NYC's 5 Best Nut-Based Cocktails
We're nuts about nuts. Whether it's almond, hazelnut, walnut, we've scoured the city to find the top 5 cocktail spots getting "nutty" with their ingredients. Let us know which one of these nut-based concoctions is your favorite. By Jonathan Pogash.
B.M.O.C.
Jimmy at the James Hotel's "B.M.O.C." cocktail includes moonshine. In addition, you'll taste amaretto (the nut component), fresh lime juice, coca-cola, and beer. The interesting combination will have you talking about it the rest of the night. Enjoy the view on the outdoor terrace, if it's not too chilly.
Maple Walnut
The Maple Walnut at the 21 Club's bar is a great seasonal cocktail. It's a martini-style drink that contains vodka, black walnut bitters, and maple syrup. If you have a moment, take a walk downstairs to their prohibition-era wine cellar, a space used for private functions.
Hazelnut Cappuccino
On the ground level of the Library Hotel in midtown lies Madison & Vine (full disclosure: author consults here).
Specializing in wine-based cocktails, this bistro strays from the wine theme a bit for their winter warmers. One of them, the Hazelnut Cappuccino, combines Santa Teresa claro rum, Frangelico (hazelnut liqueur), added to a classically prepared cappuccino. Lovely on a snowy winter's eve.
White Monkey
The Beagle's White Monkey cocktail is a clever blend of Pisco, dry vermouth, orgeat (almond syrup), fresh lemon juice, milk and bitters. It's creamy and tart all at the very same time. Having been opened not even a year, you'll be hard pressed not to enjoy the vibe at this local East Village joint.
Laila Majnu
Laila Majnu, meaning "Love Story", is a specialty at Bombay Talkie. Strong, South Indian "Kofi" is mixed with Frangelico, vanilla rum, coffee foam, and cocoa puffs. Pair this one with any one of their "street bites" or "sweetmeats" and your night will be complete. Cocoa Puffs is definitely not for breakfast anymore!
Jonathan Pogash, aka The Cocktail Guru, is a beverage consultant, writer, and educator.