A brand new cocktail bar in the old Uncle Ming's (and White Noise) space on AvenueB from the guys behind Death & Co., including Joaquín Simó, Tales of the Cocktail2012 American Bartender of the Year. The list is varied, featuring everything from Tikiriffs to stirred classics, and the service is tops.

The New York outpost of this Paris original (there's also one in London) featuresdrinks from the talented Nicholas de Soto. He's big on infusions and tries tostay clear of liqueurs, in favor of creating those flavors on his own. The vibe iscomfortable and cozy on weekdays, rowdy (and very French) on weekends. TheKinkakuji (whiskey, arrack, rum, pineapple juice, clarified milk, coconutwater, Japanese spices, green tea) is a must.

Another new East Village spot with (surprise!) a focus on gin from Ravi DeRossi,who's also behind Death & Co. and The Bourgeois Pig. The scene is a punk rock takeon an English pub and the drinks, which include gin and tonics on tap (yes, they'reback after that short July hiatus), are mostly classic and all affordable.

The extensive cocktail list at The Nomad is made of a small collection of classics as well as more than 30 of their own selections, all under the direction of Leo Robitschek, who also oversees the cocktail program at Eleven Madison Park. The unusually large list is executed with consistency thanks to a literal assembly line of bartenders.

Nougatine at Jean Georges recently got a makeover and along with it camea new cocktail list, that includes drinks that beverage director Bernie Sun's beentesting out at Perry St. for months. Most are twists on classics, like the White Sazerac(which includes bitters specially made for Sun by Miracle Mile), and a Passion ChiliWhiskey Sour.

Food world mad scientist Dave Arnold of the French Culinary Institute joins the Momofuku team to transform their Bar Bar connected to Ssam Bar into Booker & Dax, a cocktail lounge slinging perfectly pre-batched Manhattans, drinks made with hot pokers, plenty of liquid nitrogen, and a pork-heavy snack menu. Given the conceit, the vibe is surprisingly laid back and unpretentious.

JBird started as a hidden away little cocktail den in Midtown and has evolved into a proper Upper East Side destination. Expect cocktail classics including fizzes, sours, and all the old favorites made with excellent ice by trained barmen (and women).

Amor & Amargo is not a newcomer but they've hit their stride, serving all manner of homemade bitters and elixers. Try going on a weeknight to avoid the crush of the crowds, as the space is rather diminuitive.

Cocktail maven Julie Reiner revamped the list here and installed some bartenders that actually know what they're doing. As has always been the case, the room is dark, romantic, and old school--a perfect place for fun rendezvous or a business drink.