Watermelon Cucumber Tonic
Eat, Drink & Be Literary With BAM
Pro Tip:
Taste your watermelon. A pinch of salt can help bring out the flavors and, if it’s not sweet enough, feel free to add a pinch of sugar, especially if you’re going to combine it with soda water.
Great Performances has long partnered with BAM and the National Book Foundation on Eat, Drink & Be Literary, a unique series for readers, writers, and diners. Now adapted for the digital space, the series welcomes world-renowned authors Sigrid Nunez, Tayari Jones, and Luis Alberto Urrea for these one-night-only live events. Find out more about the series here.
Great Performances will be crafting a new cocktail each month and we’ll be sharing two versions: a cocktail and a zero-proof cocktail so that everyone can enjoy! Cheers!
WATERMELON CUCUMBER TONIC
Although this Watermelon Cucumber Tonic is a bit more complicated than some other cocktails, we think it’s worth it to prepare the juice from scratch. As a shortcut, you can purchase watermelon juice and use Hendricks Gin to get some of the cucumber flavors. Adding a garnish of a slice of cucumber and a sprig of mint will bring the cocktail together nicely.
Ingredients
6 cups cubed seeded watermelon, divided
1/4 cup mint leaves, divided
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, divided
1 English cucumber, peeled, sliced, and divided (about 3 cups)
2 1/2 cups tonic water, chilled
1 1/4 cups of gin
Garnish
- Mint leaves
- Cucumber slices
- Watermelon wedges
Procedure
- Prepare the Watermelon Cucumber Juice. Combine half of each watermelon, mint, lemon juice, and cucumber in a blender or food processor. Line a fine sieve with 4 layers of cheese-cloth, allowing cheesecloth to extend over edges. Strain watermelon mixture through prepared sieve over a bowl, reserving juice mixture. Gather the edges of the cheesecloth together. Holding cheesecloth over sieve, squeeze to release the remaining juice mixture. Discard solids. Repeat procedure with remaining watermelon, mint, juice and cucumber.
- Make the Cocktail. Combine 2 1/2 cups juice mixture with the tonic water and gin, stirring well to combine. Pour over ice and garnish with mint, cucumber, and watermelon wedges.
ZERO PROOF WATERMELON CUCUMBER TONIC
If you’ve already prepared the watermelon cucumber juice for the above version, you can use any remaining here. Alternatively, you could purchase watermelon juice from the grocery store. Adding a garnish of a slice of cucumber and a sprig of mint will bring the drink together nicely.
Ingredients
6 cups cubed seeded watermelon, divided
1/4 cup mint leaves, divided
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, divided
1 English cucumber, peeled, sliced, and divided (about 3 cups)
2 1/2 cups tonic water or soda water, chilled
Garnish
- Mint leaves
- Cucumber slices
- Watermelon wedges
Procedure
- Prepare the Watermelon Cucumber Juice. Combine half of each watermelon, mint, lemon juice, and cucumber in a blender or food processor. Line a fine sieve with 4 layers of cheese-cloth, allowing cheesecloth to extend over edges. Strain watermelon mixture through prepared sieve over a bowl, reserving juice mixture. Gather the edges of the cheesecloth together. Holding cheesecloth over sieve, squeeze to release the remaining juice mixture. Discard solids. Repeat procedure with remaining watermelon, mint, juice and cucumber.
- Make the Cocktail. Combine 2 1/2 cups juice mixture with the tonic water or soda water, stirring well to combine. Pour over ice and garnish with mint, cucumber, and watermelon wedges.
Rosemary Salty Dog
Eat, Drink & Be Literary With BAM
Pro Tip:
Rosemary can be a potent herb and we enjoy it’s distinctive woodsy/piney scent which compliments the grapefruit in this cocktail. We don’t want to overpower the cocktail, which is why we’re not muddling it as we typically do with other herbs in cocktails.
Great Performances has long partnered with BAM and the National Book Foundation on Eat, Drink & Be Literary, a unique series for readers, writers, and diners. Now adapted for the digital space, the series welcomes world-renowned authors Sigrid Nunez, Tayari Jones, and Luis Alberto Urrea for these one-night-only live events. Find out more about the series here.
Great Performances will be crafting a new cocktail each month and we’ll be sharing two versions: a cocktail and a zero-proof cocktail so that everyone can enjoy! Cheers!
