

8 Stuyvesant St.
New York, NY 10003
212-777-5415

More: The 5 Best Cocktail Bars In The East Village

What better to pair your bourbon with than bacon. At this swanky, secretive East Village cocktail spot, bartenders combine fat-washed bourbon with plum liqueur, pomegranate juice, fresh lime juice, and bitters to create the Del Sasser. A seemingly odd combination, but it works. Blending smoke, tartness, and a touch of sweetness, you’ll want to drink this one to the last drop.

Credit: Facebook/Tipsy Parson

Frozen Bourbon Berry Bramble, Tipsy Parson

165 9th Ave.
New York, NY
(212) 620-4545
tipsyparson.com

More: NYC’s 6 Best Boozy Desserts

For a refreshing dessert with a kick, try this bourbon-infused smoothie, the Frozen Bourbon Berry Bramble. Senator’s Club Blended Whiskey, blueberries and lemon juice are blended to a sorbet-like consistency and served in a chilled silver julep cup, creating the ultimate Southern cooler. Each season, Tipsy Parson changes the flavors of its bourbon slushies, such as Concord grape and peach, and the boozy sipper never seems to go out of style.