Once the weather warms up, it's time to put away the whiskey and try something more refreshing. In order to try something new, we enlisted the top bartenders in the city to let us in on some of the cocktail trends for the season, and provide a recipe for us to try on our own. Whether you're throwing a dinner party or want something interesting during your weekend getaway, these cocktail recipes will kick off your summer the right way. Attempt them with caution though; these guys are the best for a reason. More»

Before you plan your whole summer away make sure to squeeze in some time for what may be the city's best bar hopping season. While you can always visit your tried and true favorites and local watering holes, there are some outdoor options you should try out this summer- especially since most will be closed come Labor Day. Here are our picks for the outdoor bars you should keep on your radar for the next three months. More»

Being lead blindly into a water tower on top of an abandoned building in the middle of Chelsea may seem like the makings of a really bad horror movie to most people, but in fact, it's actually the hottest, new thing on the NYC nightlife scene. The Night Heron, started by 31-year-old artist N.D. Austin, is more than just a secret, underground club. Rather, the entire operation actually takes place above ground. More»

There's an elephant in the room... and it's pink! Alert the Hampsters! The Patrick Bateman worshiping hedgies are back to reclaim their Hamptons territory! Before closing in 2009 amidst debt and debauchery, Pink Elephant was a favorite Hamptons nightlife spot for the bottle service type crowds, (not to mention a favorite of ours for the vibrant photo ops it provided), and this summer, it's back - scent machines, pink confetti, sparkling champagne, and all! As we confirmed last week, this hotspot will be relocating from its original home at The Capri Hotel in Southampton to the same building as SL East in East Hampton. Does this have something to do with a rising real estate market? Who knows, but to celebrate the news, we've rounded up some of our favorite moments from Pink Elephant's Southampton outpost.   More»

In 2008 Surf Lodge, a quaint restaurant with a surf theme opened on Fort Pond with hardly much of a bang. Sure they had a hip chef running the kitchen and a verified Manhattan nightlife crew running the party scene, but the hundreds of cars and frat boys would take a year or two to fully figure out what was brewing in Montauk. Since then, the movement of the hampters (hipsters from Manhattan) and the share house yuppies looking to party in the Hamptons has consistently headed East (Luckily for Lizzie Grubman, Conscious Point isn't even a memory in the minds of current trend-seekers). Keeping on trend, Montauk's nightlife scene will continue to dominate the Hamptons this summer, despite the growing battle between the townsfolk and these summer subversives who will be infiltrating their territory come Memorial Day weekend. But we're not here to take sides, we're here to report. Check out our official guide to Hamptons Nightlife 2013! More»

What city is home to the world's most daringly innovative cocktail scene? New York? That's the stock answer, but even NYers will tell you they're over-speakeasied at this point. LA? If you're in Swingers, sure. Paris? It's just taking off -- let's talk again in 2020. London. The answer is London. Over the last few years, a burgeoning groundswell has burst into a perfectly blended mix of wild and fearless innovation, true craft, audacious presentation, and, well... bowler hats. Even NY 'tail vanguard Audrey Saunders has said, “If I hadn’t started Pegu Club, I’d probably be in London," and the city dominated the last Tales of the Cocktail awards, scoring World's Best Bar, Cocktail Bar, Hotel Bar, Bartender, Drinks Selection, and Menu. Here's exactly what's going down in the city whose weather thankfully always necessitates a strong drink. More»

It may be nearly a century later, but the world described in F Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby still has plenty of appeal. With the highly-anticipated premiere of “The Great Gatsby” around the corner, there’s no better reason to pay tribute to the upcoming film by living, dining, and partying in true “Gatsby-Glamour.” And as Manhattan was Jay’s playground, there’s not better spot than these Jazz Age inspired restaurants, hotels, and lounges to get in on the Gatsby fun. More»

The warm weather is finally here, and with it comes the promise of rooftop and back garden happy hours. We've done some digging to find a few exceptional happy hours that we're excited to check out in the Meatpacking District. Click through for our list of where to head after work on one of these sunny, spring days.

The temperatures are slowly climbing, and we're itching to get outside again. What better way to celebrate the warm weather than with a few spring cocktails? Whether you're looking to relax with friends during happy hour or dance all night, these bars shouldn't get overlooked. Put on your sandals and mini skirt and check out these outdoor NYC bars to visit this spring.

The first day of spring is this Thursday, and we know the most beloved springtime activities for Washingtonians almost always involve swanky rooftop bars and lounges with strong views and stronger drinks. Here are some of our favorite local spots with rooftop bars that should be sky-high on your list of things to do this spring and summer:

DIY cocktails are popping up on menus all over the city from champagne brunch to dinnertime bottle service. These special menu offerings let you get creative and customize drinks to your heart's content. Let out your inner bartender and check out these six can't miss DIY specials. More»