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[title]RECOMMENDED: Food & Drink Awards 2013
Other nominees: Donna, Evelyn Drinkery, Tooker Alley
In 2012, the craft cocktail movement broke out of its pre-Prohibitionary holding pattern, delivering cheeky soda fountains (Evelyn Drinkery), breezy Central American cathedrals (Donna) and bohemian clubhouses (Tooker Alley). But Pouring Ribbons earned your votes this year, with its bright, modern space; ambitious quaffs; and staunch anti-speakeasy posture. There are flawless standards here—a strapping Manhattan, a tingly champagne cocktail fizzing with sugar and Angostura bitters—but big-swinging bar talents Joaquín Simó, Troy Sidle and Toby Maloney (along with business partner Jason Cott) really come out to play with their original drinks. A summery mai tai variation made with corn milk and bourbon, and a refreshing salted honeydew-absinthe tipple prove that these cocktail honchos aren’t enslaved by the classics—they’re busy inventing new ones. Pouring Ribbons, 225 Ave B between 13th and 14th Sts (917-656-6788, pouringribbons.com)