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Updating the Cocktail Heatmap: Where to Drink Now

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1232008_10_hasmaps%20%281%29.jpgWith the help of the Eater 38 and the Eater Heatmap, it's a breeze to find out where to eat right now, whether it's a hot newcomer or an old neighborhood standby. Now it's just as easy to find out where to get a good, stiff drink in this town.

Welcome back to Eater's Cocktail Heatmap, a guide to the hot bars of the moment. Rather than feature the perennial favorites—we will assume the readership already knows how to get their PDT and Little Branch on—this guide focuses on operations that have opened in the last year or two or recently underwent a revamp. Happy drinking, and as always, feel free to write in with new suggestions.

Added 1/16/12: Le Bernardin, One Stop Beer Shop, The Wren, Prima, The Wayland
Added 2/9/12: The Shanty, Booker & Dax, Super Linda
Added 3/7/12: Amor & Amargo, JBird Cocktails, Oak & Iron
Added 8/4/12: The Nomad, Nougatine, Mother's Ruin, Demi Monde
Added 11/12/12: Pouring Ribbons, Experimental Cocktail Club, Gin Palace

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Pouring Ribbons

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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.

Experimental Cocktail Club

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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.

Gin Palace

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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.

Mother's Ruin

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Mother's Ruin isn't exactly brand new, but over the past year it's solidified itsplace in the top tier of the cocktail bar. The bar does high volume, but does sobenevolently. The menu changes frequently, bespoke requests are encouraged, andthe operation—which is the brainbaby of T.J. Lynch and Richard Knapp, formerlyof the Breslin and Má Pêche respectively—is kept down to earth with frozen drinksand cocktails by the pitcher.

The Library at The NoMad

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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

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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.

The Wayland

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The Wayland opened about nine months ago, immediately creating enough buzzto threaten The Summit Bar's claim on Avenue C. The scene is Americana and thecocktails are savory and eclectic, employing everything from kale juice in the GardenVariety Margarita to Szechuan peppers in the Track Town Fizz.

Booker and Dax at Ssäm

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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 Cocktails

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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 y Amargo

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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.

Pulquería

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Pulqueria is the Mexican spinoff from the owners of Apotheke. In addition to food they're serving beer, Micheladas, and Mexican inspired cocktails like pulques, Jarrito Locos (tequila, grapefruit soda, pineapple, with a chile rim), and other tequila and mezcal-based drinks.

Monkey Bar

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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.

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Pouring Ribbons

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.

Experimental Cocktail Club

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.

Gin Palace

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.

Mother's Ruin

Mother's Ruin isn't exactly brand new, but over the past year it's solidified itsplace in the top tier of the cocktail bar. The bar does high volume, but does sobenevolently. The menu changes frequently, bespoke requests are encouraged, andthe operation—which is the brainbaby of T.J. Lynch and Richard Knapp, formerlyof the Breslin and Má Pêche respectively—is kept down to earth with frozen drinksand cocktails by the pitcher.

The Library at The NoMad

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

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.

The Wayland

The Wayland opened about nine months ago, immediately creating enough buzzto threaten The Summit Bar's claim on Avenue C. The scene is Americana and thecocktails are savory and eclectic, employing everything from kale juice in the GardenVariety Margarita to Szechuan peppers in the Track Town Fizz.

Booker and Dax at Ssäm

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 Cocktails

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 y Amargo

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.

Pulquería

Pulqueria is the Mexican spinoff from the owners of Apotheke. In addition to food they're serving beer, Micheladas, and Mexican inspired cocktails like pulques, Jarrito Locos (tequila, grapefruit soda, pineapple, with a chile rim), and other tequila and mezcal-based drinks.

Monkey Bar

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.

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