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Where to Find Culture and Cocktails in NYC

After a leisurely afternoon of browsing artwork, unwind with a cocktail or glass of bubbly at one of Manhattan’s chic museum restaurants, lounges, or bars, including The Morgan Library & Museum, the Museum of Arts and Design, and The Neue Galerie.

NYC Museum Cocktails: The Morgan Café at the Morgan Library & Museum

lewitt sol cocktail morgan

The Morgan Library and Museum’s Morgan Café offers a casual dining atmosphere in an elaborate glass-enclosed central court space, which evokes the alfresco dining experience that hails from Europe. Sip one of the café’s favorite holiday beverages such as the Eggnog Milkshake or Pomegranate Gin Fizz. Specials such as the Spiced Vanilla Pear with Anise and Vodka also debut on the menu; pictured above is an homage to Sol LeWitt and the installation at the Morgan of his Wall Drawing 552D. 255 Madison Ave., 212-685-0008, ext. 590, themorgan.org/dining

NYC Museum Cocktails: Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Hot Bourbon Cider

Brooklyn’s Botanic Garden is a vibrant, colorful destination, which boasts a wide assortment of blooms, plants, and beyond. Cozy up to the picture-perfect views at the Yellow Magnolia Café, which overlooks the Garden’s Lily Pool Terrace. Indulge in the Hot Bourbon Cider, which is made with Red Jacket apple cider, bourbon, and star anise. Those who enjoy prosecco should sample the Yellow Magnolia Spritz, which is made with Mionetto organic prosecco and flavored with elderflower-ginger syrup. 455 Flatbush Ave., or 990 Washington Ave., 718-307-7136, yellowmagnoliacafe.com

NYC Museum Cocktails: The Grand Tier at The Metropolitan Opera

The Grand Tier

This holiday season, enjoy Sunday brunch while sipping bellinis and listening to captivating live performances at the Met Opera. There’s only a few days left to experience this brunch. Through December 30, Brunch at the Met Opera will be held at The Grand Tier Restaurant. Exclusive performances will debut by rising stars who hail from the esteemed Lindemann Young Artist Development Program. The  endless bellini brunch offers a $45 two-course prix fixe menu to be enjoyed under the Met’s glittering Swarovski chandeliers. Beyond the champagne cocktails, Othello’s Kiss (orgeat, lemon, and cardamom bitters) and Lulu’s Disposable Lover (grapefruit-jalapeño shrub, and green chartreuse), there will be a selection of à la carte items. A portion of sales support the music program.  Seatings are held on Sundays; reservations must be made for the 12:15 pm or 2 pm performances. The Grand Tier is located at The Metropolitan Opera House, 30 Lincoln Center Plaza, 212-799-3400, grandtierny.com

NYC Museum Cocktails: Robert at MAD Museum

MAD Manhattan

Robert is a classic, mod American restaurant that is perched atop the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD). While taking in the winter scenes of Central Park, you can pay tribute to Frederick Law Olmsted, who served as co-designer of Central Park. Indulge in The Olmsted, which is made with Hendrick’s gin, rosemary, thyme, sage, and honey. If you want to remain in a new York state of mind, try the MAD Manhattan, made with Woodford Reserve, orange bitters, vermouth, and Amarena cherries. 2 Columbus Circle, 212-299-7730, robertnyc.com

NYC Museum Cocktails: Café Sabarsky at Neue Galerie

Drawing inspiration from the great Viennese cafés that once served as centers of intellectual and artistic life, Café Sabarsky is a Viennese restaurant and café that boasts the name of Neue Galerie New York’s co-founder Serge Sabarsky. It offers a variety of drinks from the Stiegl Radler—a lager pleanantly flavored with grapefruit to wines, which range from rose to white, and red. There's also a selection of bubbly. 1048 Fifth Ave., 212-288-0665, kurtgutenbrunner.com

About the Author

Regina Molaro is a freelancer writer whose work spans from luxury to fashion, art, lifestyle, and beauty. Her work has appeared in Modern Luxury Hawai‘i, as well as Bespoke Magazine and In Season—the in-house magazines at the St. Regis and Mandarin Oriental New York.

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