Sherman's Travel

Hot summer nights inspire a desire for ice-cold libations served in romantic surroundings – and several of New York City’s top hotels are offering cocktail programs that couples can sip and savor. From aged and distilled spirits to distinctive microbrews to honey-inspired creations, these four very distinct venues are serving up an intoxicating taste of summer.

Artful Sips at The Palace: Inspired by the summer-long installation of Dorit Levinstein’s vibrant “Studying the Masters” sculpture in its courtyard, the Palace Gate outdoor lounge at The New York Palace has created “Renoir’s Dancers,” a cool libation of Bulldog Gin, St. Germain, lemon juice, white cranberry and spoonfuls of red, blue and green basil seeds (shown above at left, $20), which is designed to capture the color and energy of Levinstein’s work. If the weather is not cooperating, you can also be dazzled by the 14-karat decadence of the hotel’s Gilt Bar (formerly the Villard Mansion Music Room featuring ornate circa-1884 walls and doors). Read more