Pegu Club

(File photo credit: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)

77 W. Houston St.
New York, NY
(212) 473-7348
peguclub.com

Pegu Club calls itself “the best cocktail lounge in SoHo,” and the self-promotion is far from unwarranted. Head bartender Kenta Goto was named American Bartender of the Year at this year’s Tales of the Cocktail (a national bartending convention), owner Audrey Sanders is considered one of the masters of the modern mixology movement, and the bar has won several awards since opening in 2005. Discretely located on the second floor, this lounge offers a plush Asian-inspired atmosphere and unique libations such as the Earl Grey MarTEAni (Earl Grey-infused gin, lemon juice, egg white and simple syrup).

Credit: Facebook.com/Lani Kai

Lani Kai

525 Broome St.
New York, NY
(646) 596-8778
lanikainy.com

This Polynesian oasis makes for the perfect staycation, regardless of the season. Opened by cocktail guru Julie Reiner (Flatiron Lounge, Clover Club), the tiki drinks here such as the Mai Tai feature house-made syrups and infusions that evoke Hawaiian flavors. Monday nights feature guest bartenders and drink specials–look for PDT’s Jim Meehan mixing drinks with Banks Rum on Nov. 21.

Credit: thedutchnyc.com

The Dutch

131 Sullivan St.
New York, NY
(212) 677-6200
thedutchnyc.com

Andrew Carmellini’s trendy American restaurant has been abuzz since opening about a year ago, and the cocktail program by Naren Young has been as much of a draw as the cuisine. While you wait for a table, try the Dutch Courage (Bols Genever, Mandarine Napoleon, kumquat marmalade, grapefruit juice and citrus salt) or the Aviation Royale (Aviation Gin, maraschino liqueur, Creme Yvette liqueur, lemon juice and cremant).

Credit: firmdale.com/new-york/crosby-street-hotel/crosby-street-bar

The Crosby Bar at The Crosby Street Hotel

270 Lafayette St.
New York, NY
(212) 226-6400
firmdale.com/new-york/

If you’re okay with spending $18 a drink, choose from a wide list of  cocktails at this art-filled British boutique hotel bar. Classics include the Sidecar, Whiskey Sour and Moscow Mule, while seasonal drinks such as the Evening Smoke (mezcal, Tia Maria, espresso and cream) are as charming as the brightly colored scenery.

Credit: Jimmysoho.com

Jimmy at The James Hotel

15 Thompson St.
New York, NY
(212) 201-9118
jimmysoho.com

See Also: The 13 Best Rooftop Bars & Lounges In NYC

The rooftop pool may still be closed for the season, but that’s no reason to skip the bar scene at this new hotel bar with stunning panoramic views. Sip on cocktails such as the Legal In Vermont (Knob Creek Bourbon, maple syrup, cinnamon syrup, orange bitters and shiso leaves) or the Hudson Valley Highball (Laird’s Applejack, Zu Bison Grass Vodka, apple schnapps, cranberry juice, lime juice, agave nectar and ginger ale, garnished with an apple slice and thyme sprig).

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Selena Ricks-Good writes about drinks and produces events as The Dizzy Fizz.