ROSEMARY SALTY DOG
Ingredients
1 ½ oz gin
½ oz simple syrup
2 oz red grapefruit juice
- ½ inch rosemary sprig
Garnish
- Sprig of rosemary
- Salt
Procedure
Rim a martini glass with salt. In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, simple syrup, grapefruit juice, and rosemary sprig. Shake well. Strain into prepared highball glass and garnish with a sprig of rosemary
ZERO PROOF ROSEMARY SALTY DOG
Ingredients
½ inch sprig rosemary
½ oz simple syrup
2 oz red grapefruit juice
- Club soda
Garnish
- Sprig of rosemary
- Salt
Procedure
Rim a highball glass with salt and fill with ice. In a cocktail shaker, combine rosemary, simple syrup, and grapefruit juice and shake well. Strain into prepared highball glass, top with club soda, and garnish with a sprig of rosemary.
Strawberry Mint Caipirinha
Eat, Drink & Be Literary With BAM
Pro Tip:
When you’re muddling ingredients, make sure you press down and twist to extract maximum essential oils and juices. Adding granulated sugar can also help break down the ingredients.
Great Performances has long partnered with BAM and the National Book Foundation on Eat, Drink & Be Literary, a unique series for readers, writers, and diners. Now adapted for the digital space, the series welcomes world-renowned authors Sigrid Nunez, Tayari Jones, and Luis Alberto Urrea for these one-night-only live events. Find out more about the series here.
Great Performances will be crafting a new cocktail each month and we’ll be sharing two versions: a cocktail and a zero-proof cocktail so that everyone can enjoy! Cheers!
STRAWBERRY MINT CAIPIRINHA
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 oz. Leblon Cachaça
- 4 Fresh strawberries
- 5 Mint leaves – torn
- 2 dashes simple syrup
Garnish
- Sprig of mint
Procedure
Place the strawberries and mint leaves in a shaker and muddle well. Add Leblon Cachaça, simple syrup and fill with ice. Shake vigorously and pour into a highball glass.
ZERO PROOF STRAWBERRY MINT CAIPIRINHA
Ingredients
- 4 fresh strawberries
- 5 mint leaves – torn
- 2 dashes simple syrup
- Strawberry Perrier
Garnish
- Sprig of mint
Procedure
Place the strawberries, mint leaves and simple syrup in the bottom of a high ball glass and muddle well. Top with Strawberry Perrier, stir gently to combine, and garnis with a sprig of mint.
Green Tea Mojito
Eat, Drink & Be Literary With BAM
Pro Tip:
Before you add your sprig of mint as a garnish, place it in one hand, cup both hands, and clap your hands together to gently bruise the mint to release some of the essential oils. This will give you a whiff of mint each time you take a sip.
Great Performances has long partnered with BAM and the National Book Foundation on Eat, Drink & Be Literary, a unique series for readers, writers, and diners. Now adapted for the digital space, the series welcomes world-renowned authors Sigrid Nunez, Tayari Jones, and Luis Alberto Urrea for these one-night-only live events. Find out more about the series here.
Great Performances will be crafting a new cocktail each month and we’ll be sharing two versions: a cocktail and a zero-proof cocktail so that everyone can enjoy! Cheers!
GREEN TEA MOJITO
Ingredients
1 Tablespoon of lime juice
4 large mint leaves
2 teaspoons of sugar
1/3 cup of brewed organic green tea
2 Tablespoons of White Rum
Garnish
Lime wheel
Sprig of mint
Procedure
Pour lime juice, mint leaves, and sugar into a glass. Muddle mixture. Fill glass with ice and add organic green tea and white rum. Stir well and serve.
ZERO PROOF GREEN TEA MOJITO
Ingredients
1 Tablespoon of lime juice
4 large mint leaves
1 tsp sugar
1/3 cup of brewed organic green tea
2 Tablespoons of white grape juice
Garnish
Lime wheel
Sprig of mint
Procedure
Pour lime juice, mint leaves, and sugar into a glass. Muddle mixture. Fill glass with ice and add organic green tea and white grape juice. Stir well and serve.
We love this mocktail because it is the perfect way to make everyone (those who are pregnant, avoiding alcohol, on medication, or just don’t feel like having a drink) feel welcome at your special event.
THE TOP WEDDING VENUES IN NEW YORK
FOR MUSIC LOVERS
From classical to jazz, find the PERFECT place for your special day
Whether you love jazz, classical, showtunes, or anything in between, you’ll love getting married to one of these venues in NY. We have put together a list of the top wedding venues for music lovers to make your musical dream a reality. Check out what we consider to be the top wedding venues for music lovers in New York.
