The Best Cocktails of Astoria
The ultimate cocktail list of 2024 is here! You’ll never have to ask yourself where to go to grab a drink ever again. Give Me Astoria has the best 24 cocktail list (in no particular order) and where to get them.
Maybe you like whiskey…perhaps you prefer tequila…or perchance vodka is your cocktail go to.
We’ve got classic cocktails, classics with a twist, exciting new cocktails, and out of this world mocktails,
so grab a straw and let’s start drinking our way through this list!
Drinkology / De Tijel
Drinkology is an upscale cocktail bar and restaurant that is a must-visit spot in Astoria. The atmosphere is incredible; once you walk through the doors, you will feel like you’ve entered a whole new world, a world that perfectly blends time and space. They offer classic cocktails of the old world and the abstract art of the modern day. One of their most popular specialty cocktails is the “De Tijel.” Made with bourbon whiskey, star anise, cloves, lemon juice, passion fruit puree, pomegranate juice, and smoked cinnamon, this cocktail will have you visiting Drinkology every night! The star anise and cloves complement the bourbon so well and give this drink a comforting aroma, while the passion fruit and pomegranate add the right amount of sweetness to balance out the bourbon. If you love bourbon, this one is for you!
Address: 4304 34th Ave. / Phone: (917) 396-4144 / www.drinkologynyc.com
Las Catrinas / Pepino Caliente
Las Catrinas brings the tranquil and earthy relaxed vibes of Tulum, Mexico to Astoria. Located a short walk away from the Broadway N/W stop, Las Catrinas is the ideal spot to hit up any day of the week. Incredible food, delectable cocktails, they have it all. And, with the weather heating up, you’re going to want to visit Las Catrinas for their mouthwatering frozen cocktails! It should come as no surprise that Las Catrinas has bomb margaritas!
They’ve won several “best of” awards for their margaritas over the years, and the Pepino Caliente might be the best one of all time. Made with cucumber and jalapeno-infused tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, and pineapple-cucumber syrup, this cocktail will rock your world. The heat from the jalapeno is balanced nicely by the refreshing cucumber, and the pineapple-cucumber syrup adds a sweet finish. At Las Catrinas, they make all their own flavors from scratch and can control the levels of spiciness upon request. All lime and orange juices are squeezed by hand, and they use organic agave. If you consider yourself a fan of margaritas, this will be the cocktail for you!
Address: 32-02 Broadway / Phone: (917) 745-0969 / Instagram: @lascatrinasnyc
Ovelia / The Grexican
A 30th Ave. staple, Ovelia is the real deal, authentic Greek chic experience. This gorgeous restaurant offers modern and traditional Greek fare in a prime Astoria location, right on the corner of 30th Avenue and 34th Street. “The Grexican” is one of their most popular signature cocktails. This drink combines Greek almond syrup with mezcal for a truly fresh and unique cocktail experience. Made with El Silencio Mezcal, almond soumada, fresh lime juice, orange peel, and rosemary, the smoky flavor from the mezcal is balanced beautifully with the sweetness of the almond syrup, and the acidity of the lime and orange mixed with the aroma of the rosemary makes this cocktail extraordinary. Be sure to stop by and hit their happy hour Tuesday through Friday from 5-8 pm and Saturday 11-4 pm.
Address: 34-01 30th Ave. / Phone: (718) 721-7217 / Website: www.ovelianyc.com
Ruta Oaxaca / Sexy Oaxaca
Ruta Oaxaca serves over 65 artisanal and ancestral mezcals, and over 110 different types of tequila brands in their colorful and chic location. When you go to Ruta Oaxaca, order their signature cocktail, the “Sexy Oaxaca,” which is made with Dos Hombres Mezcal, Cointreau, pineapple/mint, agave, and lemon. Ruta Oaxaca even makes their own blend of worm salt for the rim that, along with the sweetness of the grilled pineapple, really takes this drink to the next level! Ruta Oaxaca also offers killer happy hour deals Monday through Friday from 12-7 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 12-4 pm. Treat yourself to two-for-one margaritas!
