Cocktail bar
Unclaimed profileMace
New York, NY · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Mace is a cocktail bar with a spice-forward menu, where drinks like Tonka and Habanero showcase ingredients rarely seen together. Six years on the World's 50 Best Bars list signals consistent craft. The wine and beer lists are compact but serviceable, and non-alcoholic versions of signature cocktails are thoughtful. Expect a focused, ingredient-driven experience.
- What should I order?
- Try the Tonka, a rye and sherry blend with tonka beurre noisette and lactic rhubarb-strawberry cordial. The Habanero offers a spicy, savory profile with blanco tequila and sambal matah. For something lighter, the Rose combines Aperol, lychee, and dry Riesling.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts seeking creative, spice-infused drinks will appreciate Mace's unique approach. Fans of bars with international recognition and a focus on unusual ingredients will find plenty to explore. The non-alcoholic options also cater to those avoiding alcohol.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails range from $19.50 to $23.50, with most around $21.50. Wine bottles are $74 to $106, and beers are $9.50 to $12.50. Non-alcoholic cocktail prices are not listed.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- Mace's entire cocktail menu is organized around spices, from Tonka to Habanero, with ingredients like tonka beurre noisette and lactic rhubarb cordial. The bar's six-year run on the World's 50 Best Bars list underscores its commitment to this niche.
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
A wide range of signature cocktails named after spices, with creative ingredients and techniques. Priced at a premium but justified by the originality and recognition. Classic cocktails and non-alcoholic versions also offered.
Menu strengths
- — Spice-driven menu with unique ingredients like tonka beurre noisette and lactic rhubarb cordial.
- — Recognized as one of the World's 50 Best Bars for six years.
Standout selections
- — Tonka: rye whiskey, fino sherry, tonka beurre noisette, lactic rhubarb & strawberry cordial, cocoa butter.
- — Habanero: blanco tequila, sambal matah, guava, habanero salt, C02.
- — Rose: Aperol, rose, lychee, raspberry, lemon, whey, dry riesling, C02.
Pricing: Cocktails $19.50-$23.50, most around $21.50.
Wine
A compact wine list covering major varieties and styles, including Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec, Cotes du Rhone, Petite Sirah, Rosé, Champagne, and Prosecco. Prices are moderate for the category.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse selection spanning sparkling, white, and red.; Reasonable bottle prices for a cocktail bar.
Standout selections
- — Gustav Adolf Schmitt Riesling Fisherman - Riesling, $74.
- — Clavelier Chablis Les Opales - Chardonnay, $78.
- — Champagne Chastellier 1ER Cru Brut - Champagne, $106.
Pricing: Bottles $74-$106.
Beer
A short beer list with local and craft options, including a hefeweissbier, pilsner, New England IPA, and rotating cans. Prices are typical for the area.
Menu strengths
- — Includes local and craft breweries.; Rotating canned selection adds variety.
Standout selections
- — Grimm Weiss Hefeweissbier - Hefeweissbier, $11.50.
- — Von Trapp Pilsner - Pilsner, $12.50.
- — Torch and Crown New England IPA - New England IPA.
Pricing: Beers $9.50-$12.50.
Nonalcoholic
Non-alcoholic cocktails mirror the signature spice-driven drinks, using alternatives like Three Spirits Livener.
Menu strengths
- — Use of unique ingredients like beet juice and Thai coconut cordial.
Standout selections
- — Non-Alcoholic Mace: Three Spirits Livener, beet juice, orange acid, young Thai coconut cordial, mace mist.
- — Non-Alcoholic Habanero: sambal matah, guava, habanero salt, C02.
- — Non-Alcoholic Ginger: rooibos tea, pea + cauliflower cordial, ginger, C02.
Pricing: No prices listed.
Spirits
No dedicated spirits list, but cocktails showcase a wide range of spirits including rye, gin, tequila, vodka, mezcal, bourbon, rum, and aquavit. The focus is on how they interact with spices.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse spirits used in creative cocktails.; Integration of spirits with unique spice combinations.
Standout selections
- — Tonka uses rye whiskey and fino sherry.
- — Vanilla combines bourbon with Averna and sakura bitters.
Pricing: No dedicated spirits list.
How it sits with the food
The cocktail menu's spice-driven profiles suggest pairings with dishes that can stand up to bold flavors. The happy hour oysters provide a briny counterpoint to the bar's aromatic drinks, and the late-night menu likely complements the complex cocktails.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
Community reviews
Anyone with a free Inebrious account can rate the drinks here. Community ratings are kept entirely separate from the Inebrious editorial score above.
No community reviews yet. Be the first to write one.