Cocktails

Merry (early) Christmas!

The arrival of the holiday season always leaves me musing about (and occasionally regretting the overconsumption of) beautiful, unique cocktails. In the interest of full disclosure, I'll admit that I don't have the greatest stomach for liquor. But long hours spent with family, and general holiday merriment, certainly drives me to drink as much as the next gal.

Certain drinks, and the bars that serve them, are truly specific to New York. A quick tour of local favorites yields: the old-timey punch at Death & Co. in the East Village, the famously quirky Hawaiian punch at Chinatown karaoke standard Winnie's, and happy hour beers at the historic Old Town Bar. My blogger friend over at Things Just Because raves about the "French Maid" at Please Don't Tell, a kitschy-cool speakeasy on St. Marks, while my discerning French manfriend likes their heavy hand with bitters.

Winnie's (in)famous Hawaiian punch

P.D.T.'s Jim Meehan mixes a specialty cocktail

In my home borough of Brooklyn, an eclectic bar scene is still blossoming despite the current economic crisis. Local favorites include "liquid brunch" at the Clover Club and a wonderful selection of juleps at Williamsburg's gorgeous Hotel Delmano. Meanwhile, folks are also chatting up The Drink, a new collaboration between Dram owner Frank Cisneros and the dude responsible for the 3rd Ward's amazing "Drink and Draw" sessions.

Hotel Delmano

This year, homemade drinks have been the focus of some attention (call it recession penny-pinching?). The Times had this festive post on holiday cocktails, while The Interwebs tell us that this year, Americana-style bourbon drinks, rye whiskey punches and rustic herbs are contributing to a deeply retro feel. Is this prohibition era nostalgia, sparked by our financial woes? Just food for thought.