Cocktail bar
Unclaimed profileBar Contra
New York, NY · $$$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Bar Contra's cocktail menu is organized by preparation style—carbonated, shaken, on a rock/built, stirred—with inventive, house-made ingredients. Zero-proof and low-ABV drinks like Two Percenter and Purple Cab broaden the appeal. The bar's reputation among customers is strong, with praise for boozy, medicinal cocktails. The beer and wine lists are minimal, but the cocktail program carries the experience.
- What should I order?
- Firefly Mule blends ginger, turmeric, and galangal spirit with gin and lime. Passion Fruit Lowball pairs passion fruit and gentian with blanche armagnac. For a low-ABV option, Two Percenter offers cynar and celery seed syrup at 2.5% ABV. Zero-proof drinkers might try Green Bean BS with rhubarb, marigold, and pomegranate.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts seeking inventive, spirit-forward drinks will find much to explore. Those looking for low-ABV or zero-proof options are also well served. The bar's creative flavor combinations and preparation-style menu appeal to curious drinkers.
- When should I go?
- Evenings are likely the best time to experience the full cocktail menu. The bar's reputation suggests it's a destination for a serious drinking session, perhaps after dinner or as the main event.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Prices are not listed on the menu, so expect mid-to-high range for craft cocktails in City.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The cocktail list is organized by preparation method, a thoughtful framework that highlights technique. House-made ingredients like ginger-turmeric-galangal spirit and smoked pasilla spirit add originality. The inclusion of low-ABV and zero-proof drinks, such as the 2.5% ABV Two Percenter, shows a commitment to range.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
Creative, well-organized cocktail menu with house-made ingredients and a range of styles, including zero-proof and low-ABV options.
Menu strengths
- — Menu organized by preparation style (carbonated, shaken, on a rock/built, stirred), showcasing technique.
- — Includes zero-proof and low-ABV options, catering to varied preferences.
Standout selections
- — Firefly Mule: ginger, turmeric, & galangal spirit, gin, lime
- — Passion Fruit Lowball: passion fruit, gentian, blanche armagnac
- — Two Percenter: cynar, celery seed syrup, champagne acid, 2.5% ABV
Pricing: No prices listed on menu
Wine
Wine appears only as an ingredient in a cocktail; no dedicated wine list found.
Menu strengths
- — Red wine is used in the Purple Cab cocktail.
Standout selections
- — Purple Cab: red wine, cream syrup, champagne acid, 4% ABV
Pricing: No prices listed
Beer
Two beers offered, one local and one regional, but the selection is minimal.
Menu strengths
- — Offers local (Staten Island) and regional (Maine) options.
Standout selections
- — Kills Boro Killsner: German style pilsner, Staten Island, NY
- — Allagash White: Belgian style wheat, ME
Pricing: No prices listed
Nonalcoholic
A thoughtful zero-proof program with creative ingredients and descriptions that stand on their own.
Menu strengths
- — Several zero-proof cocktails with inventive ingredients like schisandra and green bean.
- — Descriptions are playful, e.g., 'did we need a green bean drink? Yes!'
Standout selections
- — Schisandra: schisandra, juniper, buddha’s hand, myrrh
- — Green Bean BS: rhubarb, marigold, pomegranate
Pricing: No prices listed
Spirits
The cocktail menu uses a wide range of spirits, including gin, rum, pisco, tequila, mezcal, bourbon, cognac, armagnac, and calvados.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive variety of base spirits across the cocktail list.
Standout selections
- — Xipe Totec: smoked pasilla spirit, clairin, acid pineapple, orange syrup
Pricing: No prices listed
How it sits with the food
The menu includes food items like Celeriac Crumpet and Beef Tartare, suggesting the bar's cocktails are designed to pair with savory bites. The inventive, sometimes medicinal flavors of the drinks might complement the rich, umami notes of such dishes.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
Community reviews
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