A great cocktail is more than just a mix of spirits—it’s a snapshot of a time, place, and culture. In New York City, bartenders have been shaping the cocktail world for over a century, creating drinks that continue to influence menus everywhere. Some have roots in the early days of mixology, while others are modern classics that have already earned their place in history. If you want to sip your way through NYC’s history, start with these five legendary cocktails.

1. The Manhattan

The Manhattan's exact origins are shrouded in mystery, with one popular tale attributing its creation to the Manhattan Club in the late 19th century. This cocktail, a harmonious blend of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, quickly became a favorite among New Yorkers and remains a staple in bars worldwide. 

Recipe:

2 oz rye whiskey
1 oz sweet vermouth
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Maraschino cherry for garnish

Instructions: Combine the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters in a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Source: The Spruce Eats

2. The Brooklyn

The Brooklyn cocktail emerged as a lesser-known counterpart to the Manhattan. This intriguing mix incorporates dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and Amer Picon (or a similar amaro), offering a more complex flavor profile that appeals to adventurous palates. 

Recipe:

2 oz rye whiskey
1/2 oz dry vermouth
1/4 oz maraschino liqueur
1/4 oz Amer Picon or a similar amaro
Lemon twist for garnish

Instructions: In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine rye whiskey, dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and Amer Picon. Stir until chilled. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a lemon twist.

Source: Robb Report

3. The Red Hook

Named after the Brooklyn neighborhood, the Red Hook is a contemporary twist on the Manhattan. Created by bartender Enzo Errico, this cocktail blends rye whiskey with Punt e Mes (a bitter Italian vermouth) and maraschino liqueur, resulting in a drink that's both robust and slightly sweet. 

Recipe:

2 oz rye whiskey
1/2 oz Punt e Mes
1/2 oz maraschino liqueur
Maraschino cherry for garnish

Instructions: Combine rye whiskey, Punt e Mes, and maraschino liqueur in a mixing glass with ice. Stir well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Source: VinePair

4. The Carroll Gardens

History: This cocktail pays homage to the Italian heritage of Brooklyn's Carroll Gardens neighborhood. Crafted by Joaquín Simó, the Carroll Gardens is a variation of the Red Hook, incorporating Nardini Amaro to introduce herbal notes that complement the drink's richness. 

Recipe:

2 oz rye whiskey
1/2 oz Punt e Mes
1/4 oz maraschino liqueur
1/4 oz Nardini Amaro
Orange twist for garnish

Instructions: In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine rye whiskey, Punt e Mes, maraschino liqueur, and Nardini Amaro. Stir until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with an orange twist.

Source: Drink Philly

5. The Bronx

The Bronx cocktail, dating back to the early 20th century, is a delightful fusion of gin, vermouth, and orange juice. Often described as a Perfect Martini with a citrus twist, this drink offers a refreshing alternative to spirit-forward cocktails. 

Recipe:

1 1/2 oz gin
3/4 oz fresh orange juice
1/4 oz sweet vermouth
1/4 oz dry vermouth
Orange slice or twist for garnish

Instructions: Shake gin, orange juice, sweet vermouth, and dry vermouth with ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with an orange slice or twist.

Source: In the Loop Drinks

The thing about New York is that it never stops evolving, and neither do its cocktails. Some of these drinks have been around for over a century, while others are barely old enough to drink themselves. But in a city that thrives on reinvention, one thing remains constant—New York knows how to mix a damn good drink.