NYC's 7 Best Pumpkin Cocktails
We're all about pumpkin everything this autumn. From pastries to coffee, this seasonal flavor makes everything taste cozier. For pumpkin with a kick, order one of these New York City cocktails. By Sarah Shaker.
More: The 7 B Pumpkin Picking Destinations In The Tri-State Area
Cheers to the season with a Smashed Pumpkin at Harding's in Flatiron featuring Williams bourbon, pumpkin beer, orange juice, simple syrup and orange bitters shaken and poured on top of a dash of grenadine then finished with a pumpkin spice rim and orange peel. Harding's offers one of the city's newest best fall brunch menus, so stop by on a weekend to indulge in their popular Griddle Cake or ground angus chuck and short rib blended burger.
More: NYC's 7 Best Halloween Treats
Head uptown to Washington Heights, where Rusty Mackerel offers seasonal, sustainable and organic ingredients. The daily changing menu by neighborhood native Chef James "Mac" Moran, reinvents classic dishes with a high-end twist. For a sip of fall try the All Spice Pumpkin Fizz with Makers Mark bourbon, housemade pumpkin purée, fresh lemon juice, allspice dram, egg white and a pinch of salt.
Want some dessert with your booze? Satisfy your sweet tooth this season with two large scoops of pumpkin gingersnap ice cream and one large scoop of vanilla ice cream blended with milk and maple-pecan rum, then topped with whipped cream, ground cinnamon, nutmeg and half of a gingersnap cookie. Another great drink for the season is the Smore with Jameson Irish whiskey, créme de cacao, house-made chocolate cream, chocolate bitters and vanilla bean toasted marshmallow for an indoor campfire flavor.
Take the elevator up 18 flights to cocktail heaven at The James Hotel. Jimmy rooftop bar in The James NY is serving up a festive Pumpkin Head this season with Tito's vodka, Drambuie liquor, lime juice, orange juice, pumpkin puree, shaken and strained into a tall glass then hard cider is stirred in and garnished with a thyme sprig. And an inside tip for bacon lovers, go for the Piglet with Knob Creek Bourbon, Bacon Tincture, maple syrup, lemon, BBQ Bitters and Peanut Salt.
Located on the ground floor of The Westin New York Grand Central, THE LCL: Bar & Kitchen makes for a great spot to stop in for a post-work cocktail before a commute out of the city or just uptown. Sip on The Great Pumpkin with Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Myers Rum, Pierre Ferrand Cognac, Cinnamon-Vanilla Simple Syrup, Egg White and Pumpkin Puree garnished with grated nutmeg.
Bounce is not your average sports bar. This Flatiron nightlife destination is known for their celebration both during and after the games. This autumn order their Jack-O-Lantern with Barrel-aged cinnamon infused Jack Honey with a hint vanilla, Harpoons UFO Pumpkin Ale and fresh muddled orange served in a cinnamon and brown sugar-rimmed glass.
For sweeping views of fall foliage in Central Park while you dine, visit A Voce in Columbus Circle. Wine and Beverage Director Olivier Flosse has crafted the Zucca for a taste of the season. This cocktail features Crop Pumpkin spice vodka, sage syrup, carrot juice, nutmeg and roasted pumpkin seeds for garnish.
Sarah Shaker is the founder of the blog Bright Lights, My City.
