NYC's 6 Best Spiced Winter Cocktails
These NYC spots are serving up something something nice: Spice! We're talking winter spices like clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon - not jalapenos. Hot or cold, there's nothing like a drink that reaffirms that yes, indeed, we are in the midst of winter. - By Jonathan Pogash
Apricot Infused Barrel-Aged Rye Manhattan
At Slightly Oliver, their creative cocktail list includes one such winter spice-inspired drink. The Apricot Infused Barrel-Aged Rye Manhattan is made with apricot infused-rye whiskey, Cherry Heering, Sweet Vermouth, and a cinnamon and clove essence. If you're feeling experimental, you can also try their Slightly Bulldog, a blend of gin, pear puree, cloves, cinnamon, allspice, maraschino liqueur, maple syrup, lemon and sage.
Foreplay
Enjoy the x-rated "Foreplay" cocktail at Fatty Cue: West Village (and at their Williamsburg, Brooklyn location when it reopens in March). The aforementioned drink contains Aperol, yuzu (Japanese citrus fruit), allspice, sparkling wine and grapefruit zest. It's a cold-weather, celebratory fizzy cocktail. For a non-alcoholic option, go for their blood orange Indian cinnamon tonic.
The Beale End All
This take on a hot toddy features house-spiced Brugal Añejo Rum, Amaro Montenegro, freshly-squeezed lemon juice, Fee Brothers West Indies Orange Bitters and Fee Brothers Whiskey Barrel Bitters.
Warmer Days
At classic cocktail den Flatiron Lounge, head bartender Kenneth J. Williams is serving up a drink that's sure to warm you up on a cold evening. Warmer Days combines Calvados, fresh lemon juice, honey, allspice liqueur, and a topper of Gruet sparkling wine. The drink itself is served on some of the best ice water has to offer - Kold Draft ice. Gaze at the art deco decor of this happening lounge as you sip and recall the former days of warm.
Tortuga
The "Tortuga" at Ward III in Tribeca is sure to be enjoyed. You'll experience the flavors of Pampero anejo rum, ginger, muddled lemon, lime, orange, cinnamon, and candied ginger. You may also want to check out the "Hell Bent for Leather" cocktail - a smokey, savory, spicy cocktail.
Bourbon Insider
At Char No. 4, the bourbon-inspired bar and restaurant in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, 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). Mmmm...bourbon.
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Jonathan Pogash, aka The Cocktail Guru, is a beverage consultant, writer, and educator.
