With the feeling of fall starting to coat the air, the obligatory seasonal change is upon New York City once again.
From fashion to food, the city makes a full transition into the autumnal before you even know it’s fall’s first day.
Cocktails are no exception!
Here are some places where you can find the seasonal spirits you should be excited for along with the changing leaves.
1. Distilled (211 West Broadway)
The West Village is home to the epitome of what you’d expect from an autumnal beverage.
Distilled, a New American Public House, brings back the antiquated feel of the social neighborhood hubs of Old New York.
Their Spiced Pumpkin Cider throws together crisp apple cider with pumpkin spices and puree, not to mention a hit of Brugal 1888 rum and a creamy whipped cream topping strewn with grated nutmeg.
It’s even served in an “I Love NY” mug to further evoke seasonal fireside sipping.
2. Libation (137 Ludlow Street)
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This triple-decker hotspot on the Lower East Side doesn’t just boast a chic, upscale ambiance; it has a pretty impressive cocktail repertoire too.
The Big Apple Cobbler combines smooth Maker’s Mark and apple cider with splashes of apple schnapps and ginger ale, making for a sweeter seasonal treat.
Their Ultimate Libation reflects the hues of autumn with Grenadine, passion fruit nectar and, for style, 23-karat gold flakes.
3. RedFarm (2170 Broadway)
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Aside from creative and delicious Chinese dishes in a trendy setting, RedFarm uses the exotic sotol plata, a spirit hailing from Mexico with an aromatic and earthy flavor, with a light pomegranate liqueur to create their La Rosa Ola.
Mixed with a dash of Greek yogurt and Thai chilies, it’s the perfect balanced drink to nuzzle you like a fall sweater.
4. Bodega Negra (355 West 16th Street)
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Tucked inside the Downtown Dream hotel is Bodega Negra, a gothic, neon-lit restaurant and lounge.
The dim lighting sets a great backdrop for a cozy autumn night, especially when paired with their new take on a classic cocktail.
The Plantain Old Fashioned is less sharp version of the timeless favorite. Mole bitters are added to help smooth out the brandy-based libation and add a new complexity of flavors such as cinnamon and cocoa. It’s anything but “old.”
,5. Measure (400 Fifth Avenue)
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Autumn heralds the start of whiskey season and all the ways that it can be crafted into a killer cocktail.
Midtown Manhattan’s Measure knows how to do just that.
The Boom Town Smash capitalizes on end-of-summer fruits, such as peaches, and spices along with the more intense-flavored Stranahan’s Colorado whiskey.
A spike of tarragon finishes off the cocktail to give it a balanced, licorice-like tang. The result? A craft a cocktail that embodies a fond goodbye to summer.
6. Employees Only (510 Hudson Street)
Although the back garden closes when the leaves begin to turn, this signifies the start of their fall menus, which are nothing to frown about.
Among the favorite ingredients used by the mixologists here are ginger and cranberries, which thrive in the fall.
Muddling them with a wet gin and apple liqueur make for their surprisingly smooth Ginger Smash. The Mata Hari takes the flavors of chai-infused vermouth, brandy and a dash of lemon juice for a perfectly balanced palette of both sweet and sour.
7. Flatiron Lounge (37 West 19th Street)
The seasonal menu of Flatiron Lounge’s craft cocktails rarely disappoints, especially in the fall.
Sweet and juicy Bartlett pears steeped in a concoction of cloves and vodka give the Spicy Pear its name. Pear nectar is added for added savor.
The bright Scarlett Bloom brings tangy South African youngberry juice and toasty tea-infused gin with a splash of champagne for a unique and fizzy libation. Both bring a unique yet familiar taste of autumn.
8. Delicatessen (54 Prince Street)
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Down on the corner of Lafayette and Prince Streets sits Delicatessen, a swanky all-day eatery in NoLIta.
Their signature autumnal drink, Prince Street Cider, takes all the classic flavors of fall and melds them into one creative concoction.
Spiced rum and ginger liqueur are layered on top of an apple cider base and them topped with a sprinkling of cinnamon.
If there were ever a more perfect drink to represent autumn in a glass, please let us know.
Check out 9 Amazingly Delicious Wine Bars in Manhattan.
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