Spritzers and rose exit stage left. It’s time for ciders, ice wine and brown liquors to take center stage. AdvocateTime to go back inside. And underground. Silver Lining, a new sub-level Tribeca space, has live jazz and proper cocktails from the Little Branch crew.75 Murray Street, between West Broadway and Greenwich Street (212-513-1234).
The Tippler, another new cocktail bar under wraps and underground (in the Chelsea Market vaults, to be precise), offers boozy libations made with the likes of Suze genetian liqueur. Impress your date with that one.Chelsea Market basement level, 425 West 15th Street, between Ninth and Tenth Avenues (212-206-0000).
RefrigerateEveryone’s excited about Maine Beer Company’s foray into the NYC market with Peeper, the company’s signature dry-hopped brew. It’s golden in color, citrusy in flavor and has the slightest whiff of pine on the back.Available at Bklyn Larder, 228 Flatbush Avenue, at Bergen Street (718-783-1250); Spuyten Duvil Grocery, 359 Metropolitan Avenue, between Roebling and Havemeyer Streets (718-384-1520).
Over on the Niagara trail, Leonard Oakes Estate Winery concocted a crisp, complex Steampunk Cider made in tiny tart batches without any over-processing or syrupy sugars. They’ve also got an award-winning 2008 Vidal Icewine -- which goes nicely with a wood fire.
AccentuateAdd sage for a savory, autumnal feeling. Lavo muddles the herb with white peach puree and soda for a non-alcoholic cocktail.39 East 58th Street, between Park and Madison Avenues (212-750-5588).
Make sure it has bourbon. Startup whisky distillery called Kings County has been so well received it’s expanding from a tiny factory in Bushwick to an enormous space in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. As the nights get darker, their small-batch, handcrafted bourbon and moonshine will help you see the light.