New York’s cocktail culture never stands still. It shifts with the seasons, the trends, and sometimes, just the whim of a bartender in a Princess Diana T-shirt. This roundup isn’t about classic cocktails or timeless staples—it’s about what’s happening right now. The drinks you overhear people whispering about. The ones with just enough weirdness to make you curious, but enough balance to bring you back for a second round. Ready to sip something different? These drinks are shaking up the scene—and might just become your next favorite.

PubKey
The Drink: Spaghett

Hidden behind its dive-bar persona, PubKey offers up a sleeper hit: the Spaghett. Made with Miller High Life, vermouth, and a splash of Campari, it’s slightly bitter, super refreshing, and quietly genius. Grab one on your way to the park and thank us later.

Source: InsideHook

Congress Bar
The Drink: Caprese Negroni

The Caprese Martini may have had its moment, but this year, it's all about Congress Bar’s Caprese Negroni. Featuring Botanist gin with a strawberry-and-basil-infused Campari and Carpano, it’s a bitter, herbaceous twist that begs to be sipped slow.

Source: Instagram

The River
The Drink: Violetta

Over in Chinatown, The River is reviving some of the lesser-loved bottles on the shelf—case in point: the Violetta. Vodka, lemon juice, crème de violette, and Chambord come together for a cocktail that feels like a vintage postcard. Sweet, a little bitter, and guaranteed to get people asking, “What are you drinking?”

Source: Taylerson's Syrups

Superbueno
The Drink: Roasted Corn Sour

Still riding high from its spot on the list of North America’s best bars, Superbueno's Roasted Corn Sour blends corn whiskey, tequila, roasted corn, lemon, and guajillo. Savory, refreshing, and totally unexpected—this one tastes like summer lunch in a glass.

Source: Instagram

Saint Theo’s
The Drink: Paper Plane

One of the city’s frontrunners for “drink of the summer,” the Paper Plane at Saint Theo’s mixes bourbon, Aperol, and amaro into something warm, bright, and endlessly drinkable. It’s no surprise this version is gaining traction—easy to love and even easier to order a second.

Source: PunchDrink

Chez Zou
The Drink: Pinch Hitter

Smack in Midtown West (stay with us), Chez Zou’s Pinch Hitter is the go-to for those about to brave the LIRR to the Hamptons. It’s the perfect pre-train drink to make the trek feel just a little more luxe.

Source: Resy

Café Chelsea
The Drink: Duluc Detective

This one’s for the negroni-lovers who are over gin. The Duluc Detective swaps in bourbon, peach, suze, and beer eau de vie, making for a woody, seasonal sipper with just enough edge to keep things interesting.

Source: Todd Snyder

The Spaniard
The Drink: Plum Job

Don’t let the name fool you—The Spaniard's Plum Job is a serious cocktail. Mezcal meets plum, lime, shiso, and mint in a drink that’s sweet, sour, smoky, and strangely umami. It’s a lot—but it works.

Source: Super Gay Cocktails

Bemelmans Bar
The Drink: Madeline’s Vesper

Classic with a twist, Bemelmans at the Carlyle offers up the Vesper—elegant and crisp, with a punch that sneaks up by the third round. It’s the sort of drink you sip while eavesdropping on conversations between tuxedoed patrons and people who’ve definitely just come from a gala.

Source: Resy

Katana Kitten
The Drink: Amaro Sour

Tucked in the West Village, Katana Kitten delivers bold drinks without the pretension. The Amaro Sour is a standout—rye, honey, and amaretto topped with salted-plum shrub. It’s smooth, balanced, and a perfect introduction to what this bar does best: fun, inventive cocktails with serious flavor.

Source: Instagram

NYC’s cocktail scene never sits still—and honestly, neither should you. These drinks aren’t just what’s trending, they’re what’s tasting good. So go ahead: ditch the usual, explore something bold, and toast to whatever’s next. Chances are, there’s already a new favorite waiting on your next barstool.