Now that spring has arrived, there’s no better time than now to soak up the sunshine with a cocktail in hand. There’s no shortage of cool and hip spots in New York City, and in many ways, picking a restaurant or bar for a fun night out can get a bit overwhelming because of all the options. Today, our New York City editor, Carly, is sharing some of the best spots to sip at around the city. From tropical drinks to crafted sips, you’re going to want to refer to this cocktail guide whether you consider yourself a local or planning a trip to the bustling city in the near future.
The Happiest Hour
Because with a name like that, you know you’re in for a great time. This tiki-style bar is filled with refreshing cocktails and palm leaves. It’s one of our favorite stops for happy hour, no matter what time of year.
While We Were Young
From the minute you walk through the door, it’s easy to see why this is one of the newest must-visit spots in the city. Blush pink velvet booths, granite tables and an amazing list of curated cocktails, it’s ideal for a girls’ day brunch.
Genuine Liquorette
Hidden downstairs of this Nolita restaurant, you’ll be able to find these Instagrammable cocktails. A perfect place to bring out-of-town visitors or kick-off a fun weekend in the city, this is a favorite for crazy cocktails!
Eli’s Night Shift
If you’re staying uptown and in need of a great cocktail, head to Eli’s Night Shift. The cocktail menu is constantly changing each season, which means always the freshest ingredients are used.
Mother Of Pearl
From the minute you step inside this East Village bar, you are instantly transported to a tropical oasis. The cocktail menu is filled with vacation-style drinks, including one appropriately titled “The Shark Bite.”
Sel Rrose
Now that outdoor drinking season is finally here, Sel Rrose is one of the best spots to spend a sunny Saturday. From the craft cocktails to the amazing oyster deals, do yourself a favor and step inside those pink doors.
Santina
You’ll feel like you’ve escaped to the coast of Italy when you arrive at Santina, thanks to the colorful décor and unique menu. Right underneath The Highline, this is an ideal stop to relax after a long day of walking the city.
Sunday In Brooklyn
While we originally headed to this Williamsburg spot for the hazelnut malted pancakes for weekend brunch, it’s the cocktails that ended up making our favorites list. It’s hard to resist sipping on something this pretty!