Harlem’s renowned Apollo Theater has been delighting music lovers since 1934.
The Apollo can host 350 members of your friends and family as you celebrate your union in this unique and soulful space that has been graced by music’s greatest including Louis Armstrong, Bessie Smith, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding and the legendary Aretha Franklin.
This modern venue offers windows facing North, South and West, and has four skylights which gives dramatic lighting for your intimate wedding. It can seat up to 150 people. The Penthouse is 4,500 square feet, has 24 windows on 3 sides, 4 large skylights, an easily accessible rooftop with a great view of the Empire State Building.
The Hammerstein is an incredible venue for special events such as wedding. The 12,000 square feet ballroom, it can accommodate large groups for weddings and receptions.
Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center, is the world’s first performing arts facility designed for jazz. It is an ideal wedding venue for the most ardent music lover.
The main hall features a glass curtain backdrop with the view of the city.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Caramoor is a 90 acre historic estate with wide gardens for your dream wedding.
The Sunken Garden, a three-tiered formal garden surrounded by woodlands is the most popular venue for a wedding ceremony.
The BRIC House Ballroom, main performance space has retractable seating that provides room for a seated even such as weddings. This modern venue also boasts state-of-the art AV technology.
The Pershing Square Signature Center is a modern venue with spaces such as theaters that is great for intimate weddings with small to medium sized number of guests.
The theaters and lobbies are the picture-perfect settings for a wide array of events including modern weddings.
This legendary New York events venue is ideal for all types of events including weddings. It’s perfect for music and theater lovers who are tying the knot as this is the home of the annual TONY Awards.
TheTimesCenter is a versatile, visually stunning, state-of-the-art event venue that can host your dream modern wedding in NY.
TheTimesCenter is comprised of The Stage and The Hall, each with its own unique lobby.
Contact Us
If you want to learn more about having your wedding at one of these spectacular New York wedding venues for music lovers, fill out the form below and a planner will reach out to you shortly:
A List of the Top Holiday Party Venues in New York
By Great Performances
As we approach the end of the year, we’re filled with excitement and energy. We’re full into our fall / winter event season which is capped by holiday events of all styles and sizes! We’ve seen the merriment and joy that comes from a company’s workforce come together to celebrate the successes of the past year and look forward to continued successes in the next. It’s a time for colleagues and their loved ones to mix, mingle, and reconnect – especially after the past years’ of socially distanced or video-conferenced celebrations.
Finding the right venue for your holiday party can help set the tone for your celebration. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite venues to help provide some inspiration. But, as always, feel free to reach out to us and tap the deep expertise of our event consultants to create the perfect part for you and your teams.
We’ve broken out our list into two main groups: parties for fewer than 300 people and parties for more than 300 people.
Don’t forget to read this article by Shaun Roberts detailing some of our top tips for holiday party success and give us a call! We’re here to be of service.
Top Holiday Party Venues best for parties fewer than 300 people
620 LOFT AND GARDENS
Another midtown favorite, the 620 Loft & Garden, the penthouse of 620 Fifth Avenue, offers the exciting combination of a city garden and downtown style loft space for your special day. This unique combination invites the opportunity for a memorable event. As the sole event in the space, all the focus will be on you and your guests. Suitable for parties up to 120 people seated or 165 standing.
ASIA SOCIETY
Located in Upper East Side Manhattan, The Asia Society and Museum is an exceptional space that combines world-class art exhibitions, stunning architecture, and an unparalleled atmosphere – making it one of New York City’s premier event spaces. With 3 versatile spaces available for private events – the 8th Floor Banquet Hall & Conference Suite, Garden Court, and Lila Acheson Wallace Auditorium- it certainly caters to any type of holiday event. Suitable for up to 250 people seated or standing.
BROOKLYN ACADEMY OF MUSIC (BAM)
Recognized internationally for its innovative programming of dance, music, theater, musical theater, and opera, BAM offers five unique spaces for events including an enclosed terrace, a stage, and a ballroom. It’s perfect for as few as 40 and up to 500 guests.
EXPLORER’S CLUB
Located on E. 70th Street in the Upper East Side neighborhood in a Jacobean townhouse built in 1910, the Explorer’s Club is the perfect gathering place for your holiday event! The beautiful townhouse is rich in history and design, stimulating conversation amongst all that visit!
