Apotheke
Nicolas O'Connor of Apotheke
When you hang with us, a Friday afternoon plan can quickly evolve into a Friday night outing…and you know where that leads. Straight into Saturday morning. If there’s one spot we can count on to take our night in the right direction, it’s Apotheke, nestled comfortably in the narrow Chinatown alleyway that is Doyers Street. Legend has it that back in the 20th century, the hidden locale was riddled with Chinese gang wars – but now it's just where we like to go to get our weekend prescription.
The apothecary-style bar features over 250 house cocktails and over 500 bottles of liquor from around the world, and everything is divided into pharmacy-like categories – “Health and Beauty,” “Stress Relievers,” “Aphrodisiacs," “Euphoric Enhancers,” etc. We like to think that not only are they serving up strong spirits, but they're trying to keep us in good spirits, too. But with Kanon behind the bar, that's typically a guarantee. Meet Nicolas O’Connor, Apotheke's mixology extraordinaire who helps us raise our spirits each time we come knocking for a cocktail. Someone's got to be there to cure those nights that've come to a standstill, right? Read up for his take on NYC nightlife from the other side of the bar.
What’s the secret to making a great cocktail?
Creating a balance through the right flavor combinations.
Where do you look to for inspiration when making and creating new drinks?
Through food. When I am eating something with wonderful flavor and texture, it inspires me to try and transfer that feeling to a cocktail.
What makes Apotheke unique or different than other bars in NYC?
Apotheke gives the power to the Mixologist. They are able to create throughout the night based on the needs of the patron.
Apotheke's drinks come in categories like ‘Health & Beauty,” “Stress Relievers,” and “Pain Killers,” among others. What category is the most requested?
Health and Beauty, which are the most accessible on paper.
What's your personal favorite category?
Stress Relievers; I love this set of drinks because they are based on more subtle tastes and have soothing effects.
Are there any drink orders that are super labor intensive or annoying to make?
Some of the classics are so well-known and enjoyed that to be done properly, can take a long time. On a busy night, making an Old Fashioned can be pretty annoying.
What is the most bizarre request you’ve ever had for a drink?
I have made drinks from Snickers bars and Sour Patch Kids. And once someone requested a cocktail that tasted like what the R. Kelly song, "Birthday Sex" sounds like.
Personal cocktail of choice?
Negroni
On a night off, where could we most likely find you sipping on this cocktail of choice?
I live in New York – with all the possibilities, I love to experiment. From the Alligator Lounge (where a free pizza comes with every drink) to Angel Share (where there are rules for drinking), I love to experience it all.
Any other watering holes you frequent in the city?
Yerba Buena, Theater bar, Milk and Honey, Dram, Calexico, and Trophy Bar.
Doyers street was once known for drug trafficking and gang wars decades ago; what do you think the vibe is like now?
Chinatown back lot; aesthetically it's the ultimate Chinatown street. You get tours coming through during the day and at night it's a ghost town with only the occasional Chinatownian making their way back home.
What's your favorite thing about NYC nightlife?
It's the only city I have ever lived in that has a 4 AM last call.
Finally, can you share the recipe for your favorite drink using Kanon Vodka?
I like to make a version of a White Lady, with Kanon Vodka instead of gin and adding mint and ginger.
