In case you didn’t know, August is National Rye Month. Yes, for an entire month, we celebrate the spirit that goes down smooth and leaves a daring bite on the tongue. A spirit first used in cocktail classics such as the Old Fashioned and the Manhattan, rye has been there since the beginning and is still going strong, very, very, strong. Here’s where to get some of the best rye cocktails in New York City to celebrate this time-tested spirit.

Post Office
This little hole-in-the-wall whiskey bar located right off the Marcy stop on Havemeyer St. has one of the best selections of whiskeys from all around the world, and as it is brought to you from the same team behind OTB Bar, you know the quality of spirits and cocktails made with them are on point. We recommend stopping by for their Death by the Delaware, a viscous combination of rye, sweet vermouth, yellow chartreuse, pomegranate molasses, and orange bitters. (188 Havemeyer St., Brooklyn; 718-963-2574)

Traif
Located right over the Williamsburg bridge, Traif has been the house that shelters all those looking to indulge in a little “traif” (non-kosher foods). Specializing in pork and shellfish but certainly not limited to those, Traif’s globally inspired comfort food is the talk of the town. The bar program at Traif likewise features cocktails with a very culinary approach often featuring fresh fruit, infused spirits, and house made liqueurs. For the month of rye, stop by the bar and get the Swipe Right — a play on an Old Pal, this cocktail features fresh muddled strawberries, Rye, house made vermouth, Sfumato smoked rhubarb amaro, and cardamom bitters. (229 S4th St., Brooklyn; 347-844-9578)

Maysville
This Southern eatery found in the Flatiron pairs their down south bites with a lengthy selection of whiskies from all over the globe. While they specialize in bourbon, rye can be found in abundance throughout the cocktail list. With the month of August being on the hotter side in terms of temperature we recommend cooling down with a refreshing take on a rye cocktail: The Kentucky Red Bird. This cocktail features Wild Turkey Rye, Campari, and Pineapple for a bitter yet sweet and refreshing libation sure to go down smooth. (17 W 26th St., New York, NY; 646-490-8240)

The Copper Still
Over in the East Village you’ll find The Copper Still, and as the name suggests. these folks are obsessed with not only whiskey but spirits in general. A lengthy spirit selection lays the foundation for a cocktail list full of interpretations of the classics and even a separate barrel aged cocktail section containing such tempting tipples as a barrel aged Negroni. For those in love with rye, we say go for a classic here at The Copper Still and opt for their Manhattan featuring  Templeton four year, Carpano Antica, and Combier Rouge, or the classic Sazerac with Bulleit, Peychaud’s bitters, and St. George absinthe. (151 2nd Ave.; 212-510-8469)

American Whiskey
This elegant Southern-inspired eatery and watering hole finds a home in the West Village. Offering up curious takes on cuisine hailing from the American South the name of this establishment should also indicate their lust for American whiskey as well. A smooth and refreshing recommendation for rye month is the Game Over, Man, a sultry combination of Knob Creek Rye, peach liqueur, prickly pear, pineapple, and lime. (247 W 30th St.; 212-967-1070)

Photo via Drink Philly & Walnut Street Café