Top 10 Summer Cocktails in NYC
Supreme Summer Sipping in the City
Summers can be sizzling in New York City. How to not only survive the heat but have a grand time doing it? A tasty concoction would help cool things down while spicing up the scene. Below in no particular order are the well-tested and highly trusted recommendations of Jacob Cerda, chef concierge at Archer Hotel — NYC’s top 10 summer cocktails.
What: The Prosecco and Ice Pop Cocktail
Where: Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar at Conrad New York Downtown
Deets: Rotating flavors of fruity People’s Pop ice pops are served in chilled prosecco or rosé from the tap at the rooftop bar. They’re also served with views of the Statue of Liberty, Hudson River and New York Harbor.
Jacob says: “A refreshing apple pop that wowed me — MUST, MUST, MUST TRY!”
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What: The Spicy Margarita
Where: Maya
Deets: The Upper East Side is home to Maya, with modern Mexican cuisine, tableside guac, warm, Latin hospitality and award-winning margaritas and happy hours. This happy hour special includes jalapeño-infused tequila, lime, lemon, agave and a chili rim.
Jacob says: “Happy hour is every night until 11 PM! They rim the glass with chili powder — just the right amount of fire, leaving your mouth watering for another sip!”
What: The Resurrection
Where: Ophelia
Deets: Grey Goose vodka, Campari, lime, passion fruit and hibiscus make the Resurrection rise to the top of Jacob’s preference list at Ophelia. Sit back and enjoy the flavor of this tempting summer cocktail while soaking in the architecture, art and vistas from the 26th floor of the Beekman Tower.
Jacob says: “The view here is the best in the city, and the drinks are all amazing — but this one is my top pick.”
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What: The Painkiller
Where: The Lost Lady (temporarily closed)
Deets: Truer marketing doesn’t exist; head over to Manhattan’s Alphabet City and try it for yourself. This potent yet piquant summer cocktail is made with seven different rums, coconut cream, fresh pineapple, orange, cane sugar and grated nutmeg.
Jacob says: “Two of these and you will be lost.”
What: The Blueberry Bramble
Where: The Penrose
Deets: What goes down easily on a sweltering summer day (or any other day, for that matter)? The Blueberry Bramble, with Greenhook gin, lemon and blueberry. Get yours at The Penrose on Manhattan’s Upper East Side and you’ll see why it’s one of the bar’s most frequently requested concoctions.
Jacob says: “The sweetness of the blueberries makes this one of my favorite summertime treats.”
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What: The Mai Tai
Where: Death & Co
Deets: When you’re ready for an authentic cocktail experience, visit Death & Co in the East Village. This one gets high marks all around. This classic shaken cocktail is made with Habitation Velier Worthy Park 2007 Jamaican rum (yum!), Créole shrubb, lime, orgeat and Angostura.
Jacob says: “One of my all-time favorites. Love a mai tai and free Wi-Fi.”
What: The Kaleidoscope Martini
Where: Spyglass Rooftop Bar and Foyer Bar at Archer Hotel
Deets: In celebration of WorldPride/Stonewall 50, Archer Hotel New York on 38th Street proudly offered not one but five iterations of the gorgeous Kaleidoscope Martini during June 2019. Much like vodka sours, these martinis are Insta-worthy, for sure. They come in five wonderful fruit flavors and the colors of the rainbow flag. And an added benefit: A portion of the proceeds benefited The Center in New York City.
Jacob says: “Each one of these beauties is a work of art — pretty, with a purpose.”
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What: The Pomegranate Mojito
Where: Bodega 88
Deets: Once a corner store, the owner of Bodega 88 changed the Upper West Side bodega into a sporty tapas bar. Marrying the exotic flavor of pomegranate with the freshness of mint, this fruity mojito blends Bacardi Silver rum, pomegranate liquor, lime, agave and mint.
Jacob says: “This guy made his bodega into a bar. Love the story and the space.”
Where: Spyglass Rooftop Bar at Archer Hotel New York
Deets: The über-popular Frozé has Champagne, rosé and vodka — frozen — which makes it an ideal adult beverage for summertime in the city. Archer’s 22nd-floor rooftop bar serves up this summer cocktail deliciously, so you can sit back and chill with one of the hottest views in town.
Jacob says: “Yes, please.”
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Where: The Loeb Boathouse
Deets: The Grey Goose Essences Watermelon Martini is as refreshing as it sounds. Savor the it-must-be-summer flavor while enjoying the view of Central Park’s historic lake from the boathouse’s outside bar.
Jacob says: “Pour me a drink in Central Park any day.”
