Where to Sip on Low ABV Cocktails in New York City
Summer is the best season for drinking, but heat and hangovers is never a fun combination. That is why we have the low ABV cocktail, fashioned with an array of ingredients to make a tasty and delicious little tipple. The low ABV cocktail keeps you at the party, hydrated and feeling awesome the next day. As it is our duty to make sure you’re at the best places having the best time, we’ve rounded up where you can get the best low ABV cocktails to keep your summer going.
Fresh Kills Bar
Over on Grand Street in the heart of Williamsburg, Fresh Kills Bar specializes in cocktails, that’s all they do, and as it turns out, they’re pretty good at it. This chic lounge offers up some of the most adventurous cocktails around, pays homage to the classics, and even references specific literature as to where they got their inspiration. Fresh Kills Bar also has an entire section of the menu dedicated to low ABV cocktails, and boy, are they delicious! Try out the Lowside Special featuring amaro lucano, pineapple and lemon juice, house made orgeat, cracked pepper and soda. (161 Grand St., Brooklyn; 718-599-7888)
Blue Ribbon Federal Grill
Brought to you by restaurant extraordinaires Bruce and Eric Bromberg, the Blue Ribbon Federal Grill in the Financial District is their latest contribution to the scene. Serving up classic Americana eats, what sets the Federal Grill apart is their curious cocktail menu. Listed by strength and attitude, this cocktail menu will have a special remedy just for you. On the lower end, the the strength scale we recommend the Smoke Break - a light blend of scotch and mezcal mixed with sesame shochu and topped off with soda. (84 William St.; 212-337-0404)
Expect the unexpected is an apt phrase for this little cocktail den in the Lower East Side. With cocktails sectioned out accordingly to how you like it, there’s many to choose from based on your appetite. For low ABV cocktails that will have you screaming for more, we say try the Fantastic Voyage featured under the Aperitif section of the menu, which features Pimms, green chili vodka, pickled watermelon, tomato and lemon juice, and a little horseradish to boot. We also recommend taking a peek at their virgin cocktail list featuring goodies like the Xanadu: coconut cream, cucumber, red bell pepper, and lime. (151 Rivington St., New York, NY; 212-466-3361)
This newly opened Chinatown hotspot serves up dashing modernized Chinese cuisine and an interesting grapeless wine menu. Things got a little interesting when partner Eddy Buckingham pioneered his own low-alcohol drink menu, which featured six sumptuous fruit and herbal wine based cocktails, all of which you should be drinking this summer. (5 Doyers St.; 646-895-9301)
This quaint unassuming East Village haunt serves up exciting Asian fusion inspired bites full of flavor and sure to please. Alongside their playful food menu, their cocktail menu is likewise full of flavor and will match your appetite. In matching with its cuisine, Tuome’s cocktail menu reflects those european and asian flavors and for those in need of a lighter touch to their cocktails we recommend The Blushing Dragon featuring white wine, watermelon, and basil. (536 E 5th St.; 646-833-7811)
Brought to you by Death & Co. founder Ravi DeRossi, Ladybird over in the West Village serves up meticulous and delicate vegetarian bites and beverage that make you feel, in a word, rejuvenated. Their cocktail menu features two sections of mocktails - cool and warm, which can basically mean refreshing or soothing. This summer stop in a try The Cardinal (served up) and is a smooth combination of cherry purée, mint, lime, and soda. (127 Macdougal St.; 212-475-2246)
Photo via Flickr user Didriks
