Waldorf Astoria’s skyhigh bar The Loft has been low-key serving an art-inspired cocktail menu and will continue until the end of March. And it is worth checking it out.

 

The menu is a collaboration with Thai street artist Piyasak “Muay” Khiaosaard who created a digital art print based on each drink. Muay is a self-taught street artist who uses technology to create digital art in unusual, colorful contexts. He also hopes his wild animal art can start a conversation.

 

Created by the Italian bartender Michele Montauti, this menu is not technically a vermouth-focused menu, but Montauti knows all about vermouth and how to use it. 

 

There are 10 cocktails plus three mocktails on this menu. Negroni lovers, try the Umbrella (B460), a playful (re: strong) twist on Negroni, changing gin to Mitcher’s Bourbon, with Mancino Kopi Vermouth, rainy cordial, and bitters. 

 

 

Martini fans can down the Can’t Stop Us (B420), mixing Monkey 47 gin with Montauti’s very own Mancino Bianco vermouth infused with chamomile—it really helps softens it up—some yellow Chartreuse, kaffir syrup, and the best ingredient: drops of aromatic ginger olive oil. If you’ve had a martini in the past and felt it was too strong for you, this is a good starting point.

 

 

For the tequila-minded, go for the Destroy The Zoo (B440), mixing Don Julio Blanco, Italicus (bergamot liqueur) and clarified aloe vera vodka milk punch; the milk punch helps soften the tequila. And if you’re there for the ‘gram, try Grab Fox (B460) which comes with a cute looking fox print on the outside and whiskey on the inside. 

 

 

The Loft opened about five years ago and this is not just another hotel bar that wants to sell you views then rip you off with a bad gin and tonic. Montauti’s cocktails have been superb from the get-go, the atmosphere feels special, and the prices are reasonable for what you get.