Empire Hotel Lobby Bar

If you're in the mood for a relaxed, swanky evening, enjoy a cocktail or two at Empire Hotel's Lobby Bar whose cocktail menu is inspired by Gossip Girl - since the hotel is now one of the characters as it was bought out by Chuck Bass. Not sure how I feel about that as I don't watch the show but they did feature a rather tasty scotch, ginger and apple cocktail that I would like to recreate. It's quite empty on a weekend night since everyone else is clamoring for their rooftop bar - but if you're in the mood for one or two after the opera or ballet, and want to check out a hotel bar, it does the trick. I should mention they also have ridiculously plush couches which will send to you heaven before your cocktail will.

Empire Hotel
44 West 63rd Street
New York, NY 10023
(212) 265-7400

Thanks to www.hotelchatter.com, please see below for their cocktail menu:

Jenny's Tartlet recipe revealed for HotelChatter:
1 ½ oz. Montecristo White Rum
2 oz. Grapefruit Juice
½ oz. Lemon Juice
½ oz. Simple Syrup
2 Sprigs Mint
Lollipop
In a mixing glass, muddle the mint with the lemon juice and simple syrup. Add all other ingredients and shake. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with a lollipop.

“S” (Serena)
Zyr Vodka, Honey Water, Champagne and Lemon Pappabubbles.

“B” (Blair)
Bluecoat Gin, Blood Orange Bitters and Crystal Candy

I’m Chuck Bass
Dewar’s Scotch, Red Apple, Ginger Bites and Apple Cider

Lonely Boy (Dan)
Brooklyn Lager, Makers Mark Bourbon and Crème de Cacao

Georgina’s Mind Eraser
Vieux Carré Absinthe Wash, Don Julio Silver Tequila, Pomegranate and an Atomic Fireball

Nate’s Fickle Flings
Sagatiba Cachaça, St-Germain and Sour Blackberries

Eau de Vanessa
Grey Goose Le Poire, Pear Nectar and White Grape Juice