The city of New York has given birth to a cocktail culture like none other in the world. Its many residents and visitors can choose from custom crafted creations that are almost too beautiful to dream up. There are colonial inspired cocktails, Asian inspired cocktails, cocktail punches, cocktails with eggs, cocktails that taste like bacon – you name it, it’s been created and is available at one of the many trendy bars in New York.
But despite the amazing options each cocktail den in New York has to offer, sometimes a girl wants an evening out with a more classic cocktail date. A cocktail that is complex but still simple, minimal in its ingredients but still deep in flavor – a cocktail that reflects the city itself – the Manhattan. Because, let’s face it, sometimes classic New York is the only way to do it up right.
Here are some of the best places to find a real Manhattan in New York City:
Jo’s – This comfortable neighborhood gem advertises a “Perfect Manhattan” on their menu and they couldn’t be more spot on. Get comfortable in their laid back 40 seat bar room and trust your bartender to respect the ingredients and do them absolute justice. You won’t regret it.
Bemelman’s Bar at the Carlyle – You don’t get more classic New York than the Carlyle Hotel on the Upper East Side and when you order a Manhattan at their Bemelman’s Bar you’ll feel as fancy as the many movie stars and politicans who’ve come before you. Their cocktail menu is expensive, but worth every penny, and their Manhattan is pitch perfect. But who would expect less from New York’s finest watering hole.
King Cole Bar at the St. Regis Hotel – Much like Harry’s Bar in Paris, the King Cole Bar’s warm wood hues immediately relaxes you and begs the patrons to sip their cocktail and enjoy it like a real New Yorker. While the bar’s own signature cocktail is more Bloody Mary than Manhattan, the bartenders can be trusted with this ultimate classic. Perfect for a post work Manhattan in the middle of New York City.
Little Branch – This ultimate subterranean cocktail bar (part of Sasha Petraske’s empire) is a drinker’s safe haven. The staff here take their cocktails seriously and if you order a classic Manhattan they will respect the request in a way that will have you thanking them over and over again. You’d think they invented the drink themselves until you ask them to make you a Manhattan with a bit of a twist, then you’ll really know why bartenders are considered demi-gods in this town.
Guest Post By: Adrienne Mansard
Jessica Tiare Bowen lives in the juicy Big Apple with her adorable pink-nosed chihuahua, Gillman. He’s the inspiration for her first published children’s book, “Park Avenue Pound Puppy.” The book is the combined result of her two greatest passions: pooches and penning stories.
Her passions include art, urban hikes through Manhattan, drinking coffee with 3 creams and 6 sugars, making extremely detailed itineraries and traveling to far away places, singing along to Broadway shows, Netflix movie nights, discovering incredible treasures at Goodwill and thrift stores, and listening to stories from little people under 7 and big people over 70.
She started her career as New York City Teaching Fellow, teaching elementary school and theater arts at a special education school in the South Bronx for 6 years. She is now a Special Education School Improvement Specialist working in public schools throughout New York City. She is the Editor-In-Chief of the online New York City travel magazine, Used York City. The magazine focuses on finding the best of New York…as used by New Yorkers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and an ASPCA Ambassador.
