New Yorkers have become accustomed to the typical spirits that fill bars and restaurants, including vodka, gin and whiskey, but there is a new spirit that should be mixed in your next cocktail…Baijiu. It might be new to New Yorkers, but Baijiu dates back nearly 5,000 years and has been a popular spirit in the Chinese culture. While there are countless bars and lounges in Manhattan, Lumos is the only spot that solely serves this spirit.
As people walk along Houston Street, they might walk past Lumos without even noticing it, because it’s hidden below ground near the corner of La Guardia Place. However, once people enter the bar they will be transported into a wonderland of Baijiu and creative cocktails. For people tasting the spirit for the first time, the knowledgeable bartenders are there to educate patrons about the drinks and guide them to try some of their signature cocktails. One of their drinks that delivers a powerful punch, but is filled with flavor is The Luminous. Mixed with Baijiu, green grapes, elderflower liqueur, hibiscus tea extract, lime and agave, this drink will light the way for a fun night with friends.
Like many of the traditional spirits, Baijiu comes in various types, and at Lumos there is a cocktail that is a whopping $115. While most of the cocktails are typically Manhattan prices, the One Night might be the priciest, but that’s because it is filled with top shelf liquor. Mixed with MaoTai Baijiu, Grand Marnier Centenaire and topped with Dom Perignon, One Night will turn any mundane evening into a memorable night.
Lumos does not just offer cocktails, but also serves up delicious tapas bites. From the Open Face, which is a sautéed steak sandwich topped with melted Gouda cheese to the Mitten Crab Cake, which is topped with a Shanghai spice sauce, the mini bites are the perfect selection to compliment each drink.
Whether you enjoy vodka on the rocks or a classic Old Fashion, it is time to expand your spirit palate with the internationally celebrated baijiu. This quaint space on Houston Street is currently the first baijiu bar outside of China and is making a big impact in New York.
Twisted Talk: Have you been to Lumos? What is your favorite cocktail? Discuss below!
