I joined the MILE HIGH (in the sky) CLUB...at Bar 54
*This post was written by Jean Hsu and edited/formatted by The Lunch Belle. Unless otherwise noted, all photos were captured by Jean Hsu.*
The weather in New York has finally turned and the seasonal imbiber within each of us (toasting to the glory of global warming, no doubt) is putting our pitchers of sangria aside, eager to make way for soul-warming cocktails.
Enter scene: Bar 54, the tallest rooftop lounge in NYC (at the Hyatt Times Square). Boasting floor-to-ceiling glass windows that give way to focus on the back-lit, fully-stocked bar, you can only imagine the Instagram-worthy potential of the incredible 360-degree views (Did I mention outdoor terraces to enjoy, weather permitting?!). Also to note, Bar 54 recently teamed up with master cocktelier, Julie Reiner (YES, of Flatiron Lounge and author of The Craft Cocktail Party), to create a brand new fall/winter line of of seasonally-inspired bevvies.
The drinks are STRONG (Did I not use the term "soul-warming"?) and unique.
My favorite of the trio that we sampled was the "Doctor's Note," a visually triumphant cocktail. Fruit-forward, courtesy of the notes of citrus and apple, this elixir pays homage to the wintry flavors of cider and spices while still being light and bright.
Doctor's Note: Applejack, lemon juice, ginger syrup, cinnabark syrup, bitters, and cider over crushed ice served with an apple slice and powdered cinnamon
"The Brighton Beets" is the perfect aperitif for all of your SoulCycle/juice cleanse/vegan/LA wannabe cronies. Made with beet-infused vodka, this stiff cocktail is a force to be reckoned with! But hey, at least its chock-full of antioxidants, right?
Brighton Beets: Beet-infused vodka, Tanqurey gin, lemon juice, Cointreau, Fonsecca ruby port, simple syrup, and muddled mint over crushed ice
Everyone needs a little bubbly in their life! The "Colletti Royale" features a lethal blend of tequila, St. Germain (elderflower liqueur), blood orange, and rose champagne; a winning combo of citrus and, what tasted like, ONE MILLION PROOF ALCOHOL.
Colletti Royale: Partida Reposada tequila, Cointreau, St. Germain, blood orange juice, lime juice, orange bitters, and rose champagne garnished with a blood orange wheel
And if that didn't leave you twisted enough, why not take it up a notch...or three? WARNING: order your Uber ride - with destination input - BEFORE downing this drink)! Enter the "Rhapsody in Rye," a sophisticated, dignified blend of rye, vermouth, amaro, and a few other liqueurs for good measure. Whew!
Rhapsody in Rye: Bulleit rye, Dolin Dry vermouth, Ramazotti amaro, benedictine, and angostura and orange bitters garnished with an orange twist
Do not miss out on your chance to imbibe these gorgeous concoctions courtesy of the talented Ms. Reiner! Set your next Tinder date, girls' night, or work outing at Bar 54 and prepare your shoulders for getting brushed off when everyone be like, "ERMAGERD, THIS VIEW IS LIFEEEEE!!!!!!!!"
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Until we eat again,
Jean Hsu for The Lunch Belle