Cheers to National Cocktail Day! Here’s Where to Celebrate

We’ll admit to being wary of some of the “national [insert food]” holidays (National Cheese Fondue Day? Really?) but National Cocktail Day on March 24 sure seems like something worth celebrating. There’s no better place to partake in this special day than in Lower Manhattan, where we have some of the best cocktail bars on the planet. 

That’s not an exaggeration — the 50 Best Brand says Overstory (70 Pine St.) is the 15th best bar in the world, which makes it an excellent stop on National Cocktail Day (or any day!). Perched on the 64th floor above two-Michelin-starred SAGA, this elegant Kent Hospitality Group-run spot crafts tasty cocktails so beautifully presented, it’s almost a shame to drink them. There’s something here for everyone: If you’re a fan of the classics, for instance, try the Terroir Old Fashioned, a tequila-based take on the rye/bourbon standard made with reposado tequila and palo santo. The cocktail is garnished with a honeycomb sprinkled with Fort Tilden salt that the bar team makes in-house; as you sip your drink, the honeycomb melts into alcohol, creating a subtle, delicious sweetness.

Or, if you’re feeling feisty, opt for something a little unusual. The Guava Crush, for instance, is a fruity concoction made with mezcal, strawberry, guava, lemongrass, lime and sumac, and comes in a fun glass filled with pebbled ice. Imbibe at the bar or pair your drink with incredible views of the city on the outdoor balcony, and you’re guaranteed to have a great time.

Can’t get into Overstory? Head to one of the many other excellent cocktail bars in the neighborhood, like the Bedford (55 Stone St.), where the menu is full of classics and fun standout twists. The Mole Corn Pain Killer is mole fat-washed Paranubes rum, Panama Pacific rum, Posh Altar, corn atole, orange, lemon and totomoxtle; you can also try the Atlantic Oscillations, the Bedford’s take on a whiskey sour, made with Michter’s US 1 Sour Mash Whiskey, Allspice dram, oloroso, maple, blueberries, lemon and angostura bitters.

Other spots to check out include Split Eights (40 Exchange Pl.), Cedar Local (25 Cedar St.), the Little Shop (252 Front St.) or Manhatta (28 Liberty St.)  — just to name a few! And if you’re not imbibing but would still like to celebrate, opt for a mocktail, like the impressively smooth Out of Office at the Bar Room at the Beekman (123 Nassau St.) made with Giffard Aperitif, strawberry, vanilla and lemon.

Peruse our Downtown Bar Matrix for more inspo, and tag us on IG @downtownnyc if you’re partaking in the cocktail day festivities in the neighborhood!