Every summer, the race is on to find that one cocktail bar you can officially claim as “your spot.”
Last week, we found a major contender when we headed over to Bushwick for the opening of a new cocktail den called Jaywalker. Jaywalker is designed to be not only a new cocktail bar but also a distillery and cultural hub from New York Distilling Company and Jaywalk Rye.
Designed as an ode to New York City creatives, the space pairs a casual, high-energy room with art concepts and experiential programming. The cocktail program, spearheaded by Jamie Gordon, takes inspiration from the everyday constants of the city. The menu pulls from familiar New York fixtures like local flower shops, corner bodegas, and farmer’s markets all to create drinks that feel distinctly tied to the five boroughs.
For the launch event, the bar showcased exactly why this concept works so well. Alongside affordably priced, perfectly balanced house Manhattans and martinis, guests got a first taste of the more inventive, neighborhood-inspired creations. An immediate favorite of the night was the Jaywalker G & Tea, mixed with Dorothy Parker New York Gin, sweet peach, rooibos, sake, tonic, and bitters. It was bubbly, crisp, and exactly what you want on a humid summer day, with the sake and peach adding a subtle floral sweetness that completely elevates a standard gin and tonic.
Photo courtesy of Jaywalker
On the flip side, the bar is also turning out an incredible Egg Cream cocktail made with Jaywalk Bonded Rye, cognac, vanilla liqueur, chocolate syrup, plant milk, seltzer, and bitters. It is essentially a nostalgic dessert in a glass. It is rich, frothy, and a total must-order if you have a serious sweet tooth.
Photo courtesy of Jaywalker
With plans for guided tastings and hands-on whiskey blending workshops on the horizon, Jaywalker is positioning itself as much more than just a place to grab a quick drink. If the opening crowd was any indication, this spot is going to be a massive hub for the Brooklyn creative community over the next few months. Drop by, grab a table with friends, and let the menu take you for a walk.