Address: 35-03 Broadway / Phone: (929) 349-1228 / Website: www.rutaoaxacamex.com
Vista Sky Lounge / Chios Espresso Martini
If you’re looking for a view to go alongside your cocktail, look no further than Vista Sky Lounge! This rooftop bar located at the Vista LIC Hotel offers an incredible view of the Manhattan skyline and Queensboro Bridge. Perfect for celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a spot to enjoy a lovely NYC evening. Their menu has cocktails that will appeal to everyone, but our personal favorite is the “Chios Espresso Martini.” Made with fresh espresso, Skinos Masticha Liqueur, Aris GF vodka, and 3 coffee beans. Espresso Martinis are certainly a trend, and this one will not disappoint! Be sure to check out Vista Sky Lounge, and on Tuesdays come grab a complimentary blue agave tequila shot with any taco order or make an appearance on a Thursday when ladies get their first drink on the house!
Address: 27-05 39th Ave / Phone: (347) 536-3640 / Website: www.vistalic.com
Demole / Aztec Old Fashioned
Where can I find the best ceviche in NYC? Right here in Astoria! La Cevicheria by de Mole showcases some of Mexico’s best-known seafood dishes. They use herbs and spices imported from Mexico to give their recipes pure regional Mexican flavor. They are the first ceviche bar of its kind in Astoria, and their staple dish, Mole Poblano, takes five days to make! La Ceveicheria is a fun and colorful restaurant, and each dish is a work of art. Their vibrant cocktail menu features the “Aztec Old Fashioned.” This is their unique take on the classic cocktail, made with Chocolate infused El Buho mezcal espadin, pecan brown sugar syrup, angostura bitters and Chocolate bitters. This scrumptious cocktail is finished with a grape fruit flame twist. An absolute must try!
42-20 30th Ave. / (718) 777-1655 / demoleatastoria.com
Sala Astoria / White Shoes
Sala Astoria offers amazing and authentic Spanish food and culture. Be sure to check out their mouthwatering menu along with their calendar for live flamenco shows. Established in 1999 in Manhattan, Sala’s original location was on the Bowery, then 19th Street in Chelsea in 2004. Now they call Astoria home, and we are so lucky to have them here. One of their new specialty cocktails is the “White Shoes.” Made with Madre Mezcal, passion fruit, house infused Jalapeño triple sec, lime, this cocktail tastes like a vacation in a cup. Sala Astoria’s happy hour is weekdays 3-7pm weekends 11:30-4pm. Happy Mondays are 5pm to close and feature $12 cocktails. If you’re not in the mood for a cocktail stop by on a Wednesday when selected Spanish wines and sangria are half priced.
34-39 31st St. / 929-556-3037 / www.salarestaurants.com
Jaguar / Jaguar Lily
Jaguar Café Bistro Bar is a new kid on the avenue, 31st Avenue to be specific. Offering European vibes, this newcomer happens to have one of the best outdoor backyard dining options out there. The backyard is an oasis where you can sip on coffee or a cocktail and forget you’re in what often feels like the loudest/craziest city in the world. Jaguar is the kind of spot where you can hangout from morning until night. You won’t want to leave! So, while you are hanging there try the “Jaguar Lily” cocktail. Made with wine-based tequila, passion cordial, passion fruit, mint, vanilla, and triple sec, this drink goes down easily. It is such an interesting combination of flavors, this one is special, certainly a unique offering that we are lucky to have in the heart of Astoria.
37-10 31st Ave. / (347) 396-5796 / www.jaguarcafe.com
Victory Garden / Victory Mojito
If you are a mojito lover you cannot go wrong with Victory Garden’s “Victory Mojito.” This classic Mojito is made with light rum, orange liqueur, lime juice, fresh mint leaves, and lemon lime soda. The organic fresh mint really sets this mojito apart as it is grown their own garden! Be sure to stop by Victory Garden to sip on the “Victory Mojito” in their European-style outdoor garden for an authentic Mediterranean dining experience. Happy hour is every Thursday from 2pm-2am. And, if you are looking for the perfect Astoria location to host your next private event, Victory Garden has you covered! The garden is available for all types of events: Weddings, Bridal Showers, Baby Showers and much more!
21-69 Steinway St. / (917) 373-7055 / www.victorysweetshop.com/garden-cafe
The Infamous / Crush on You
The Infamous is one of the coolest speakeasies in NYC. Brimming with hip hop vibes, The Infamous can be found in the back of the sneaker store, Extra Butter. Their specialty cocktail list has a plethora of options so there is something for everyone. It’s very hard to pick just one cocktail, but we’d have to go with the “Crush on You.” Made with lemon, honey, elderflower, dry vermouth, raspberries, absinthe, and gin, it has a very distinguished taste. The first sip is very refreshing and then you get hit with the lovely herbal hints from the lemon, honey, and elderflower. Visit their website for more info about The Infamous and the amazing cocktails they have to offer.
