Cocktail Adventures: Bitter Monk

The Story

Hey there, friends! Welcome to the vibrant world of craft cocktails at Bitter Monk! Tucked away in New York’s Industry City and a stone’s throw from the Asian/Latin majority neighborhood of Sunset Park, Brooklyn — Bitter Monk opened at the start of 2024. Not your average bar, this place is a hidden gem for cocktail enthusiasts.

Bitter Monk was started by seasoned mixologists, designers, and artists, Ektoras Binikos and Simon Jutras. These business and life partners are no strangers to the world of cocktails. Currently, Binikos and Jutras helm the highly successful Sugar Monk cocktail lounge in Harlem, Manhattan. And now they’re embarking on a new adventure with a micro-distillery, tasting room, and cocktail bar. Bitter Monk serves as both a cocktail bar and tasting room for ATHERAS SPIRITS, distilled right in Industry City!

ATHERAS SPIRITS is distilled in Industry City, where Bitter Monk tasting room and cocktail bar is also located.

The Ambience

Binikos’s and Jutras’s artistic backgrounds are clear in Bitter Monk’s dark, intimate space. Picture this: soft leather chairs invite visitors to enjoy a cocktail (or two), and marble tabletops add a touch of elegance. The room’s richly-saturated green and plum color palette, backlit by dim lighting, creates an aura of mystery. It's like Willy Wonka's factory (for cocktails) meets cozy speakeasy. In this space, Binikos and Jutras will have you trying every flavor of cocktail!

But it gets even better! The true show-stopper of the space is the mesmerizing mosaic behind the bar. Featuring the Philosopher’s Stone, this mosaic reflects the stone’s power to transform base metals into precious ones — symbolizing Bitter Monk’s ambition to elevate the cocktail experience into pure magic. Reminiscent of stained glass in religious architecture, this magical display infuses the space with a sense of wonder and reverence. And when the sunlight hits the mosaic just right, the whole room comes alive with a kaleidoscope of color that dances across the flavorful cocktails.

The Cocktails

Bitter Monk is a cocktail lover’s paradise. The cocktails are inspired by Binikos’s and Jutras’s love for history, music, and art. Each drink makes ample use of the bar’s house-made elixirs, which are derived from foraged plants, roots, and flowers and full of interesting, explosive flavor. Every sip at Bitter Monk is a swirl of magic and mischief. So, grab your potion glasses, because things are about to get deliciously mystical as we dive into two of their most enchanting concoctions: Just a Gigolo and Marie Laveau.

Bitter Monk’s Just a Gigolo and Marie Laveau cocktails are shown against a back depicting the Philosopher’s Stone

Just a Gigolo

Let's kick things off with Just a Gigolo – the smooth-talking, suave charmer that’s as fabulous as it sounds! Made with Finger Lakes Distilling Brandy, this elixir exudes sophistication. Every sip reveals layers of flavor that'll leave you yearning for more. Just a Gigolo gets its complexity from Amaro Palatine, which adds a touch of herbal warmth and a hint of spice. Bollicine Sparkling Wine, a bubbly companion, is a tantalizing twist that lifts your spirits to new heights with every delightful fizz.

Just a Gigolo’s allure is further heightened by the flavor of passion fruit, which infuses the drink with a tropical sweetness that’s as refreshing as a summer breeze. And if that wasn't enough, hibiscus and cocoa add a captivating depth of flavor, leaving a lingering impression that's as unforgettable as it is irresistible. With Just a Gigolo in hand, you're not just sipping a drink – you're embarking on a flavor adventure that'll titillate your taste buds and captivate your senses. So, raise your glass, strike a pose, and let Just a Gigolo whisk you away on a journey of flavor, flair, and fabulousness. This is a cocktail that’ll make you feel like a million bucks!

Marie Laveau

Next up, we have Marie Laveau – the mysterious enchantress with a flair for the dramatic! Crafted from Widow Jane 10 years Bourbon infused with Fliskouni, this potion radiates depth. Every sip reveals a rich tapestry of flavors that dance across your palate like a witchy potion. Marie Laveau draws its intrigue from Palatine Amaro, which provokes your taste buds with herbal spice. The addition of green and black cardamom makes for an exotic duo that adds a symphony of aromas and flavors, transporting you to a realm of sensory delight.

This cocktail is further enhanced by fig leaf and patchouli, infusing the drink with a seductive earthiness that lingers on your tongue like a whispered incantation. Smoked to perfection with apple wood, Marie Laveau evokes visions of bonfires and midnight rituals. With Marie Laveau in hand, you're not just sipping a drink – you're embarking on a journey of discovery and delight that'll leave you spellbound. So, embrace the mystery, and let Marie Laveau work her magic. This cocktail is enchanting as it is extraordinary!

Final Thoughts

In a world full of ordinary drinks, Just a Gigolo and Marie Laveau shine like beacons of flavor and fun. So head on over to Bitter Monk, and treat yourself to a sip of magic. You won't regret it! And while you’re at it, be sure to raise a glass to Binikos and Jutras, and the rest of the Bitter Monk team for bringing a little bit of enchantment into our lives.