Drinks to Go Are Here to Stay — Five Must-Have Cocktails to Pick Up Downtown

One of the few upsides of the pandemic, along with open streets and outdoor dining, was the sudden legality of to-go alcohol, which blessed us all with carry-out cocktails we could imbibe on the comfort of our own stoops. It was devastating when the state took to-go alcohol away from us in June — thankfully, though, Governor Hochul is gifting us some take-home martinis for the next few years.

Here, we’ve compiled a few of our favorite Downtown spots currently offering the most delicious cocktails, whether you’re getting a drink solo or ordering for a crowd. Note that as was the case during the pandemic heyday, bars and restaurants are required to sell alcohol with a food item, so your best bet is to pick a place with solid snacks — or, hey, full-blown steak dinners — to soak up all those portable potables. 

And do keep in mind that this extension only lasts through 2025, so imbibe (responsibly!) while you’ve still got the chance. 

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The Sharkarita (Cowgirl Seahorse)

The Seaport’s home to Taco Tuesdays and Blake Deadly’s drag brunch will whip you up this sweet glass of madness any day of the week. (259 Front Street)

Arsenic & Old Lace (Split Eights) 

The coffee shop by day/cocktail lounge by night has some creative pours, including this dangerous concoction of gin, dry vermouth, crème de violette and absinthe. (40 Exchange Place)

Rum Punch (Killarney Rose)

Mark your calendars for a weekend hang at the Rose, when their $15 Sunday Funday special includes a rum punch cocktail and an order of jumbo wings. (127 Pearl Street)

Ramos Gin Fizz (Cedar Local)

The mixologists at this neighborhood favorite will waste no time in preparing this delicious mix of Tanqueray, orange blossom water, lime, lemon, egg white and cream. (25 Cedar Street)

KCBC Marble of Doom III (Mudville9)

Come for the locally-brewed fruity sud (seriously, delicious); stay for a wild selection of draught pours. (126 Chambers Street)