Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, ’tis the season to sip concoctions inspired by candy canes, Christmas cheer and a New Year.
From Christmas Eve through New Years Day, enjoy these decorative cocktails across the city while meeting under the mistletoe or watching the ball drop. Shaken or stirred, the drinks are strong, celebratory and some are served special for amNewYork readers.
Candy Cane
In true Christmas fashion, Raul Abrantes has recreated the iconic, crave-worthy candy cocktail, for adults only. With cinnamon infused Ketel One Citroen, Bauchant liquor and Grenadine, it’s topped with prosecco. The garnishes — including a powdered sugar rim and mint, inspire feelings of being a kid on Christmas morning. $14. Orient Express, 212-691-8845, 325 W. 11th St.
Bubbles on Pier 15
The New Year means celebrating with champagne, but do not settle on any simple glass. A mix of aperol and elderflower liqueur, topped with piper-Heidsieck creates a combination of smoothness with effervescence. There isn’t a better way to start 2014 than with bubbles. $14. Watermark Bar, 212-742-8200, 78 South St.
Nopal Quick Fix
A slightly sweet, fresh, vegetal drink is the quick fix to a New Year’s Eve gone wrong. A glass with tequila blanco, nopal juice, tangerine skin, green chartreuse rinse, pressed lime and agave offers hope for a better 2014. $12. Ofrenda, 212-924-2305, 113 Seventh Ave. South, ofrendanyc.com
MARTINI Cannoli
Have dessert and drink it, too. With MARTINI Asti, Vodka, apple and a hint of spice from cinnamon, the dessert menu could be optional, but treating oneself to a cannoli cocktail, and ordering the real thing ($5) in tandem, is what the holidays are all about! $12. Donatella, 212 493-5150, 184 8th Ave.
Boudoir
For a new year, toast with Farreti Biscotti liqueur topped with champagne and a sugar lump imbibed with chocolate bitters. Accessorized with a twist of orange, the drink compliments everyone at the bar. $19. Beaumarchais, 212-675-2400, 409 W. 13th St.
Allspice All Nice
Tasting like an old fashioned with some spice, this drink is for those who’ve been nice. Stirred and strained Belvedere Vodka, Elizabeth Allspice Dram, Oleo Saccharum syrup and two dashes of orange bitters. Orange you glad you weren’t naughty? $15. Trattoria Il Mulino, 212-777-8448, 36 E. 20th St.
Smoked Egg Nog
As traditional as cookies for Santa, Christmas would not be complete without (spiked) eggnog. Other ingredients within the infusion include moonshine, but the wintry spices and caramel flavor of Bourbon make the mix an original one. $10. The Strand Smokehouse, 718-440-3231, 25-27 Broadway, Astoria
The Merry Maple
Crisp but creamy, heavy and dry, the cocktail created by Jason Littrell involves Jim Beam Maple, Amaro Montenegro, sherry, espresso, cream and Demerara sugar. The caffeine is great for pulling an all-nighter, or an extra jolt of energy during the jolly season. $12. Jbird, 212-288-8033, 339 E. 75th St.
The Clement Clarke Moore
Named for the author who penned “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” the drink is a pour for the past. A winter blend of spiced cider, lemon and cinnamon, finished with a splash of whiskey and a sugar rimmed glass, it’s the perfect cozy cocktail for heartwarming holidays. $8. The High Line Hotel, 212-929-3888, 180 10th Ave.
Gatlinburg
Sommelier Joe Camper’s childhood ski trips to Gatlinburg, Tenn. in the wintertime earned the town its own cocktail. Make with Dickel whisky (in ode to the southern state), vermouth, Barrel Aged Green Chartreuse, cinnamon-clove syrup and lemon, there are herbaceous and spice notes in addition to citrus ones that all come through equally. Now, time to hit the slopes? $16. db Bistro Moderne, 212-391-2400, 55 W. 44th St.
Christmas Thyme in the City
Check in to Koi at the Trump SoHo New York for a decorative daiquiri that includes Cuca Fresca, lime juice, Boiron Bergamot, egg whites and simple syrup. The library and lounge will be outfitted to match the holidays. Grab a drink whether on a stay-cation or simply sitting for dinner. $15. Koi Trump SoHo New York, 212-842-4550, 246 Spring St.
NOLET’S Noel
Refreshing and festive, the drink combines NOLET’S Silver Dry Gin, Averell Damson Gin Liqueur and Clear Creek Douglas Fir Eau de Vie. Fresh lime juice, fresh grapefruit juice and cane syrup add fruit and sugar to the mix, but the garnish with sprig of Douglas fir is what really inspires thoughts of Christmas trees. $15. PDT, 212-614-0386, 113 Saint Marks Pl.
Ultimat Frost
The concoction of Ultimat Vodka, maple syrup and steamed milk makes for a comforting cocktail. Served hot in a mug with a peppermint stick garnish, the drink defrosts during the coldest winter days. $16. The Pierre Hotel, 212-833-8000, 2 East 61st St.
Mamie Taylor
The classic cocktail, infusing citrus and ginger, combines Compass Box Great King Street Blended Scotch Whisky, Liquore Strega, lime juice, ginger syrup and Boker’s Bitters. While the New Year evokes reflecting on the past, walk way down(town) memory lane, and opt for this cocktail, which dates back to the 1900s. $14. Dead Rabbit NYC, 30 Water St.
