01-04-2025
7 Celebratory Cocktails To Enjoy This Passover
There's a lot of tradition and food involved in celebrating Passover, but not too much attention generally given to cocktails.
This is a holiday associated with drinking several glasses of wine while celebrating the ceremonial seders, but why not incorporate some fun cocktails?
Whether having a welcome drink for the family meal or a celebratory nightcap, there's lovely cocktails to consider in honor of the holiday.
Charoset Old Fashioned at Rafael and Miriam in New York City's Park Slope and UWS.
At Rafael and Miriam in New York City's Park Slope and UWS, the Charoset Old Fashioned is made with brandy, apple syrup, walnut bitters, cinnamon stick, and orange peel. "Inspired by the traditional charoset, this rich and spiced take on an Old Fashioned combines apples, nuts, and cinnamon—flavors that evoke the symbolic Seder dish in every sip," said Beverage Director Will Rivas.
Arak Saint Germaine at 12 Chairs Cafe in New York City.
At 12 Chairs Cafe in New York City, Arak Saint Germaine is made with Arak, Saint Germaine, lemon juice, and dry vermouth. 'Nothing gets the party started like a shot or cocktail with Arak. This cocktail is a great way to toast the table with a digestif to support a big meal,' said bartender Cesar Duarte.
Tahini Chocolate Espresso Martini at Rafael in New York City.
At Rafael in New York City, a holiday spin on the classic espresso martini, incorporating vodka, oat milk, tahini syrup, chocolate, coffee, espresso, and molasses.
'Our Tahini Martini is the sweetness you're seeking for a Passover Seder. The creamy tahini adds a unique nutty depth that beautifully complement the rich chocolate and bold espresso creating a balanced yet decadent flavor. Perfect for post-Seder dessert cravings with coffee and a dessert,' said Beverage Director Will Rivas.
Exodus Elixir at Eden Roc Cap Cana.
At Eden Roc Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic's Blue Restaurant, this is a kosher cocktail steeped in history, where gin is paired with Luxardo and a skewer of black cherries with a breath of lemongrass. A sip of Passover: Sweet, bold, and full of remembrance.
'The Exodus Elixir is crafted to capture the essence of the Passover journey, a harmonious blend of tradition and rebirth. Each sip embodies the spirit of renewal that Passover represents," said Mathew Chanto, Bar Manager.
Fire & Ice Nana Mojito at La Mer at Nana Beach Club in Miami Beach.
On the menu at La Mer at Nana Beach Club in Miami Beach, a bold, cooling mojito with a touch of heat.
'This cocktail is all about balance—refreshing nana and zesty lime meet the warmth of spiced date syrup for a bold yet elegant sip. It's our way of bringing a little Miami heat to Passover celebrations," said Olivia Ostrow, Head Chef, La Mer at Nana Beach Club.
Mango Lemonada at Mesiba in the Williamsburg area of New York City.
Available at Mesiba in the Williamsburg area of New York City, a beautiful cocktail that blends Cazadores Tequila with elderflower, Chinola Mango, and the bright zest of lemon juice. Then, a bit of simple syrup is added for balance along with fresh mint for a finish.
"The Mango Lemonada was inspired by the Israeli Mint Limonana, which Executive Chef Eli Buli introduced me to during my R&D for the Mesiba menu. This cocktail perfectly balances citrus, herbs, and the vibrant sweetness of Chinola Mango, making it the ultimate refreshing drink. In the bar world, we'd call this a true crusher!" said Sebastian Corredor, head bartender.
On the menu at Canela Bistro Bar in San Francisco, The Burning Bush is a Passover-inspired cocktail made with mezcal, lime juice, Pedro Ximenez Sherry, cinnamon syrup and chocolate bitters. Executive chef and owner Mat Schuster says: "The smoking gun is always a fun tool to work with so we were thinking about smoke infused drinks. And of course smoke ties to mezcal and also the burning bush story so it really just fell into place!"
