I’ve known about the NYC Tipplers by Craft Hospitality for some time now, but I’m not really one to drink a lot at once so I turned my friends down when they asked me to join them for the Winter Tippler this year.
However, I decided to try it out for the 2018 Autumn Tippler and it was so much fun!
Quick rundown of how the Tippler works: You purchase a Tippler passbook online via the main website or on Eventbrite (I got mine on Eventbrite). The passbook contains each of the participating venues and the names of the cocktails they will have for the Tippler on individual pages which will be stamped or signed once redeemed for the drink. The Tippler runs for a certain amount of weeks (the Autumn Tippler ran from October 1-November 15). Any day, beginning on the first day of the Tippler, you can pick up your passbook from your selected pick-up location (which is one of the bars participating in the Tippler) and then go on your merry way redeeming your drinks!
My pickup location was e’s Bar in Manhattan. I did the Tippler with a large group of friends, which made it so much more exciting.
Below is a little photo diary of the venues I got to try cocktails from. The venues that I didn’t get to visit are featured at the end of this in Instagram posts from Abi, one of the friends I did the Tippler with.
e’s Bar, White Wine Mojito
I’m a huge fan of white wine so this was absolutely amazing! Super simple and super delicious! I’m so glad this was the pickup location because this drink set the bar pretty high.
Mad River Bar & Grill, The Creamsicle
Tastes like orange cream soda! Hello again, childhood 🙂
Ousia, El Gobernador PPP
I’ve never had peppercorn before this, but it’s definitely interesting on the taste buds and makes a really aesthetically pleasing garnish. Still wondering where the fourth “P” is in the name (pisco, pomegranate, pineapple, pink peppercorn).
The Late Late, Mrs. Robinson
The bitterness of grapefruit was a little stronger than I would have liked but this wasn’t bad.
Wicked Willy’s, Spiked Cider
Perfectly sweet spiked cinnamon-y hot cider treat! The cinnamon stick could have been longer though.
Jojo’s Philosophy, The Georgetowner
Me: *Sips* “Oh this is strong. Pablo’s gonna love this.”
Pablo: “Yeah, but it tastes bad.”
I love Jojo’s for everything else except this. LAWD. IT. WAS. AWFUL! ESPECIALLY THE WHISKEY DRENCHED PINEAPPLES.
Hold Fast Kitchen & Spirits, Hold Fast To Your Dreams
Almost as bad as The Georgetowner from Jojo’s minus the awful whiskey soaked pineapple. Also, what’s going on with this garnish?
Hudson Station, Raspberry Lemonade
Tastes like a jolly rancher! So, so good!
McGettigans, Cosmo (originally supposed to be Goslings Dark and Storms)
They didn’t have the ingredients for the drink that was listed for the Tippler so the bartender gave us cosmos instead. Delicious fruity cranberry and vodka goodness!
The Astorian, Classic Gin Forward Martinez
The gin was pretty strong but it tasted waaayyy more bearable than the Hold Fast To Your Dreams and The Georgetowner.
Overall, I think this was a really great way to explore NYC’s cocktail scene. I’ll probably do the Tippler again next season!
