An Expert Guide to Seasonal Cocktails
There may be no better way to celebrate the holidays than with a glass of mulled wine, a mug filled with peppermint hot chocolate or a cocktail that captures the unmistakable flavors and fragrances of the season. Whether you’re adding allspice or making your beverage winter-proof with lemon and ginger, there are more than a few ways to update your cocktail of choice and give it a festive spin.
To help you pick the perfect drink for you winter trip to New York City, we elbowed up to a few of our favorite bars at The Knickerbocker, including Charlie Palmer at The Knick and the rooftop bar, St. Cloud, to see what you should look for in a perfect, seasonal cocktail.
American Beauty
Nothing says “Christmas dinner” (or Thanksgiving, for that matter) quite like a pecan pie. That’s why this Bulleit rye cocktail from Charlie Palmer at The Knick is crafted with orange and Angostura bitters, and sweetened with a maple pecan syrup.
St. Cloud
There’s no bad time of year to order this namesake cocktail, but the creamy, frothy egg white, flash of lemon and allspice liqueur give this tequila-and-Singani 63 drink a great choice for a December drink.
Lost in Translation
Fight off the winter chill with this almost medicinal cocktail from Charlie Palmer at The Knick that blends Japanese single malt whisky with honey ginger syrup and fresh lemon juice.
Rhythm of Life
The only time of year you’ll want to slow down and sip a hot cocktail in New York City is right now. At St. Cloud, this drink blends Cognac, pear brandy and Amaro with cinnamon syrup. Take our word for it: There’s nothing this drink can’t cure.
Flashing Lights
Also served hot, this Teeling whiskey cocktail is finished with red wine, cocoa powder, and almond milk. Just think of it as a very grown-up hot chocolate.
Pinot Noir
Looking for a subtler take on a holiday beverage? You can’t go wrong with a glass of pinot noir. We love the Hess Select Pinot Noir from 2016. The winemaker describes this California wine as bright and enchanting, and you’ll find notes of vanilla, clove, cherries and ripe plums. Pair it with our charcuterie board with upstate cheeses and Marcona almonds at Charlie Palmer at The Knick.
Champagne
For a true celebratory sip, whether you’re toasting on Christmas dinner or ringing in the new year, stick with a tried-and-true classic: yellow label Veuve Clicquot. Depending on who you ask (and your meal) you might discover wintry notes of poached pear, fresh ginger, vanilla and cherry.
Looking for more ways to channel the festivities with your drink order? Look out for cocktails made with Applejack (an apple-flavored brandy); woodsy, evergreen herbs such as rosemary and thyme; and a float of festive sparkling wine, Prosecco or Champagne.
DISCOVER MORE OF NEW YORK CITY
After your run, there’s so much more to explore in New York City. Check out our NYC Travel Guide for recommendations on where to eat and what to do here in New York.
