The Taverns of New York: A Cocktail Themed Tour of Colonial Manhattan
Taught by James Hoffman
James Hoffman is a seasoned licensed New York City tour guide with over a decade of experience. He’s set up an array of sightseeing walks and bike tours that span from iconic landmarks like Grand Central Terminal to the historic Green-Wood Cemetery.
When he's not leading tours he runs open board game nights at victorypints.com and donates his time to the Guides Association of New York City (GANYC), working alongside fellow guides to promote live tour guides.
Join us for a cocktail-themed walking tour of colonial Manhattan's former taverns, coffee houses, and breweries. The experience starts with a stroll through Lower Manhattan, leading to Bowling Green Park, and then to the South Street Seaport.
We’ll explore the sites of former colonial taverns and discuss famous historical events that occurred right outside their doors. You’ll learn about the drinking habits of Dutch New Amsterdam and visit the lcoations of notorious 19th-century drinking establishments in the Seaport. The end of the walk will wrap up at Quiet Eternity, a modern take on a New England whaling tavern, where you can enjoy a colonial-themed cocktail experience with two full sized cocktails.
As you sip cocktails inspired by 18th-century recipes, your guide will share how these drinks connect to the early drinking habits of New Yorkers.
Tour Highlights:
We’ll cover many landmarks and events including:
- Fraunces Tavern: Where George Washington bid farewell to his officers.
- Totine Coffee House: The early home of the New York Stock Exchange.
- Hughson’s Tavern: Key site of the 1741 New York Conspiracy (a rumored slave revolution).
- Bank of Manhattan Building: Discover its ties to Aaron Burr and early New York drinking habits.
- Lovelace Tavern: The 1600s tavern that also served as a former city hall.
- Captain Joseph Rose House: The third oldest building in NYC, later known as Kit Burn's Sportman's Hall.
Cocktails:
Each ticket includes two full-sized cocktails at Quiet Eternity, to be enjoyed during the last hour of the experience. Participants can also opt for non-alcoholic substitutions. While options may change seasonally, the cocktails designed for the tour will be based on traditional colonial recipes and/or use 18th century inspired ingredients such as rum punch, mulled cider, applejack, or maderia inspired cocktails.
Details:
- Duration: About 3 hours, including the walking tour and cocktail experience.
- Meeting Point: Zuccotti Park. Exact meeting details will be emailed to attendees.
- Age Restriction: Participants must be 21 or older.
- What to Bring: Wear suitable footwear for walking and dress for the weather.
