Top Picks for NYC Hot Spots to Combat the Cold This Winter
As the temperatures continue to drop and the snow begins to fall, there’s no better way to cozy up during a New York City winter than by enjoying a rum cocktail designed to keep you warm and toasty all season long.
The esteemed rum ambassadors from BACARDÍ, HAVANA CLUB, and FACUNDO Rum Collection have shared their recommendations on the best New York spots to sip on rum cocktails this winter — and we recommend you check out these hotspots fast!
BACARDI Rum Ambassador, Juan Coronado
Coronado is an industry leader, gifted mixologist and astute entrepreneur, with upwards of 18 years of experience sipping on the world’s most exquisite spirits. Mentored by the BACARDÍ “Maestro del Ron” (Master Blender) himself, Juan’s vast experience make his winter hot spot recommendations some of the most coveted in the industry.
1. Angel’s Share — 8 Stuyvesant St, East Village
“This is a beautiful bar in the East Village with windows large enough to watch the snow fall throughout the city. My recommended cocktail is the Speak Low, an award-winning cocktail created by Shingo Gokan, that blends BACARDÍ Superior with matcha and yuzu.”
2. Employee’s Only — 510 Hudson St, Greenwich Village
“This is a great, cozy spot for a refined winter cocktail. Ask them to mix up a winter Daiquiri for you, with BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho, Benedictine, honey syrup, and lime, shaken and served up.”
3. Chumley’s — 86 Bedford St, Greenwich Village
“This is an iconic bar hidden in Greenwich Village that was originally opened during Prohibition. Lucky for us, it reopened a few years ago and the food and cocktails are fantastic. You’ll find me ordering an Old Fashioned made with BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho all winter long.”
HAVANA CLUB Ambassador, Giovanny Gutierrez
Gutierrez is a self-proclaimed spirits geek and bona fide lover of rum. With six years of industry experience, Gio quenches his insatiable thirst through unforgettable spirited experiences that aim to educate and inspire anyone that’s lucky enough to cross his path. While he calls Miami home, you will typically find him traveling the country — hosting events and seminars, guest bartending anywhere where they’ll let him shake up a daiquiri, and representing all things Cuba.
1. PUBLIC Hotel — 215 Chrystie St, Lower Manhattan
“There’s a wonderful, seasonal Spiced Apple Daiquiri, made with HAVANA CLUB Añejo Clasicó at PUBLIC hotel this Winter. This Daiquiri is the perfect balance of sour, fruit and spice — I dare you to have just one.”
2. The Rum House — 228 W 47th St, Midtown West
“The Rum House’s Signature Sour is anything but ordinary. Made with HAVANA CLUB Añejo Clasicó, and a blend of Creme de Cacao, Orgeat, bitters, lemon, and topping of Pinot Noir Float, TRH Sour will turn you into a Rum House regular.”
3. The BlackTail — 22 Battery Place, Pier A Harbor House, 2nd floor, Battery Park
“Looking for the perfect nightcap to enjoy while cozied up with your favorite New Yorkers? The BlackTail’s Midnight Oil, made with HAVANA CLUB Añejo Clasicó, cacao, mint, lime, and a finishing touch of absinthe, is the perfect complement for those late-night get togethers in the city.”
4. Coastal Kitchen — 12 E Main St, Bay Shore, NY
“Coastal Kitchen’s version of a Cuba Libre is one that can’t be missed. Made with a house-made cola, HAVANA CLUB Añejo Clasicó, and fresh lime juice, every sip of this cocktail will have you thinking you’re sitting on the warm beaches of Miami.
5. The Polynesian — 400 W 42nd St, Midtown West
“The Polynesian’s Anything Tiki cocktail, made with HAVANA CLUB Añejo Blanco, makes its way to my ‘favorites’ list every season. Pro tip — make sure to ask for a splash of fresh OJ for a little extra Vitamin C to stay in tip-top shape this Winter.”
FACUNDO Rum Collection Ambassador, Robert Nieves
Nieves is co-founder of NY Bar Pop-Up, The Shakedown, and a lover of long walks on the beach while sipping on the world’s finest rums. Having gained much of his experience bartending at New York City hot spots like Nomo Soho, Soho House and most recently Las’ Lap, Robert is not only a cocktail connoisseur, but also arguably the @TheMostInterestingManInRum.
1. The 18th Room — 134 9th Ave, Chelsea
“This is one of my favorite new spots in the New York area. Their Milk & Cookie Breakfast, made with FACUNDO NEO rum, is my favorite cocktail on the menu. It’s a delicious take on Jerry Thomas’ original recipe for Milk Punch, inspired by winter time breakfast ingredients. It comes with a house made cookie and tastes like a spiked bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch on Christmas morning — who wouldn’t love that?”
2. Las’ Lap — 74 Orchard St, Lower East Side
“Las’ Lap is the ultimate winter hideaway here in New York City. If you’re already needing an escape from this cold weather, order their classic Daiquiri, made with FACUNDO EXIMO rum and your mind will no doubt be transported to that little island you’ve been dreaming of this winter. You can thank me later — rum don’t walk.”
3. Club Macanudo — 26 E 63rd St, Lenox Hill
“Being a cigar lover, I spend a lot of time at Club Macanudo in the colder months trying to find the perfect cigar to pair with our signature Old Fashioned, made with FACUNDO EXIMO. Right now, I’d have to say the La Gloria Cubana Series R cigar does the trick. Don’t believe me? Try for yourself!”
