What to Drink in NYC: Surprising Highballs and More

If you're in NYC this February, don’t miss Kiko's inventive highballs or Ha’s Snack Bar’s sparkling wine—it’s all so delicious!

A Winter’s Sip: Rediscovering Highballs

As the winter chill envelops New York City, I find myself drawn to the warm ambiance of Kiko, a newly opened haven in Hudson Square. The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by the comforting glow of a crackling fireplace and the scent of savory delights. Here, highballs take center stage. My favorite? The Nashi Highball—a delightful blend of Japanese whisky, sherry, ginger, and pear cider. The carbonation dances on your palate while complementing dishes like Maine lobster crispy rice with Thai chili. Kiko isn’t just about the buzz; it’s an experience that ignites your senses.

Unveiling Culinary Secrets at Ha’s Snack Bar

Next on my list is Ha’s Snack Bar, where Sadie Mae Burns and Anthony Ha have crafted a culinary gem. Nestled in the Lower East Side, this French-Vietnamese spot serves up small bites bursting with flavor. I couldn’t resist ordering the mysterious “glass of bubbles”—a sparkling Garganega that whisked me away to Italy. Coupled with a juicy bottle of Gamay from JC Garnier, this meal transformed into an enchanting evening filled with laughter and rich flavors. Don’t overlook their skate wing dish; it pairs beautifully with their thoughtfully curated wines.

The Charm of Skin-Contact Wines at Sunn’s

Venturing further into the Lower East Side led me to Sunn’s, a charming Korean wine bar where banchan reign supreme. The rotating menu features delights like Napa cabbage kimchi and spicy cucumber muchim—a feast for both eyes and taste buds. One particular skin-contact wine caught my attention: Domaine Danjou-Banessy ‘Supernova’. This aromatic gem pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of banchan, thanks to its notes of jasmine tea and apricot. Each sip is like a delightful revelation!

Cocktails with a Twist at Clemente Bar

While exploring NYC’s cocktail scene, I stumbled upon Clemente Bar—a lounge that defies expectations with its inventive drinks. Their Negroni Colada is unlike anything I’ve encountered before: a clear mix that melds coconut rum and bianco vermouth, topped off with a frozen disc of Campari melting slowly into your glass. It’s both bitter and sweet—a perfect metaphor for life itself! Every drink tells a story here.

Tapping into Craft Beer at Wild East Brewing

Craft beer lovers shouldn’t miss out on Wild East Brewing Company in Brooklyn, particularly if you’ve never experienced a Czech lager poured from a side-pull faucet. The Patience & Fortitude pilsner arrives adorned with aromatic foam that invites you to indulge. It’s a refreshing reminder that sometimes simplicity holds the most complex joys.

A Martini Worth Savoring at schmuck.

Then there’s schmuck, where renowned bartenders Juliette Larrouy and Moe Aljaff have redefined cocktail culture in NYC. Their Schmuck Martini—a sophisticated blend of Fords Dry Gin and vermouth—is garnished with DIY lemon oil for an extra zesty kick. With each sip, I felt transported through their journey from Europe to this vibrant bar.

Comforting Coffee Stouts at Covenhoven

Finally, I found refuge at Covenhoven, known for its diverse craft beer selection despite industry challenges. On my visit, I relished Fox Farm Brewery’s Ashlawn coffee stout; it tantalized my taste buds with espresso notes intertwined with hints of licorice and raspberries—truly decadent yet crushable!

FAQs: What Should You Drink This February?

• What are must-try cocktails right now?
  • Look for highballs at Kiko or innovative drinks at Clemente Bar.
• Where can I find good wine pairings?
  • Ha’s Snack Bar offers exquisite French-Vietnamese pairings worth exploring.
• Any recommendations for craft beer?
  • Wild East Brewing’s side-pull pours are essential tasting experiences!
• What about non-alcoholic options?
  • Check out Kiko’s spirit-free Hojicha Highball for something refreshing without alcohol.

Photo by Zachariah Hagy on Unsplash