New York, Shaken & Stirred: Five Iconic Cocktails to Sip in NY Fashion Week Style

Why not celebrate the end of Dry January and the start of New York Fashion Week with a toast to the city that never sleeps? Whether you’re indulging in a classic cocktail or opting for a sophisticated alcohol-free creation, these five drinks capture the essence of NYC—bold, stylish, and utterly delicious.

1. Manhattan – The Quintessential Classic

A true New York legend, the Manhattan is smooth, sophisticated, and effortlessly stylish—just like the city itself. The rich warmth of whiskey, balanced with sweet vermouth and a dash of bitters, makes this the perfect drink for a cool February evening.

Ingredients

  • 50ml rye whiskey

  • 25ml sweet vermouth

  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters

  • Maraschino cherry, for garnish

Method: Stir all ingredients with ice, strain into a chilled coupe glass, and garnish with a cherry.

2. Cosmopolitan – The Fashionista’s Favourite

Made famous by Sex and the City, the Cosmopolitan is the ultimate stylish sip. A blend of vodka, tart cranberry, and zesty lime, it’s refreshing, vibrant, and just the right amount of sweet.

Ingredients

  • 40ml vodka

  • 15ml triple sec

  • 30ml cranberry juice

  • 10ml fresh lime juice

Method: Shake with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with an orange twist.

3. New York Sour – A Dramatic Twist on a Classic

This cocktail takes the smooth richness of a whiskey sour and elevates it with a striking red wine float, creating a drink as bold as the NYC skyline. The perfect balance of citrus, sweetness, and deep red fruit notes.

Ingredients

  • 50ml bourbon

  • 25ml fresh lemon juice

  • 20ml simple syrup

  • 15ml dry red wine

Method: Shake bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice, strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice, and carefully float the red wine on top using the back of a spoon.

4. No-Groni – The Non-Alcoholic Negroni

For those keeping it alcohol-free, this zero-proof take on the Negroni delivers all the bitter, herbal complexity of the original without the booze. The perfect aperitif to sip before a night out (or in!).

Ingredients

  • 30ml non-alcoholic gin

  • 30ml Italian aperitif (alcohol-free)

  • 30ml non-alcoholic sweet vermouth

Method: Stir with ice and strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange twist.

5. Big Apple Spritz – A Refreshing Zero-Proof Treat

This light and bubbly mocktail captures the crisp, fruity essence of the Big Apple. With fresh apple, ginger, and a hint of mint, it’s a refreshing option for those staying on the wagon.

Ingredients

  • 50ml cloudy apple juice

  • 10ml fresh lemon juice

  • 10ml honey syrup (equal parts honey and warm water)

  • Ginger beer, to top

  • Mint sprig and apple slice, for garnish

Method: Shake apple juice, lemon juice, and honey syrup with ice. Strain into a tall glass filled with ice, top with ginger beer, and garnish with a mint sprig and apple slice.

However you choose to celebrate, these New York-inspired cocktails promise a sip of the city’s effortless glamour. Cheers to February in style!

Foodhood mag