Even the most city-savvy have a tough time finding the best places in New York to get a well-made cocktail. Lucky for you we've combed through the alleyways, basements and unmarked doors to find you the best cocktails in New York City.

Angel’s Share
An unassuming flight of stairs in the heart of the East Village leads directly into your standard downtown cheap sushi joint. Pass through the oak door in the back of the eatery and enter the Orient Express meets classic speakeasy – Angel’s Share. With drinks as creative and upscale as its décor, Angel’s Share serves cocktails that make you feel like a dandy from the 1950’s. At this uptown meets downtown drinkery, bartenders exhibit skills that are nothing short of artistic and scientific, combining flavors and even textures in a way that makes each drink unique and individualized. For the true Angel’s Share experience, sample the Evidence, a drink comprised of Earl-Grey infused vodka, fresh lemon juice, and ginger ale.

Angel’s Share
8 Stuyvesant St.
2nd floor at 9th St.
212-777-5415.

Rue B
Alphabet City is known for their affordable bars and nightlife nexuses, but nothing compares to the creative and well-executed concoctions at Rue B. With drinks that do not stray far outside the box but in their execution prove to be some of the best cocktails in the city, Rue B has achieved what New York Magazine calls “as left bank as you’ll get on the right bank of Manhattan.” In other words – Rue B manages to provide lavish drinks and perfectly hospitable service without the price tag of the Upper East Side and the West Village. For a twist on the classic, order the subtle but not overly sweet Pomegranate Martini. If you dare to delve into something more creative - consult Stalin, Rue B’s resident mixmaster, on his newest creations and advice on what to order. He’s so good the bar’s even named a drink after his talents – the Stalinski.

Rue B
188 Avenue B at 12th Street
212-358-1700

Sweet Revenge
While the cocktails themselves might not be the reason to visit Sweet Revenge, as they mostly serve beer and wine, the experience of eating and drinking at this bakery meets bar is as creative as it gets. The owner and founder of Sweet Revenge, Marlo Scott, quit her job working for the man to create decadent sweets each paired with a choice of wine or beer to compliment its flavors. By creating a land where cupcakes and drinks are paired to perfection, Marlo created any and every girl’s dream night out. By including beer in the mix of her pairings, she made her quaint shop man-appropriate. To get the full Sweet Revenge experience, sit at the bar and chat with Marlo about which cupcake pairing is right to titillate your tastebuds. Our personal favorite? The Dirty - a double dark chocolate cupcake paired with Marlo’s signature red Sangria.

Sweet Revenge
62 Carmine Street
212.242.2240

PDT: Please Don’t Tell
Similar to Milk & Honey, a cocktail Mecca for the super linked-in that changes its location on an almost weekly basis, PDT or Please Don’t Tell is yet another cocktail secret hideaway that lurks behind none other than an East Village hot-dogery. In the back of Crif Dogs, an East Village classic that serves up deep-fried franks, lies a vintage telephone booth. Inside the booth lies the door to PDT, where drinks are usually made to order based on the drinker’s likes and dislikes. Unlike Milk & Honey, PDT does have a seasonal menu for those who like to drink inside the box. PDT also allows its visitors to avoid the always lofty line at Crif Dogs; sit at the bar at PDT and you can order right off the Crif Dogs menu. Be sure to visit them each season for a frank and to view the menu changes. During the holiday season, the offerings tend to include items as exciting as bacon infused bourbon and maple syrup.

PDT
113 St. Marks Place
212-614-0386

Little Branch
Another variation on Milk & Honey but stationary, Little Branch is only for cocktail connoisseurs. Tell the mixologist your favorite liquor and be presented with a textbook- sized list of drinks Little Branch can create with it. At this mixmasters’ paradise, the atmosphere is a bit more relaxed but the service is top notch – word has it the staff prepares for the night by squeezing fresh citrus juice by the liter, chilling glasses, and cutting blocks of ice thick enough to not water down your delicious drinks. While their classics are as good as it gets, dig deeper in the encyclopedia of your favorite liquor and sample something a bit more risky at this trendy spot.

Little Branch
22 Seventh Avenue South at Leroy Street

Flute Bar
With two locations in Gramercy and in Midtown, Flute Bar is one of only a small number of champagne bars in Manhattan. With an overwhelming wine and champagne list and a menu of signature sparkling cocktails, Flute is a way to indulge in something European without feeling like you are paying prices converted from the Euro. For a French twist on tropical flavors, try the Mambo King based in lime and coconut. Or, try Flute’s Bellini-tini for an elevation of the classic peachy breakfast beverage. Join Flute in Gramercy each Monday from 7pm-10pm for Deluxe, their open bar event featuring DJ Jayesyn. Click here to buy tickets for Deluxe.

Flute Gramercy
40 East 20th Street
212.529.7870

Flute Midtown
205 West 54th Street
212.265.5169

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