By: Amy Rosner By: Amy Rosner | July 28, 2022 | Food & Drink,
“I’d like a cheeseburger, large fries, and a cosmopolitan.” -Carrie Bradshaw.
Legit mood.
Our favorite Manolo Blahnik-obsessed, sex columnist is arguably the most influential tastemaker of our generation.
So if Carrie says it’s cool, it’s cool.
And while Ms. Bradshaw has been sipping on cosmos since 1998, the pink drink has managed to remain relevant for over two decades.
See Also: Where To Sip On The Best Negronis In NYC
Embrace your inner Carrie, and sip on the best cosmos New York City has to offer.
Disclaimer: It’s more fun if you bring your girl gang with you! Ok, maybe not Miranda.
37 W 26th St, Manhattan/Website
If you’re not in the mood to do the classic East Village bar hop, head on over to the Flatiron room for a night full of good music, good vibes, and of course, good cosmopolitans. This retro jazz club pays homage to old Manhattan, so it comes as no surprise that it masters this classic, undeniably New York drink. Made with vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and a splash of lime, this cocktail is the perfect drink for an old-school, “New York State of Mind” kinda night.
324 W 46th St, Manhattan/Website
If you’re down to drink but aren’t in the mood to socialize with everybody and their mother, head on over to the city’s best-kept secret: Bar Centrale. This speakeasy-style lounge is nestled in an old Midtown apartment, which is the next best thing to drinking a bottle of wine on your couch. Although known for their wine and beer, the off-the-menu raspberry cosmopolitan will be sure to satisfy all cravings. Made with raspberry liquor, this drink honors the classic cocktail with an inventive (and delicious!) twist.
145 W Broadway, Manhattan/Website
A New York City staple since 1980, The Odeon is always a good idea. While many come here for the delicious French-American fare, we’re obviously in it for the alcohol (and naturally, the late-night eats). Straying a bit from the original recipe, the Odeon’s cosmopolitan is made with lemon vodka, Cointreau, lime juice, and cranberry juice. Garnished with a lime twist and served in a chilled martini glass, this cocktail screams “I’m fabulous and I know it.”
34 8th Ave, Manhattan/Website
Loved by the cosmopolitan queen herself, Anfora serves one of the best cosmopolitans in town. The intimate West Village bar embodies “chill girl vibes,” but we all know Ms. Bradshaw is the furthest thing from chill. For all you anxiety queenies out there (who probably chase their cosmos with SSRIs) don’t panic when you don’t see your favorite drink on the menu. The Sex and the City-inspired cocktail is an off-the-menu secret reserved for those in the know.
250 Park Ave S, Manhattan/Website
Delicious Mediterranean food, a vibey (but not too sceney) atmosphere, and drinks that go down like water, what could possibly be better than that? Barbounia’s cocktail list is enticing, but a cosmopolitan is always a safe bet. You know what they say, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. And while the cosmo is a fan favorite amongst the ladies, we’ve definitely seen a handful of finance bros sipping on this pink drink. Honestly, mad respect.
62 Charles St, Manhattan/Website
Coined as having some of the most authentic Spanish food in all of New York City, Sevilla is a great dinner spot for locals and visitors alike. And what better way to honor Spanish culture than with drinking?! While famous for their Sangria pitchers, we can’t come here without ordering a cosmopolitan (or three). Vodka and Paella may be an unlikely match, but what can we say? Opposites definitely do attract.
211 Waverly Pl, Manhattan/Website
Another one of SJP’s go-to’s, this buzzy Italian eatery has mastered the art of the cosmo to sheer perfection. The rustic neighborhood hotspot is always packed, so make sure to make a reservation in advance. Or if you’re “Little Miss Last Minute,” stumble in here at an off-time (AKA not 7:00 PM on a Friday night). Like everything else on the menu, the cosmopolitan is simple, yet executed to the highest degree. We’ll have another round, please
123 W 52nd St, Manhattan/Website
You probably associate this upscale seafood restaurant with J.P. Morgan and Morgan Stanley, but we know them for their dangerously addictive cosmopolitans. Did we expect to wake up with a massive hangover on a Wednesday morning? Probably not. Are we mad that we had three cosmos with a side of lobster last night? Most definitely not. Sweet with a touch of bitterness, we have a lot more in common than the cosmopolitan than we thought.
Photography by: Arina Habich