HotelChatter

Meanwhile, over at The Royalton, a cocktail known as the Far East Side ($16) was once created for a particular guest, who now orders it every time he returns. And though you won't find it listed on the menu, bartenders at Fourty Four are happy to whip up the drink for anyone interested. Its ingredients consist of muddled cucumber and sage with jalapeno yuzu, shochu and Hendricks gin—shaken, strained and served up in a coupe glass with a fresh slice of cucumber.

The Jade Hotel's new bar, Grape & Vine has only been open for two weeks, but its bartenders are already getting creative. At an opening party for the bar last night, we sampled a drink known as Purple Haze ($14), made with gin, red wine, prosecco, lime, and simple syrup. The color isn't exactly purple (more of a ruby red), but the cocktail will definitely leave you feeling…'hazy.' We speak from experience.

Ready for one last secret? OK…Bemelmans Bar at swanky-dank The Carlyle offers a Spicy Cranberry Margarita ($21) that in-the-know guests order all the time, despite the fact that it's not on the menu. The elusive margarita is mad with Cointreau, lime, tequila, and a splash of (duh) cranberry). And who knows, next time you go, you might even be 'cheers!'-ing along to a live, impromptu performance by Mariah Carey.

[Photo: HotelChatter]