GLASSHOUSE CHELSEA
Glasshouse Chelsea is a unique, multi-functional venue on the 14th and 21st floors of the architecturally-acclaimed Chelsea Arts Tower in NYC’s Chelsea neighborhood. Floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor terrace space provide guests with spectacular views of the Hudson River, Downtown, and Midtown Manhattan. This venue is perfect for up to 200 people.
HAROLD PRATT HOUSE: HOME TO THE COUNCIL ON FOREIGN RELATIONS
The Harold Pratt House was constructed in 1919 as one of New York’s grand Park Avenue mansions. It is an ideal location for celebrations, weddings, dinners, and conferences. Located in the Upper East Side, on E. 68th St. and Park Avenue, the house features a marble stairway connecting a variety of beautiful spaces including the Library, Reception, Drawing, Sitting, and Ballroom. All rooms feature cathedral ceilings, fireplaces, and original chandeliers, creating a magical atmosphere for your holiday event!
HUDSON MERCANTILE
Located in the Hudson Yard District, Hudson Mercantile offers 16,000 square feet of modern, versatile studio spaces, that are perfect for parties of up to 300 people.
THE PLAZA HOTEL
Located on the corner of 5th Avenue and Central Park South, The Plaza has been the setting, backdrop, and star of New York’s most memorable moments — and could be the perfect location for your holiday party! Our team of event planning experts can help ensure that your holiday party at The Plaza is a joyful celebration that everyone will remember well into the new year.
POSTER HOUSE
We love this gem located in Chelsea. Dedicated to the history of posters, this dynamic space is a perfect location for art-minded folks who will enjoy mingling in the space while viewing both contemporary and historic, thought-provoking and conversation-starting posters.
Ready to Plan Your Event at One of the Top Holiday Party Venues in New York?
TOP NY HOLIDAY PARTY VENUES BEST FOR PARTIES MORE THAN 300 PEOPLE
APOLLO THEATER
Established in 1934, the legendary Harlem Theater designated a national landmark, maintains its position as the nation’s most popular arena for emerging and established African-American and Latino performers. The Apollo has three unique spaces for you to host your event: the Mainstage, the Soundstage, and the Lobby Atrium. Overall capacity is 750 standing, 350 seated.
BIG APPLE CIRCUS
Located at Lincoln Center, the Big Apple Circus continues to delight and amaze guests featuring thrilling new acts from around the world and a more immersive experience than ever before. More than a show, it’s an experience you won’t ever forget! Perfect for groups from 15 to 1,600 people.
BROOKLYN MUSEUM
From a modern glass and steel pavilion to the grandeur of the Beaux-Arts Court, the Brooklyn Museum has a space to fit your event. Suitable for 100 to 1800 people.
JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER
Located in the Upper West Side on 59th Street and Columbus Circle, Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center is the world’s first performing arts facility designed for jazz. With over 6 spaces within the venue and amazing views of Columbus Circle and Central Park South, it truly is the perfect space for an unforgettable holiday event.
METROPOLITAN PAVILION
Metropolitan Pavilion is a premier Manhattan special events facility offering versatile room configurations in a convenient and historic Chelsea location. A/V, wifi, private lobbies, an indoor loading dock, and a wide range of production services set it apart as an NYC event destination of distinction. Perfect for groups of up to 800 people seated or 1500 people standing.
MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
The Museum of the City of New York’s beautifully renovated landmark building on Fifth Avenue’s iconic Museum Mile is the perfect place for special events–weddings, bar mitzvahs, corporate dinners, birthday and graduation parties, and more. Suitable for up to 350 people.
NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
The magnificent space, catering to both intimate gatherings as well as lavish extravaganzas, will lend a sense of grandeur and distinction to any occasion. This landmark building offers four classically elegant rooms for events. All event fees help to support the Library’s indispensable collections, services, and programs. Perfect for groups of up to 750 people.
THE TIMES CENTER
TheTimesCenter, located in the heart of midtown Manhattan, is a versatile, visually stunning, state-of-the-art event venue. Designed by acclaimed architect Renzo Piano, TheTimesCenter is comprised of The Stage and The Hall, each with its own unique lobby. Suitable for up to 800 guests.
WOLLMAN RINK
Located in the high-energy southeast end of Central Park, this iconic venue offers a quintessential New York experience on a stunning backdrop, year-round, featuring skating in the winter, warm-weather recreation and continuous special events programming. The facility is available for private and semi-private parties, complete with food and beverage service, as well as exclusive venue buyouts for special events or media, film, and commercial shoots.