Cocktail Lounges of NYC

Kathryn Yu: The Mezcal Mule is just the right mix of fruity, sour, smoky, and spicy.

Kathryn Yu: Go before 7:30pm on Sundays through Wednesdays. Sit at the bar. Don't trust the doorman's time estimates if he puts your name down--it's very hard to predict when people will leave.

Kathryn Yu: The Oaxaca Old-Fashioned is a modern classic and rightly so. Reposado tequila, mezcal, agave nectar, and Angostura bitters.

Stephanie Moreno: Great place to go with friends. Must try drinks: The Situation, Ground to Glass, and The Guv'nor. Jane behind the bar is a doll; treat her well!

Kathryn Yu: Don't miss the bone marrow poppers or the bacon-wrapped lamb chops.

Nina Yiamsamatha: If you have trouble deciding what to order, let them decide for you. Ask for the Bartender's Choice and tell them what flavors/liquors you like.

harryh: The menu is a little wacky, but I loved the space and both the food (tuna tartare) and drinks (goldrush) I had were done very well. Recommended!

SkeeterNYC: Meet the really cool owner and ask for "The Bridge to Nowhere"...

Stephanie Moreno: Bespoke cocktails are the way to go, but ask to see their whisky list selection too. Monday from 8-10pm are Whisky nights. Sign up on their Facebook page to see upcoming events. Whisky pate rocks!

Thrillist: This subterranean spot's only marked by a small plaque & doorbell you must ring to be admitted. Inside you'll find perfectly prepared, fresh-juiced, hand-stirred or shaken classic cocktails & punches. En savoir plus .

Beau Colburn: Find the photo of Ron Swanson.

Kathryn Yu: Go to Flatiron Lounge and reserve the downstairs room for a large group.

vikram: Keep Calm and Carry On is the bartenders choice here. I asked for a bourbon drink and got a Battle of New Orleans - bourbon, absinthe, orange, and peychauds bitters. It was awesome.

Kathryn Yu: Go off menu. Tell them what you like. Don't be weird.

Kathryn Yu: Try a Stay Up Later (pisco, mezcal, añejo rum, lemon, and seltzer), a Stepping Razor Blade (rum, lemon, orgeat, and cayenne), or a Bicycle Thief (gin, Campari, grapefruit, lemon, and seltzer).

Kathryn Yu: Try the Jungle Bird. Black strap rum, fresh pineapple juice, campari, lime!

Kathryn Yu: Go to Angel's Share when it's snowing outside. Try to get a window seat. And keep your voices down.

Kathryn Yu: Order a Dark and Stormy, Milk & Honey style.

Kathryn Yu: Order a negroni with their housemade vermouth. Divine.

AskMen: Drinks are about 50% gin, ranging from a eponymous dry martini to an exotic rum punch, while the snacking gets done with crispy fried oysters, chicken tacos and barbecue short rib sliders. En savoir plus .

AskMen: A truly funky cocktail list: frozen 'lushies' like the snow groni, a menu of "tight, rich & boozy" drinks a la the crippler, shots made with orange soda and hot sauce; and so on & so forth. En savoir plus .

Time Out New York: Try the fried chickpeas, tossed with a savory mix of salt, cayenne pepper and pungent garam masala. It’s one of our #100best dishes and drinks of 2011. En savoir plus .

Kathryn Yu: Go to Pegu Club and order any drink with their housemade ginger beer.

Zack Sheppard: The "dress code" apparently restricts jeans, t-shirts, and bags. So, 90% of the times you're at Grand Central you're not getting in.

Kathryn Yu: The sausage plate is excellent and shareable. The charcuterie plate is also excellent and comes with a small jar of whipped lardo! Get some Sleep Bowmore Punch as well.

laura y: The cocktail explosion is a great conversation starter with other tables and a bit of fun, but be forewarned, the drinks it dispenses tend to be watered down.

Andrew D.: Classy, cozy and convivial quarters for well crafted cocktails. Fabulous original artwork on the walls, enhances the sophisticated atmosphere. Enjoy drinks at The Shakespeare below first, if waiting.