5 Drinks to Try Right Now in New York City

For One Last Taste of Fall...

Head to: Lalo, former El Rey chef Gerardo Gonzalez’s hip California-styled café that doesn’t shy away from unsung flavor mashups.

Drink: Milk Punch ($13, pictured above), the classic clarified milk drink, is spiked with rum and bourbon, reminding us through star anise and persimmon of the season that just passed.

For a Quick Trip to the Tropics…

[The diver down from Speedy Romeo; courtesy of Speedy Romeo]

Head to: Speedy Romeo, the unfussy pizza joint — which now counts two locations — lauded for its trusty St.Louis-style pies.

Drink: Diver Down ($12), a tropical tiki tipple inspired by Kuala Lumpur’s classic Jungle Bird cocktail, makes good use of Speedy Romeo’s wood-fired grill, incorporating roasted pineapple, smoked rum, Velvet Falernum, and Sanbitter soda.

If You Want to Learn to Like Mezcal…

[The Oaxaca Smash from Kingsley; courtesy of Kingsley]

Head to: Kingsley, chef Roxanne Spruance’s cozy East Village boîte, that plates a New American menu inclusive of a killer mesquite cake.

Drink: Oaxaca Smash ($15) makes for an ideal gateway-to-mezcal drink, positioning the smoky spirit alongside rooibos chai tea and spicy agave, brightening the mix with lime and the zip of fresh ginger.

For a Low-ABV Kind of Night …

[Variations on a theme from Le Coucou; courtesy of Le Coucou]

Head to: Le Coucou, chef Daniel Rose and restaurateur Stephen Starr’s excellent, elegant French affair turning heads in Soho.

Drink: Variations on a Theme ($18) taste like a spicy liquid take on traditional pumpkin pie, thanks to a concoction of Cognac, Pommeau, Amaro Ciociaro, orange bitters, and pumpkin preserves.

To Feel Like You’re On Top of the World

[Bar SixtyFive at the Rainbow Room; courtesy of the Rainbow Room]

Head to Bar SixtyFive at Rainbow Room, the New York institution frequented for its unparalleled city views.

Drink: Negroni ($26), a classic cocktail reimagined without its signature red liquor. Beyond locally made Brooklyn gin, Punt e Mes brings the vermouth, while Gran Classico steps in for Campari.