22-01 Jackson Ave. / (347) 266-7473 / www.infamousbar.com
The Last Word / Caprisun
The Last Word has called Astoria home since the Summer of 2016. This is a quintessential cocktail bar that offers speak-easy vibes and quality ingredients. The Last Word menu features tasty bites, including their famous empanadas and fresh oysters. The best cocktail on their new spring/summer menu is the “Caprisun.” This beverage is made with vodka, apricot, mango, lemon, simple syrup, and orange bitters. The perfect drink to enjoy at the perfect spot for a night out on the town, The Last Word is open until 2am on the weekends, their happy hour features “Margarita Madness” on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8pm and plan a visit on a Sunday at 7pm to listen to some live Jazz.
31-30 Ditmars Blvd. / (718) 440 – 3378 / www.tlwcocktailbar.com
Bar Dalia / Healing Touch
Mosaic’s sister bar, Bar Dalia is a 31st Avenue gem. This intimate Latin inspired tapas bar offers cozy intimate vibes, and some of the best cocktails in Astoria. With a gorgeous interior that is perfect for a date night, and a spacious enclosed backyard that is great for larger groups. Their best cocktail has got credentials as it happens to be the Queens Cup Winning Cocktail of 2023. The “Healing Touch is made with Ten to One dark & white rum, Smith & Cross Jamaican rum, Velvet Falernum, allspice dram, lime, orgeat, rosemary sage simple, and Angostura bitters. The combination of all these quality ingredients is sure to wow even the pickiest cocktail aficionado. Quite possibly the most interesting cocktail on our list, the “Healing Touch” is a must! Happy hour at Bar Dalia is Monday through Friday till 7pm.
33-17 31st Ave. / (347) 507-1218 / www.bardalia.nyc
Waterfront Club LIC / Raspberry Rosemary Spritz
Located near Gantry Plaza State Park, The Waterfront Club is hidden behind two discreet doors, so keep your eyes peeled or you just might miss this incredible restaurant! Their menu features American Classics that are presented in an elevated way with a fresh twist. A local favorite of theirs off the cocktail menu is the “Raspberry Rosemary Spritz.” Made with vodka, prosecco, Saint Germain, rosemary syrup, and muddled raspberries, this is a perfectly refreshing spritz. They freshly muddle the raspberries per order and at Waterfront Club. The bar is staffed with mixologists and every drink is crafted right in front of you. They don’t batch anything! They think that’s the best part of creating quality craft cocktails. The “Raspberry Rosemary Spritz” is just the right amount of sweetness, while also earthy and fresh from the herbal taste of the rosemary syrup. It is everything you could ever want in a summer spritz. And the presentation is stunning. They smoke the rosemary right before serving to elevate the look!
Happy Hour is offered Tuesday through Friday 6pm-8pm, $14 specialty cocktails, $10 wines, $5 beers.
4720 Center Blvd / (718) 440-8520 / www.thewaterfrontclub.com
Panorama Room / Negroni
Spending a lovely NYC summer day exploring Roosevelt Island? Then you must go to the Panorama Room! Located on the 18th floor of the Graduate Hotel, The Panorama Room, as its name suggests, has incredible panoramic views of New York City. This is the perfect spot to take out of town visitors. Watching the sunset at the Panorama room will likely blow away even the most sinister New Yorker, it’s that good! Their bar has an impressive cocktail list, and you cannot go wrong with their Negroni that features New York’s own Brooklyn Gin, Caffo Red Bitter, and Antica Formula Vermouth. And if you decide to order some food with your Negroni, the caviar nachos are a real showstopper.
22 N Loop Rd. / (929) 447-4717 / www.graduatehotels.com/new-york/restaurant/panorama-room
Truth Restaurant / Monchii
Truth Restaurant & Lounge prides themselves on their use of fresh ingredients from local famers’ markets. Their chef has 20 years of experience cooking at the finest restaurants, your meal will be memorable here. In addition to excellent food, Truth offers some incredible cocktail options. For those of us who enjoy a light, floral, and sweet cocktail, the “Monchii” is perfection. A heavenly concoction of butterfly pea gin, lychee juice, Saint Germain, lemon juice, egg whites, and lavender-lemon syrup. This is a stunning cocktail event that tastes pretty, the lychee adds a hint of sweetness along with a little something tropical, and the egg whites give the drink a beautiful frothy and airy finish. Happy hour at Truth is from 3PM-7PM.
