Thirsty? For those who like to quench their thirst with beverages that also enhance their Instagram feed, we’ve got a few beautiful picks just for you. From adorable latte art to gorgeous craft cocktails to over-the-top milkshakes, drink up with the following not-to-miss beverages in NYC.
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1. Berries & Bubbles at OCEAN PRIME
123 W 52nd Street, Midtown
This upscale steakhouse not only serves up delicious dishes like “Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli,” “White Truffle Caviar Deviled Eggs” and succulent steaks done up with enhancements like black truffle butter and a Maytag blue cheese crust, but Ocean Prime‘s cocktails are worth the trip. Don’t miss the “Berries & Bubbles” libation, made with Belvedere Citrus Vodka, Crème de Cassis, sour mix, fresh berries and dry ice. The drink is served in a chilled martini glass and topped with a float of Domaine Chandon Brut.
By the way, if you’re looking to celebrate your birthday in NYC, this is a top pick!
Tip: Action shots like the one below can help tell the story of the drink. Remember you can freeze action by using a faster shutter speed, and slow action to create movement by slowing the shutter speed. If you’re using a slow shutter speed in low light, however, you’ll likely need a tripod to avoid motion blur.
2. Decadent Milkshakes At The Burgary
67 Clinton Street, Lower East Side
If you’re looking for the most Instagrammable places in New York City, this spot should be on your list!
There’s no limit to the imaginative milkshakes served up at The Burgary, a tasty burger and sandwich shop. Pictured below are the “Fruity Pebbles Milkshake” and “S’mores Milkshake,” though you’ll also find the old time treat topped with candy canes, M&Ms, Oreos and more (all delicious and guaranteed to get you extra likes on your Instagram feed). Oh, and did we mention you can lace your milkshake with booze?
Tip: See that bank-vault door? Open it up and enter the eatery’s sister speakeasy, Garfunkel’s, a spot that can certainly liven up any NYC itinerary!
3. Mastro’s
1285 Avenue of the Americas, Midtown West
As if their fresh sushi rolls and succulent steaks weren’t lovely enough, Mastro’s cocktails are also worth a post on Insta (no filter needed). Below you’ll see their “Silver Paloma,” a tasty cocktail crafted with Patron Silver Tequila, Combier Liqueur de Pamplemousse Rose, Monin Watermelon syrup, fresh lime and basil served over ice with a sea salt rim. We’ll take two of these, please!
Tip: Remember to fix your white balance in restaurants and bars. These spaces typically have either fluorescent or tungsten lighting, so you’ll want to set your camera for the relevant white balance to neutralize the unnatural light. And avoid using flash to fix the lighting issue. It will blow out any details of your drink!
4. Fleur de Lis at PHD Terrace
210 W 55th Street, Midtown West
Within the Dream Hotel you’ll find PHD Terrace, an indoor/outdoor lounge with gorgeous rooftop views of Midtown and Times Square. Do yourself — and your Instagram feed — a favor and order a “Fleur de Lis,” a cocktail showcasing Hennessy VS, lemon juice, maple syrup, black walnut bitters and a lemon slice for a citrusy (and photo-worthy) effect.
Tip: Another cocktail photo option is their new “Mega Mule” cocktail. Get this: it’s 164 ounces, is equivalent to 12.5 drinks and weighs 10 POUNDS. Bring friends.
5. Matcha Latte at Bibble & Sip
253 West 51 Street, Midtown West
Everything they make at this cafe, from the black sesame cream puffs to the rooster cookies, is just adorable. We particularly love the matcha lattes for a great social media photo. While latte art is nothing new in NYC, Bibble & Sip kicks it up a notch with creative and timely depictions, like Jack Skellington on Halloween, or heart-warming bunnies and bears (shown below). If you’re looking for a truly unique picture in your caffeinated beverage, this is your spot.
Tip: Coffee is an extremely popular topic on Instagram. Try to photograph your java in natural light for the best photo. Not getting enough light? Bump up your ISO, though note the higher you go the more grain you’ll see in your final photo.
6. Any Milkshake from Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer
529 Broome Street, SoHo (+ locations in Meatpacking and Midtown)
No Instagram-worthy beverage list would be complete without mentioning Black Tap, a venue offering crazy milkshakes that have taken on Cronut fame. It makes sense, as their shakes come topped with everything imaginable: pretzel rods, Reece’s cups, full ice cream sandwiches, cotton candy, Nerd’s, sour gummies, chocolate brownies and more. Pictured below is the “Sour Power” featuring a black cherry shake with a vanilla frosted rim. From there, you’ll find sour gummi poppers topped with Pixy Stix, rainbow pop, a sour skewer, whipped cream and Nerds.
Tip: While the milkshakes steal the show on their Instagram feed, their “Greg Norman Burger” crafted from Waygu beef and enhanced with house buttermilk-dill, blue cheese and arugula is worth an order, as well.
7. Understated Craft Cocktail Touches at Death & Co
433 E 6th Street, East Village
Death & Co has been a craft cocktail mainstay in NYC since 2006. It’s the type of bar where the number of available seats equals the number of patrons let in, and where mixologists can craft thoughtful cocktails based on your tastes. What’s great for Instagrammers is the understated touches on these thoughtful drinks, like an orange peel swizzle or slices of apple (such as in the “High Noon” shown below). This drink is made with Laird’s Apple Brandy, Great King St Glasgow Scotch, Amaro Nonino, lemon, red eye bitters and soda water.
Tip: Shooting in low lit bars is hard. To add a soft (vs harsh) glow over your cocktail, hold receipt paper over a friend’s smartphone flashlight to illuminate the drink.
What are your favorite drinks in NYC?
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