Casa Mezcal
What to drink: The Horchatini (mezcal blanco, Combier orange liqueur, horchata, gomme syrup, jicama juice and lemon juice).
Atmosphere: Hip, trendy, romantic, colorful
Where: Casa Mezcal, 86 Orchard St, NYC (Lower East Side)
More info: Casa Mezcal carries blue-bottled "wild mezcals," from artisanal distillers in the Oaxacan mountains - these spirits can't be found anywhere else in NYC! If you ask for special salts, the rim of your smoky mezcal margarita could be sprinkled with dried grasshoppers. This bar has 3 levels - the first is a basement performance space, complete with a stage and dance floor. The second is the bar on the main level, which has a carnivale air to it and is home to the endless bottles of mezcals. The third is a gallery and private party space with a street view, located upstairs. The extensive cocktail menu was designed by Junior Merino, aka "The Liquid Chef."
[Photo via @manolo.molina]