Let me start by saying this: I love a good cocktail. The tropical sweetness of a Rum Punch on the beach. The crisp, briny flavor of a Dirty Martini after dark. The spiced and savory sip of a Bloody Mary at brunch. Oh and my favorite sound? The satisfying "pop" of a bottle of Prosecco right before it's poured over muddled strawberries, lemon juice and simple syrup. Yup, it's safe to say I love a good cocktail. So when the fab folks at NewarkHappening.com sent me on a mission to find the Top Ten Cocktails in the city, I took the task quite seriously.
You see crafting a good cocktail is more than just adding two parts this and one part that. The best bartenders are artisans, skilled in the craft of the mixed drink and all about the details. They know just how many shakes create the consummate chill, where to precisely place the perfect piece of garnish, when to expertly float ingredients to create lovely layers, and can balance the bitter with the sweet to create bliss in a glass. Most importantly, they get you wicked drunk.
With all of this in mind, myself and a few brave friends visited all some of the best bars, lounges and restaurants in Newark to compile a list of Newark's Top Ten Cocktails Right Now! Grab a designated driver and dig in!
Lady Blue Mirror:
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Where to Find It: Blue Mirror Restaurant Ambiance: Dark and sensual vibe
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Cathy's Cocktail:
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Where to Find It: Mr. Adams Steakhouse
Neighborhood: Downtown
Ambiance: Bright and airy sports bar by day, candlelit and crowded at night Ingredients: Grey Goose Vodka, Pomegranate, Strawberry and "Squished" Limes
Cost: $9 Why We Love It: Cathy was kind enough to make us her specialty, and it is an eye opener! In terms of both taste and brute strength, this one is seriously on another level. Not into vodka? She'll also make it for you with either Hennessy or Jameson. |
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Housemade Manhattan:
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Where to Find It: Nico Kitchen + Bar Neighborhood: Downtown Ambiance: Subdued and sophisticated Ingredients: Seagram's VO Whisky, sweet and dry vermouth, bitters Cost: $12 Why We Love It: This ultra smooth version of the classic cocktail is barrel-aged in-house for six weeks, giving the ingredients an oak-y flavor that takes the bite out. Perfect for an after work or pre-show sip and sure to impress your dinner companions.
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Passion Fruit Sangria:
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Where to Find It: Sagres Bar Restaurant
Neighborhood: Ironbound Ambiance: Intimate space, packed at night Ingredients: Brandy, Peach Schnapps, Triple Sec, Orange Juice, White Wine, Passion Fruit Juice, Fruits Cost: $8.50 a glass, Half Pitcher $13, Full Pitcher $24 Why We Love It: Craving sangria? You really can't go wrong at Sagres, with five awesome made-to-order versions available (Red, White, Blue, Passion Fruit and Caribbean). We adored the Passion Fruit, it's sweet with a serious zing! |
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Vermont Laundry:
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Where to Find It: The Monk Room Neighborhood: Downtown Ambiance: Cool and trendy, hipster chic Ingredients: Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Lemon Juice, Maple, Cayenne Pepper Cost: $10 Why We Love It: Ever tried the Master Cleanse? It's better with bourbon! Of the many cocktails on this cheeky menu that are above average, we loved the spicy kick of cayenne that followed every sip of the Vermont Laundry.
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Dia de los Muertos:
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Where to Find It: Hell's Kitchen Lounge Neighborhood: Ironbound Ambiance: Eclectic and lounge-y fun Ingredients: Cabo Wabo Reposado Tequila, Cointreau, Guava Nectar, Fresh Muddled Lime, Chili Peppers and a Salted Rim Cost: $10 Why We Love It: Not your mama's margarita, this one bites you back! Matching the ambiance of Hell's Kitchen, this devilish drink is both sweetly refreshing and seriously spicy.
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Creme Brulee Martini:
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Where to Find It: Manu's Sushi Lounge
Neighborhood: Ironbound Ambiance: Sexy date night vibe
Ingredients: Cake Flavored Vodka, Licor 43, Heavy Cream, Caramel Drizzle Cost: $12 Why We Love It: Can't decide between dessert and a nightcap? Have both with this dessert cocktail at Manu's. Super delicious and creamy, it's perfect for sharing and letting the evening intoxicate you... |
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Sweet Jimi:
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Where to Find It: Nico Kitchen + Bar Neighborhood: Downtown Ambiance: Subdued and sophisticated Ingredients: Hendricks Gin, Creme de Cassis, Tonic Cost: $11 Why We Love It: Named after Jimi Hendrix and featuring Hendricks Gin, the deep and dark flavor of this refined drink made us want to keep sipping, and the upscale atmosphere of Nico made us want to sit and stay a while. |
Mango Martini:
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Where to Find It: Martini 494
Neighborhood: Downtown Ambiance: Upscale professional lounge Ingredients: Skyy Vodka, Mango Pucker, Mango Puree, Fresh Raspberry Garnish
Cost: $9 Why We Love It: Who doesn't love mango? And this one is highly spirited! The inclusion of puree is what takes this cocktail over the top, resulting in a luscious and substantial mango flavor. Yum. |
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Tropical Martini:
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Where to Find It: 27 Mix Neighborhood: Downtown Ambiance: Relaxed metro feel Ingredients: Stoli Peachnik Vodka, Malibu Rum, Peach Schnapps, Orange, Pineapple & a Splash of Grenadine Cost: $12 Why We Love It: Is it 5 o'clock yet? Let's pretend it is and order up a Tropical Fusion! The perfect drink to order at happy hour after a long day, it's reinvigorating, fruity and smooth. Warning: you may end up gulping it like fruit punch.
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