R5 Unique Cocktails in Westchester

Photography by Sacha Ginsberg

	Good Rittens ($12) @ The Tapp (formerly Brute on 9) A sweet, light, and refreshing cocktail made with Rittenhouse Rye whiskey (100 proof), Lillet Blanc (sweet white wine), homemade ginger simple syrup, fresh muddled strawberries, and fresh citrus. “When most people think of whiskey, they think that it’ll be heavy, but this drink is light and has a crisp flavor,” says Tapp’s General Manager Jeremy McLellan. “It comes on strong and then softens out nicely. Good mixture of savory and sweet.” 17 N Broadway, Tarrytown (914) 703-6022
Chili Passion ($13) @ NoMa Social Bloody Mary fan? Then you’ll like this sweet and spicy Spanish twist on a Bloody Mary with Bacardi O (orange rum), passion fruit purée, cranberry juice, pineapple juice, fresh grated ginger, red chili pepper flakes, chili pepper, and a lime wedge. It pairs well with tapas such as garlic shrimp with Marsala, chili flakes, and herbs or tuna à la plancha with sweet-pepper soy. 1 Radisson Plz, New Rochelle (914) 576-4141 nomasocial.com
	Blueberry Pomegranate Martini ($12) @ Club Car Restaurant-Lounge This fruity but not-too-sweet tropical drink contains blueberry vodka, fresh blueberry-pomegranate juice, orange liqueur, and pressed limes. “Whoever likes sangria will like this,” says Mixologist Mariano Roman. “It has a sangria feeling from the pomegranates.” 1 Station Plz, Mamaroneck (914) 777-9300 clubcarny.com
Sangria @ Caravela Mellower than your average cocktail, Caravela’s sangria has sliced apples, oranges, red wine, Triple Sec, orange juice, sugar, Sprite, and club soda. “It’s not that strong, so you can drink more,” says Owner Fernando Cabral. “It’s fruity, but not too sweet. It goes down smooth, and it’s not overpowering.” 53 N Broadway, Tarrytown (914) 631-1863 caravelatarrytown.com
	Basilico ($10) @ Burrata Wood Fired Pizza (see review, page 176) A refreshing, clean drink—made with gin, cucumber, basil, lime, and simple syrup—that acts almost as a palate cleanser. Match with Burrata’s margherita pizza or salad of burrata and heirloom cherry tomatoes. 425 White Plains Rd, Eastchester (914) 337-3700; burratapizza.com
Creamsicle ($14) @ Taste Restaurant and Lounge The dollop of whipped cream aside, this is a light and refreshing drink that pairs well with Korean barbecue skewers, any fish dish, and crab cakes. It’s made with Absolut Mandrin, Pinnacle Whipped vodka, a splash of orange juice, and orange zest. 265 Tate Ave, Buchanan (914) 930-7866