Pisco Sour entre los 10 mejores tragos en New York

SALUD!
10 BEST SUMMER COCKTAILS AND THE PLACES TO DRINK 'EM
By GRACE BASTIDAS

Posted: 12:00 am
July 2, 2008

Summertime is synonymous with salt-rimmed margaritas, minty mojitos and other Latin cocktails. Not only are they refreshing and positively thirst quenching, but just one sip transports imbibers to azure beaches where the only thing you have to worry about is your tan. Here are a few spots, all themed around a different drink, to get that vacation fix while staying close to home:
1.) Michelada
After a serious night out, sidle up to Bonita early the next morning. The cute Fort Greene eatery concocts a well-seasoned Michelada ($6) that'll kick-start your day. Touted as the Mexican Bloody Mary, it has beer, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, salsa picante, black pepper and a salted rim. And at Bonita, you can add your cerveza of choice (Dos Equis, Tecate, Negra Modelo, Pacifico, Corona or Sol). Pair it with an order of saucy Huevos Rancheros ($7.50) and you'll feel ready to face the world in no time.
243 Dekalb Ave., between Clermont and Vanderbilt avenues, 718-622-5300.
2.) Daiquiri
Ernest Hemingway's favorite cocktail, the daiquiri, was perfected at El Floridita, an classic bar in Havana, Cuba where Papa had his own stool. In Manhattan, Bobo's whitewashed rooftop garden is the next-best setting for such a sophisticated drink. Owner Carlos Suarez, whose father is Cuban, has even christened their version "Hemingway Daiquiri" (Brugal rum, lime juice, maraschino liqueur and grapefruit juice; $13). It arrives at your table in a lovely glass garnished with a floating lime wheel.
181 W. 10th St., at West Fourth Street. (212) 488-2626.
3.) Mojito
Mexican mixologist Artemio Vasquez (formerly of Pegu Club) takes a lot of pride in the bar menu at Yerba Buena. The restaurant's signature Cuban mojito ($11) demonstrates his attention to even the tiniest of details. It is made with Bacardi 8, homemade demarara (sugar cane) syrup, natural lime juice and fresh mint. Before serving, he strains out the leaves to avoid that dreadful spinach-teeth look and gently plops whole ice cubes - instead of crushed ice - into a glass so that his creation doesn't get watered down quickly.
23 Ave. A, between First and Second avenues. (212) 529-2919.
4.) Mamajuana
Guys that need an extra boost in the love department may want to head to Washington Heights' Mamajuana Café, where the legendary Mamajuana "miracle potion" (rum, wine, honey, spices, herbs; $8) is considered an aphrodisiac and a natural form of Viagra by Dominicans. If that doesn't do the trick, surely the romantic atmosphere (wall of candles, exposed brick, Taino artifacts) has got to help.
247 Dyckman St., between Seaman and Payson. (212) 304-0140.
5.) Sangria
La Nacional has an old-country feel that's evidenced by the white-haired Spaniards that sit around here in the evenings chatting about fútbol and politics. Part member's club and part restaurant, it serves as a meeting spot for expats yearning for a taste of home. But you don't have to be from Seville (or even a member) to order a carafe of sangría (red wine, rosé, muscat, sugar, sprite and fruits; $18–$26) in the rustic dining room. Along with the rest of the offerings on the menu, the fruity wine can be enjoyed by all nationalities.
239 West 14th St., between Seventh and Eighth avenues. (212) 243-9308.
6.) Pisco Sour
Chileans and Peruvians have always quarreled over the origin of the brandy drink Pisco. And after one taste of Panca's Pisco Sour (Pisco Lovera, lemon juice, homemade syrup, a pasteurized egg white and Angostura bitters; $9), we're siding with the Incas. The Peruvian restaurant's version is fortifying, frothy and strikes the right balance between tangy and sweet. It's a great aperitif, especially at Panca, where the ceviches are all winners.
92 Seventh Ave. South, between Grove and Barrow streets. (212) 488-3900.
7.) Piña Colada
If you like piña coladas, you probably love live music. There's something about the Puerto Rican (or is it Cuban?) drink that makes you want to start a conga line. Rink Bar at Rockefeller Center offers both during July and August, when the gilded statue of Prometheus oversees an after-work crowd re-energized by rum and salsa bands. Their 12-ounce colada ($12) is served frozen with Cruzan rum, pineapple juice and coconut cream. It goes down easy so watch your step.
Rockefeller Center, Fifth Ave. between 49th and 50th streets. (212) 332-7620.
8.) Margarita
Drinking with kids in tow may seem a little irresponsible unless you're at Elora's, a no-frills Mexican eatery that's been holding down the same Park Slope corner for 15 years. The margaritas (triple sec, lemon x and well tequila; $8) here are gentle enough for mommies heading to a play-date in nearby Prospect Park. Served in diminutive glasses with free nachos and salsa, they may not be the best of the bunch but they offer a welcome respite in between diaper duty.
272 Prospect Park West, at 17th Street, Brooklyn. (718) 788-6190.
9.) Caipirinha
New York's Little Brazil Street (a/k/a 46th Street) seems really far from Rio until you enter Via Brazil: The restaurant's floor mimics the sidewalks of Copacabana beach; everyone from waiters to the bartenders has that melodic Portuguese accent; and live music fills the air from Wednesday through Saturday. The caipirinha ($9) is a must if you want complete the vibe. Prepared with lime, sugar and Pitú cachaça, it passes the authenticity test.
34 West 46th St. between Fifth and Sixth avenues. (347) 706-3344.
10.) Latin beers
You can pick up a six-pack at the bodega and slowly drink yourself into a stupor while watching TV or you can go out. Paladar serves practically all of the cocktails in this survey and a range of beers ($5.50 for each) that travels all around Latin America: Brahma from Brazil, Quilmes from Argentina, Presidente from the Dominican Republic, Aguila from Colombia and a slew of Mexican cervezas. Try and find a seat by the always packed bar and begin your tour around the world. If hunger strikes, chef Aaron Sanchez is a pro.
161 Ludlow St., between Stanton and East Houston streets. (212) 473-3535.