They say that history repeats itself. At PJ Clarke’s, that’s a good thing, because our history goes down as smooth as an Old Fashioned – and you’ll want it again.
Our bartenders have been pouring New York’s favorite cocktails since 1884, so here are some of the artistry behind the classics the city keeps ordering.
The Art Of The Cocktail
Stirring versus shaking is the first choice, based on what’s in the glass.
For classic cocktails that are expected to taste clean and clear, stir spirit-forward drinks to chill them and add controlled dilution without adding air. When citrus or egg white is in the mix, shake to chill fast and build a lighter texture, which is how iconic cocktail nights are made.
From there, it’s ratios and consistency.
Balance the base spirit, vermouth, bitters, sweetener, and fresh citrus when it’s part of the build, and keep those measurements tight. Ice controls dilution; larger, harder cubes melt more slowly to keep things steady, while smaller ice chills quickly but can water a drink down faster.
And that’s the backbone of cocktail craft. The finish is simple, and boy, does it matter.
At our historic NYC bar, the bartenders chill the glass to buy the drink time, measure the pour to keep the flavor where it should be, and express a citrus peel over the top to add aroma before the first sip. Then they garnish only if it belongs there.
This is why P.J. Clarke’s cocktails stay classic, yet never old.
P.J. Clarke’s Cocktails That Stand The Test of Time
Some classic cocktails hold their ground, but they’re not dressed up, just done right. Besides that, we have some wicked-cool, original cocktails.
- The Manhattan: Spirit-forward and smooth, built with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
- The Martini: Ice-cold and crisp, with gin (or vodka) and vermouth, finished with a twist or olive.
- The Old Fashioned: A sturdy classic with bourbon (or rye), bitters, sugar, and an orange peel over a big cube.
- The Bluecoat Negroni: Bitter-sweet and stirred, with gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, finished with orange.
- The Queen’s Gambit: Empress 1908 Original Indigo Gin, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, white cranberry, and fresh lemon juice, bright, floral, and crisp.
Any “twist” is subtle: a drier build, a brighter lift, a touch more bitter, tuned to how you drink. For the best pairing, start at the PJC Raw Bar. With oysters and a cold martini, there’s no debate.
Behind-the-Bar: The Charm of P.J. Clarke’s Cocktails
Bartenders tend to see everything play out from the same spot. First dates that start a little stiff, post-show conversations that run longer than planned, the quiet “just one” that doesn’t quite stay that way, someone leaning over the bar asking for “whatever you’d have.”
After a while, you start to recognise people. The orders come up almost automatically. A martini, extra cold. Or an Old Fashioned, always the same.
Behind it all, the drinks don’t really change. They’re made the way they should be, and that’s what keeps people coming back.
How To Enjoy Classic Cocktails In NYC Like A Local
To drink like a true New Yorker, pay attention early. The first minute tells you a lot about a cocktail’s craft.
- Smell first: citrus oils, bitters, and the spirit should show up before the sip.
- Take a quiet first taste: you’ll catch the balance while it’s coldest, then notice how it opens as it warms.
- Notice the build: stirred drinks read smooth and clear, shaken drinks feel brighter, with a tighter texture.
- Pair with intent: oysters love a martini’s clean snap, shrimp cocktail loves bubbles, and anything salty plays well with a brown-spirit classic.
Flavor Fortune Wheel
Spin the wheel and let fate decide your next iconic cocktail or P.J. Clarkes’ signature sip.
- Crisp and cold: Martini, then oysters.
- Brown and broody: Old Fashioned, then something salty.
- Sharp and classic: Manhattan, then a hearty bite.
- Bright and easy: Gin and tonic, then shrimp cocktail.
- Bubbly and social: Something sparkling, then shared plates.
- Zero-proof, still in the game: Citrus and bubbles, then oysters.
Come See History Unfold
Want to see the craft in action in a historic NYC bar? Grab a seat and order a classic. Make it easy, make a reservation, pick your spot from any one of P.J. Clarke’s locations, and call it a night well spent.
Need more room or celebrating more than just cocktails? Private Affairs at P.J. Clarke’s keeps the same bar energy, just on your terms.
