Dust off your finest tuxedo because the Manhattan Cocktail Classic and its exceptional opening gala have returned for another week of excessive alcohol consumption—but in a classy way. Beginning on Friday, May 9rd and continuing through May 13th, the city's cocktail enthusiasts attend workshops, tours and thinly-veiled binge drinking soirees. Many of the punchier events have sold out, but there are definitely a few gems still in the mix, especially the dazzling opening gala at the New York Public Library's main branch.
The Gala: No joking about that tuxedo: this enormous event calls for "creative and/or slightly salty black tie optional (but general fanciness is emphatically required)." The ladies get a special focus this year at the “Craft in a Glass" lounge, which celebrates Hangar 1 Vodka's lady distiller Caley Shoemaker and other cool cocktail chicks. The enormous event takes over the hallways and arches of the library, filling them with revelers, performers, art pieces and, of course, an obscene amount of booze. Organizers promise over twenty-five thousand cocktails will be mixed, poured and consumed on the night; make sure you Instagram it for posterity. Friday, May 9th, 10 p.m. (9 p.m. VIP) to 1 a.m. Regular Tickets $195; VIP Tickets $295.
Midnight Classic Cocktails & Peking Duck at RedFarm's Decoy: If you don't want to clamor for a reservation at Joe Ng and Ed Schoenfeld's new West Village haunt Decoy then this late-night meal and cocktail pairing is the perfect way to bypass the hostess. Chef Ng will prepare five courses focused on duck, including duck buns, Peking Duck and other fowl preparations. Being that this is a cocktail event, RedFarm's "master mixologist" Shawn Chen creates some drinks to accompany the meal. Saturday, May 10th, 10:30 p.m. Tickets $100.
(John Del Signore/Gothamist)
World's Largest Hand-Muddled Caipirinha: It might be tough procuring limes during these dark shortage days but that's not something you'll have to worry about at this cocktail making stunt. There's a tie-in to Brazil's World Cup hosting duties—the muddling vessel resembles a soccer ball—and there will be other Leblon cachaca-focused drinks on hand while you watch the elbow grease unfold, or muddle a few limes yourself. Sunday, May 11th, 3:30 p.m. Tickets $45.
Salvation Taco's Rooftop Tequila Party: Tacos, rooftop, tequila—need we say more? Check out April Bloomfield's bites while sipping on some tequila cocktails and learning all about the golden liquor and its cousin mezcal. Experts on the spirits will be on hand to highlight the virtues of each kind of hooch; and tacos. Tuesday, May 13th, 3 p.m. Tickets $50.
NY Indie Spirits Expo: Session 2: This casual tasting event brings artisanal spirits producers from all over together under one roof so you can sip on different types of booze made in small batches. Over 50 exhibitors will be on hand, pouring shots of over 100 different spirits from vodka to rum to cognac. Distillers and owners will also be on hand should you have questions about the provenance of your beverage, or if you just want someone to toast as you imbibe.
