Few questions elicit pure joy quite as much as, “would you like a cocktail?” Why, yes, we certainly would. Fun, creative, and ever-so-stylish, cocktails are a trusty companion whether it’s been a day to forget or an occasion to remember. Still, with some cocktail menus as thick as a good old-fashioned phone book, how does one decide?
We asked the MICHELIN Guide inspectors to round up some of their favorite thirst-quenching, tongue-tantalizing sips from this year. From riffs on the classics to quirky combinations and irreverent names, these were some of the best cocktails of 2022. And for those forgoing the alcohol, make sure to check out our equally delectable list of the best mocktail spots. Cheers!
Washington, D.C.
ShōtōToki Old Fashioned: Made from light-bodied Japanese whiskey and served in a tumbler with a carved block of crystal-clear ice, this is as delicious as it is smooth.
New York
Gramercy Tavern
The Marketini: Icy gin is served up with a strip of lemon and accompanied by a crock of house-pickled giardiniera for a distinctive twist.
Evita cocktail: Lemon verbena-infused gin with honeydew water and orange blossom served up in a coupe brings refined flavors in an equally elegant vessel.
Gabriel Kreuther
The Warwick: The bar is nearly as large as this Two-Star's dining room and accommodates guests looking for a smart cocktail and a bar snack or two. Start with this clever potion of sumac-infused Grey Goose, Apologue persimmon liquor, aperol and yuzu.
Toronto
Osteria GiuliaMessicano: We hope this drink never leaves the menu. Thrilling and exceptionally balanced, the cocktail blends tequila blanco, chartreuse, cucumber, mint and basil. It was this innovative elixir -- and a few others -- that earned them the Michelin Guide Toronto 2022 Exceptional Cocktail Award.
Oakland
Jo’s Modern ThaiStiff Curry: With Amass Gin, Union Mezcal and red curry paste, this balanced, sweet, tangy, and savory cocktail packs oodles of flavor with a kick of spice and a hint of smoke.
Los Angeles
KatoMilk Punch: A clarified punch featuring Pierre Ferrand 1840 cognac, Elijah Craig bourbon and El Dorado 12-year rum, this drink benefits from added depth thanks to brown butter, boniato yam, five spice and pineapple. The result is a simultaneously complex and simple drink that goes down easy.
Hero image: L'Abeille's Evita cocktail
© Nicole Franzen/L'Abeille
