By: Jordan Budney By: Jordan Budney | October 4, 2024 | Food & Drink, Feature, Guides,
Despite being classified as the drink of the summer, the Aperol spritz is here to stay for every season, and for a good reason. Evolving from the original iconic spritz, these fruity and flavorful drinks are part of the Italian ritual commonly had as an apertivo that sets the tone for the following course. We rounded up the very best spots to grab the most refreshing drink of the year, as these New York haunts have the very best spritzes to be found in NYC.
See also: Wake Up With The 16 Best Espresso Martinis In NYC
79-81 Macdougal St. / 212.982.5275 / Website
Since opening its doors in 1915, this Greenwich Village landmark has become a beacon for the neighborhood that welcomes all walks of life. The original Caffe Dante took life in an Italian community and became a local meeting place for Italian immigrants, but over the past century, it has grown into a New York hot spot for celebrities like Al Pacino, Bob Dylan and Whoopi Goldberg. Their food and drink menus are packed with endless possibilities, including their Spritz Selection featuring the Aperol Spritz 2.0 on tap made with Aperol, contratto, raspberry, Altos tequila and rosé prosecco. The fun doesn’t have to end once the check comes because Dante offers an Aperol spritz Kit, including a bottle of Aperol, prosecco, San Pellegrino sparkling water and olives and oranges to garnish.
120 W 41st St. / 212.730.8900 / Website
There is no wrong time to relax with a spritz, and this place is honoring just that. Deriving from the word “apertivo” itself, Aperibar is a chic Italianesque restaurant and cocktail bar located at the LUMA Hotel Times Square. Under Charlie Palmer’s supervision, indulge in the small and large plates offering simple but mouthwatering cuisines like insalatas, antipastas and classic cocktails. The Harvest spritz is mixed with bourbon, sweet vermouth, cider, prosecco and club soda, making it a one-of-a-kind take on a traditional drink. Be sure to check out their pre-theater fixed menu, happy hour Monday through Saturday, and special holiday meals served for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
384 3rd Ave. / 929.602.5983 / Website
Nothing beats a bottomless brunch with your best friends, but Tara Rose takes it to the next level offering bottomless jugs of Aperol or watermelon spritz with a purchase of one of their exquisite entrees. This creative cocktail bar in Murray Hill is a neighborhood hangout with American fare and late-night entertainment and even offers a private speakeasy. Their menu includes specialty items such as Greek fries topped with parsley, oregano, mint, feta and lemon zest and is easily a crowd favorite. Aside from the eats, the signature cocktail menu has an array of unique pairings and drinks, like the Sweater Weather made with tequila, mezcal, Aperol, blackberry, shrub, lime and a spicy tajin rim perfect for a little extra kick.
Multiple locations / Website
Whether it's the East Village, West Village or Midtown, Rosemary’s is the place to be when you are craving the perfect drink. Founder Carlos Suarez draws inspiration from his parents' love for cooking and wants to share simple but quality seasonal cooking with neighborly hospitality to every community. Through partnerships with local producers, the restaurant’s commitment to seeing a more sustainable future is brought to life through fresh ingredients with bold flavors. Rosemary’s spritz is made with cappelletti, frizzante, orange peel and, of course, rosemary that pairs well with any of the notable pasta dishes like the Orecchiette served with house-made sausage, broccoli rabe, Fresno chili and Parmigiano. Pro tip; save some room for the luscious lemon ricotta bombolini with nutella cream that truly is one-of-a-kind.
457 6th Ave. / 212.420.0057 / Website
A meatless Italian market may make Nonna yell, but this place is so good you’ll “Fuhgeddaboudit.” The creative geniuses behind commended restaurants Osteria57 and Alice opened a pescatarian and vegetable-focused Italian restaurant and market to focus on making better choices with an eye on sustainability, according to founder Emanuele Nigro and chef Riccardo Orfino. Besides the market, there is a 50-seat cafe serving decadent dinners and drinks, like their iconic “Seacuterie,” which has cured and dry-aged seafood tuna “bresaola” swordfish “bacon” hiramasa “prosciutto”. The drinks list is practically endless, ensuring every wine lover or snob will be sipping for hours. Plus, guests can choose to keep it simple with the Classico spritz or explore upgraded and innovative options of a true classic.
52 Grove St. / Website
Who says 8 a.m. is too early for a drink? Not at this Italian cafe; they are open from dawn to dusk. Bar Pisellino is a casual all-day venue. Rita Sodi and Jody Williams are self-taught but award-winning chefs who founded Officina in 1937, which includes several top-notch New York spots, including Bar Pisellino. Celebrating the timeless “arte del bere,” guests are invited into the light-filled space to find a brief respite or dabble in the simplicity of eating and drinking all day. The small but sufficient menu has everything a thirsty patron could want, from the beloved Aperol spritz to a pistachio martini.
33 Greenwich Ave. / 212.370.4600 / Website
If you are looking for the perfect place to begin your night out or an excuse to get a little dressed up, grab some friends and head to American Bar. This casual but elegant spot in West Village serves up timeless continental cuisine and embodies the ambiance of comfort and sophistication. The menu pays homage to the country’s culinary classics like chicken fingers and pigs in a blanket but continues to take it up a level through their hamachi crudo, tuna tartare and East and West Coast oysters. The bar menu is the star of the show, with everything from the Aperol spritz to the Hugo spritz to the Jablonski spritz. Here, the vibes and ambiance are all you need to have a good time.
Although an Aperol spritz is meant to be consumed before a meal, there is no bad time to sip on the Italian sunset in a glass. These New York spots know how to craft the perfect sweet, but not too-bubbly, drink that deserves all the praise and popularity.
Photography by: Elena Noviello/ Getty Images