Toxic Cocktails

Beautiful Drinks Named After Red Flags

Dating in New York is… complicated.
Charming strangers vanish. Affection comes on strong, then fizzles. And just when you think you’re defining the relationship—it slips right back into vague territory.

So it’s only fitting that this spring’s most cathartic cocktail trend comes with a twist: drinks inspired by the red flags we ignored (and maybe would again).

Introducing Toxic Cocktails: four beautiful, layered, personality-rich pours that nod to the chaotic energy of modern romance—with none of the emotional damage.

The Gaslighter

Smoked whiskey, ginger beer, lemon, toasted marshmallow

At first, it’s smooth. Polished. Charismatic. You might even trust it. But there’s smoke. And fire. And the moment you question the intensity—it bites back.

This cocktail is bold but slippery. Beautiful but slightly suspect. Like that one ex who always had “a great explanation.”

Serve it in a rocks glass, garnished with a flamed marshmallow and just a little too much confidence.

The Ghost

Vodka, elderflower liqueur, blanc vermouth, dry ice

Elegant. Light. Barely there. And then—gone.

This misty cocktail is served with a swirl of dry ice fog and an icy chill. You think it’s the start of something. You blink. It’s vanished.

Pair with a side of unanswered texts and a bar tab you’re closing solo.

The Love-Bomber

Cherry liqueur, prosecco, rose syrup, splash of grenadine

This one arrives fast. It’s dramatic. It sparkles. You feel like you’re in a montage. But underneath the sweet rush? It’s unbalanced and maybe just a little too much.

Drink it while someone says, “I’ve never felt this way before.” Then question it all two days later.

Serve in a coupe glass with edible flowers and a sugar rim. Because of course.

The Situationship

Gin, muddled cucumber, lime, tonic, dash of bitters

Is it refreshing? Is it bitter? Is it... going anywhere?

This drink is perfectly enjoyable—and totally unclear. It’s the cocktail equivalent of “Let’s just see where this goes.” And while it’s not giving answers, it is giving flavor.

Serve in a tall glass with plenty of ice and absolutely no expectations.

Host a Toxic Cocktail Night (No Breakups Required)

At Art of the Cocktail, we know that every great cocktail tells a story—even if that story includes a little emotional turbulence.

Book a private mixology experience where our expert bartenders teach you and your guests to shake, stir, and laugh your way through these chaotic creations. Each cocktail comes with its own tale of heartbreak, hilarity, and healing.

Perfect for:

• Birthday parties with a sense of humor

• Breakup bashes (therapeutic, not destructive)

• Bachelorette weekends

• Brand activations with edge

Need the Right Venue to Match the Mood?

Morgan at NYC Event Venues has the perfect space—whether you want romantic rooftop vibes, candlelit catharsis, or a velvet-draped den for confessing it all.
Her handpicked spaces across New York set the tone for your toxic tale (with stunning light and great acoustics, naturally).

With Morgan handling the setting and Art of the Cocktail managing the mix, your event will be the kind of night people text about afterward. Even if someone gets ghosted.

Book Your Toxic Cocktail Experience

Private events, mixology classes, and red-flag-themed activations available citywide.

Because love fades, but a good cocktail? That lingers.