Loewr East Side, Cocktails, Absinthe, Sasha Petraske, Milk and Honey, White Star, New York, Manhattan, Where to drink in Lower East Side, Little Branch, Crafted Cocktails, Drink.

White Star started as an aperitif and absinthe bar, and while it continues to emphasize aperitifs and digestives, it has become less specialized. They embrace the wide world of cocktails – stirred, shaken, juice, tonic, however you like it. They also assemble in-house singular syrups, such as Crème de Violette and Orgeat (almond syrup).

The ambiance is tasteful. Decorated with namesake White Star light fixtures, a marble bar, leather booths, black elegantly-patterned wallpaper, and deep cream wainscoting. It all lends itself to a classy and sexy, yet unpretentious ambiance.

This is a cocktail lounge where other bartenders, restaurant and wine insiders frequent for the quality drinks and low-key atmosphere. In fact, it almost has a Cheers-like feel. It is easy and irresistible to become a regular and pretty soon you will be running into new friends and the bartenders won’t have to surmise your drink preference. Order off the list or be delighted by their original takes on classic cocktails.

Off the present list, the Chrysanthemum is highly recommended, or try the classic Milk and Honey drink – a Penicillin deliciously concocted with the in-house ginger pure, or a personal favorite – the Arsenic and Old Lace, which is a variation on a gin martini, with an absinthe wash and a drop of the Crème de Violette.

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