restaurantgirl

It's summer.  Perhaps time to mix things up, maybe switch out that vodka martini for a minty mojito or opt for lillet over rose.  There's plenty of summery elixirs to be had in New York and with the onslaught of serious cocktail chefs around every corner, you're bound to stumble upon a fresh-squeezed concoction.  You just have to know where to hunt the best down, so here's a list of the latest & greatest summer cocktails around town...

Little Branch - Ease into a booth at this moody subterranean lounge with a Queens Park Swizzle - a mojito riff punched up with a bit of bitters - and let yourself be lulled by live jazz Sundays through Wednesdays.
Address: 20 Seventh Ave., at Leroy St.
Phone:212.929.4360 

A60 - Tragically reserved for the New York elite, befriend a gifted key holder or 60 Thompson Hotel guest to access this posh rooftop.  Jean-Marc of Kittichai owns the spectacular city view, so sink into a couch and revel in the outdoor victory over a citrusy Thom martini and chicken satay.
Address: 60 Thompson St., nr. Broome
Phone: 212.925.2971

Monkey Bar - Having just reopened with a new menu, the work of chef Patricia Yeo, the already buzzing front bar with monkey-clad wallpaper deals in a silky pear & cucumber cooler muddled with fresh mint. 
Phone: 60 E. 54th St., near Park Ave.
Address: 212.838.2600

Public - Scared of commitment?  Linger in one of two industrial chic lounges at this Nolita's Australasian.  If you can get past the "cosmopolitan" stigma, tempt the clear ginger cosmpolitan: a gentle blend of ginger-infused vodka, orange liqueur, cranberry & lime juice. 
Address: 210 Elizabeth St., btwn. Prince & Spring Sts.
Phone: 212.343.7011

The Little Owl - At the risk of overexposure, this charming West Villager flaunts yet another gem: Le Petit Hiboux.  In translation, this elegant elixir is the perfect mix of Pinot Blanc, apple juice and Lillet Blanc.  After all, it is the summer of Lillet.   Address: 90 Bedford St., at Grove St.
Phone: 212.741.4695

Aquavit - Marcus Samuelsson's reinvented Scandinavian midtowner not only tenders a herring sampler, but also an impressive menu of housemade aquavits.  Enjoy an Elderwhite, a blend of white cranberry-infused aquavit, elderflower liquer & white cranberry juice, in the stylish cafe.
Address: 65 E. 55th St., near Madison Ave.
Phone: 212.307.7311

P*ONG - While dubbed a Thai dessert bar, Pichet Ong dabbles in both the sweet and savory side of things.  This ultramodern West Village nook also boasts a refreshing rhubarb caipirinha.
Address: 150 W. 10th St., at Waverly
Phone: 212.929.0898

Flatiron Lounge -  Gramercy's moody cocktail lounge takes the tried-and-true classics quite seriously.  The woman behind the inspired menu - Julie Reiner - an innovator who elevates the martini to new heights with her handsome martini flight and imagines a new menu for every season.  While still fashioning their summer cocktail list, catch the last sip of spring with a lychee lemongrass fizz. 
Address: 37 W. 19th, btwn. 5th & 6th Aves.
Phone: 212. 727.7741

Stand
Bond Street's Jonathan Morr throws his hat into the burger ring with Stand.  Situated in Greenwich Village, this modernized, black & white-decked burger joint offers retro cocktails, all designed by Ray Pirkle, to chase down their hand-crafted burgers.  Get nostalgic over a chocolate egg cream or summer in the city with the DrinkStand - fresh-squeezed lemonade mixed with Hendrick's gin, basil and seltzer water.
Address: 24 E. 12th St., btwn. 5th Ave. & University Place
Phone: 212.488.5900 

Until we eat again,
Restaurant Girl
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