Leyenda, New York

Since New York just offers so many cocktail bars it is hard to choose if you enter the city as a tourist. What do I want to see, where do I want to go? You almost need a plan if you tend to explore like I do. The focus is always on the cocktail bars. It can get busy at times so I rather see less than just too much.

At this Boerum Hill spot, Tales of the Cocktail-lauded bartender Ivy Mix leans deep into popular Latin American and Caribbean spirits, including rum, tequila, and mezcal. You’ll see them mixed up in cocktails like the Tia Mia (mezcal espadin, Jamaican rum, orange Curacao, lime, and orgeat); they can also be ordered on their own. If you’re looking for something new, try out the What We’re Into Right Now, a sampling of three spirits selected by the team that changes monthly. And don’t let those drinks sit by themselves: hardly standard bar grub, plates like scallop ceviche and octopus tostadas are designed to pair with the house cocktails.