27-35 21st St. / (347) 527-2199 / www.truth-lounge.com
Ditty Bar / Head Hancho
A classic Astoria bar, The Ditty is a welcoming cocktail bar by day and a spirited late-night spot where you can party until they close at 4am. The Ditty has fantastic old school bar vibes and provides an amazing selection of board games to enjoy while you munch on some of their delicious food and sip on their tasty drinks. Their signature cocktail is the “Head Hancho” which is incredible. Made with silver tequila, mezcal, lime, and the kicker that really makes this one special is their homemade chili hibiscus syrup. This cocktail has just the right amount of spice from the smoky mezcal and the chili, and the floral note of hibiscus balances it out perfectly. The Ditty offers a great happy hour special Monday through Friday 4-7pm and reverse happy hour Monday’s 12-4am. Be sure to stop by on Tuesday at 8:30pm for movie nights!
35-03 Ditmars Blvd / (347) 617-1747 / www.thedittybar.com
Mosaic / Just Chai Me
Mosaic is an elevated bar, but what makes it so unique is that despite its chic aesthetic, it still feels like a welcoming neighborhood bar. Mosaic offers craft beer, wine, and an extensive list of signature cocktails. One of their best is the “Just Chai Me.” Made with Elysian Fields Lavender Gin, Breckenridge Gin, lemon, honey, vanilla chai simple syrup, and aquafaba. The “Just Chai Me” is an experience for your tastebuds. The Elysian Fields lavender gin, which is locally sourced from Better Man Distilling in Patchogue Long Island, gives it a light and floral taste, and its lovely purple hue. The vanilla chai simple syrup, along with the honey, provides a sweet aftertaste that balances the gins beautifully. And if you are a whiskey boy or gal be sure to stop by on “Whiskey Wednesday,” where you can enjoy $2 off select whiskeys! This summer they’re also offering Tiki Tuesday which features select Tiki cocktails.
24-19 24th Ave. / (718) 728-0708 / www.mosaicastoria.com
Psari Seafood / Passion Fruit Cocktail
“Psari” is Greek for “fish”, so it is fitting that Psari Seafood specializes in fresh and delicious seafood with a Greek twist. One of their most popular specialty cocktails is the “Passion Fruit Cocktail.” Made with silver tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and passion fruit juice, this fruity cocktail is addictive. The passion fruit juice makes this sweeter than your traditional margarita and goes well with the acidity from the lime juice. The best part of this drink is the Tajin rim, which adds the salty, limey, slightly spicy kick that makes this one of the best cocktails in Astoria. Be sure to come by and check it out and stop by Psari Monday through Friday from 11:00am to 4:00pm for their lunch specials!
32-10 36th Ave / (718) 786-6015 / www.psari-restaurant.com
Château Le Woof / Cappelletti Orange
If you are looking for a welcoming environment for you and your four-legged friend to sit back and enjoy a cocktail look no further than Château Le Woof. Female-founded in Queens back in 2015, this isn’t your typical dog café. Château Le Woof is a quality café that also happens to allow dogs inside. With a separate play area for the pups to scamper about off leash, the space is always full of positive vibes and friendly dog lovers. They’ve launched a new summer menu, and the “Parisian Sunrise” is one of their new specialty cocktails. Inspired by what the French drink during the day — a glass of orange juice with a shot of Campari on top — Château Le Woof swapped out the Campari with Cappelletti Aperitivo, an Italian red bitter liqueur. This is the perfect brunch cocktail! So get together with some fellow dog parents and take your pups for a stroll in Socrates Sculpture Park, cross the street where the pups can play and dog moms and dads can enjoy a “Parisian Sunrise” with some delicious brunch at Château Le Woof!
