Apotheke: A Gorgeous Bar In NYC That You Should Try If You Like to Taste Alcohol in Your Cocktails
On a recent visit to New York City, I took a fellow bar aficionado to Apotheke, a mixology lounge on Doyers Street in Chinatown. It marries the cocktail renaissance ably chronicled by Robert Messenger to an atmosphere as stunning as you’ll find. Aesthetic details include exposed brick walls, a chandelier that evokes the eponymous apothecary, and a wide marble bar-top with a soft peach sheen beneath track lights.
Arriving shortly before doors opened, we were pleased to find the knowledgeable bartender Miguel Aranda willing to serve us. I ordered the Cilantro Paso, “micro-cilantro infused gin, White Lillet, agave nectar, lemon juice, and fresh muddled cucumber.” My companion had the Mata Hari, “rye whiskey, Absinthium essence, Indian herbal bitters, egg white and fresh lime.” As yet, I lack the vocabulary to explain exactly why these drinks were superb, except to say that they were well-balanced — never too sweet or too tart, smooth going down, but strong enough that you can taste and savor the particular alcohol that you are drinking. Mr. Aranda guided us well in those and subsequent selections.
On prior visits to Apotheke, friends have sampled and enjoyed the Absinthe. On this occasion we were treated to a variety that wasn’t on the menu, so while I can’t guarantee you’ll find the same should you visit, I can recommend the show that preceded it being served.
Though it hasn’t been around that long, Apotheke is a known stop on New York’s gourmet cocktail scene, and it doesn’t take reservations like Milk & Honey, so I recommend going early if you visit. This is especially good advice since one pleasure of the bartender renaissance is a knowledgeable server who you can talk to about what you like, what they’ve got, and new things you might try. That isn’t going to happen if you arrive alongside the Lower East Side scenesters, but at less busy times, do try to chat up Mr. Aranda or one of his colleagues.
Apotheke: 9 Doyers Street near Bowery, a few blocks south of Canal Street — see photos better than mine at their Web site here. Expect to pay for the fresh ingredients, atmosphere and location. Updates on other drinks next time I return.
Nice shots, what equipment are you using?
— Steve C · Nov 25, 05:49 AM · #
A Nikon DX60. I actually have no idea what I’m doing.
— Conor Friedersdorf · Nov 25, 05:54 AM · #
I don’t understand why you would go out for cocktails. Is atmosphere, or whatever, really worth the incredible premium per drink? If you have a good time, bully for you, but maybe you could comment on the price/benefit equation and how it works for you? Why not just, you know, make cocktails with your friends at home?
— Chet · Nov 25, 07:27 AM · #
Chet,
Read the Robert Messenger piece linked in the post.
— Conor Friedersdorf · Nov 25, 09:12 AM · #
Shouldn’t the post be titled “A Gorgeous Bar in NYC That You Should Try If You Like to Taste ‘Micro-Cilantro’ In Your Cocktails?”
— Matt Frost · Nov 25, 05:59 PM · #
Conor: I haven’t been to Apotheke yet, though I intend to go soon. It sounds like the atmosphere is incredible. Next time you’re in New York, though, you have to go to PDT and Clover Club, two of my favorites (the other is Fort Defiance, though it’s quite a hike to get to the Red Hook location – no subways go there). PDT has a very forward looking menu (it’s most famous drink is probably the Benton’s Old-Fashioned: bacon-infused bourbon, maple syrup and bitters) whereas Clover Club has more understated twists on the classics. Both, however, have inventive and delicious new drinks (a rarity even in cocktail crazy NY – the new drinks are often mediocre), great spaces, and are less scene-oriented than Pegu Club and the like.
— Jeff Hughes · Nov 27, 07:59 PM · #
Sounds like a nice place, and a cool photo review — but you would do well to mention the typical price per drink.
— Ethan C. · Nov 30, 08:03 AM · #
Regardless of premiums, this looks like a very cool new york bar. Gotta say, I love the picture of the flames… How’s the scene? Age, any events, chicks?
I’m always up for a night out in NY.
— new york · Dec 4, 10:12 PM · #