31-01 Vernon Blvd. / (718) 626-9663 / www.chateaulewoof.com
Tootles and French / New York Sour
A modern wine bar and café, Tootles and French is in the heart of Astoria. If you are a wine lover this is the spot for you. Tootles and French offers 20 wines by the glass and over 100 by the bottle. Their menu also features sangrias and wine-infused cocktails, along with charcuterie boards, paninis, and small plates, that all pair excellently with wine. Their most popular cocktail is the “New York Sour.” It is a modern take on the old-school classic cocktail. Made with fresh squeezed juice, house-made white wine syrup, and topped with one of their 20 rotating wines by the glass. Get your phone out because this cocktail is aesthetically appealing and made for Instagram. But even though “phone drinks first,” you won’t want to take too long because the “New York Sour” is delicious.
36-15 Ditmars Blvd / (347) 642-3012 / www.tootlesandfrench.com
Sanfords / Juicy Fruit
Sanfords is an Astoria landmark, established in 1938, there is no better place to get quality American food and drink. Home to Queens’ largest whiskey bar, with 700 whiskies/brown spirits, they are in the Whisky Advocate’s top 40 whiskey bars in America! So, it is fitting that their best cocktail is the refreshing whisky-based summer martini, “Juicy Fruit.” Made with Toki Blended Whisky, Seagrass Barrell Rye, lychee purée, Giffard Lichi-li liqueur, Midori, Barolo Chinato Cocchi, and lemon. The cocktail is a great example of a light, balanced, summer cocktail. As a whisky bar, Sanford’s wants everyone to remember that they can imbibe whisky year-round.
30-13 Broadway / (718) 932-9569 / www.sanfordsnyc.com
The Newsroom / The Front Page
Located beneath the former Z-Hotel is The Newsroom. This exquisite hideaway is one of the best speakeasies in New York City. Central to The Newsroom’s experience is the culinary talent of Celebrity NY Yankees Chef Ricardo Cardona, who brings his innovative fusion of Nuevo Latino and European cuisine to their guests. Chef Cardona, renowned for his work with the New York Yankees and celebrated figures, offers a menu that narrates a journey of flavors and tradition in a speakeasy ambiance. Signature dishes on their menu include a whole Branzino, chargilled octopus and bone marrow, and their Newsroom paella. A favorite cocktail on their menu is “The Front Page.” Made with vodka, matcha, lemon, honey, and garnished with edible flowers, this is an elegant cocktail that is almost too pretty to drink. But once you taste it you won’t want to stop, it is delicious! Be sure to check it out, and look out for their live performances, that range from gravity-defying feats of aerialists to the melodic strains of harpists.
11-01 43rd Ave / (929) 303-3172 / www.newsroomny.com
The Bonnie / The Wayside
Quite possibly the hottest spot in Astoria, The Bonnie’s brick walls, and delicious menu options have the masses filling up their booths quickly so be sure to make a reservation. Their large garden in the back is open May through November and has a retractable roof to keep the cold/rain out. Surrounded by trees, The Bonnie is the perfect spot to bring friends to for brunch (or any meal), it is sure to impress out-of-towners. Be sure to try “The Wayside,” a Bonnie favorite, which they’ve taken out of retirement and put back on the menu. Made with hibiscus infused tequila, Madre mezcal, Campari, Ancho Reyes, watermelon agua fresca, and lime with a tajin rim and lime wheel. This drink tastes like summer! Happy hour at The Bonnie is Monday through Thursday 4-7pm and Friday 12-7pm.
29-12 23rd Ave / (718) 274-2105 / www.thebonnie.com
Sweet Afton / Japanese Breakfast
Sweet Afton has called Astoria home since 2009. Though Sweet Afton has become a destination it is still a staple for locals. They’ve managed to maintain neighborly and welcoming vibes and have struck the perfect balance of trendy yet cozy. A must try drink on their newest cocktail menu release is the “Japanese Breakfast.” Made with Gin, Ume Plum, Yuzu, Peychaud’s Bitters, Prosecco, Lemon Essence, this beautiful, lilac colored libation is their rendition of a French 75, with a bit of an Asian influence stemming from the Yuzu syrup and the Ume Plum Liqueur, which is inspired by traditional plum liqueurs of Japan and Eastern Europe. It’s bright, it’s refreshing, and boy does it look good being sipped out in their sunny back patio (aka The Glass House). Sweet Afton, where happy hour is Monday through Thursday 4pm-7pm and Friday 3pm-7pm.
30-09 34th St. / (718) 777-2570 / www.sweetaftonbar.com
