At 3 p.m. on a weekday at Day-Glow Cafe in Bushwick, barista Joshua Thierry leans over a coupe glass, his focus intense as he crafts a drink.
The creation on his mind? Twin Peaks, a well-liked coffee cocktail. It resembles a Manhattan with cherry blossoms on top, contains a coffee kick yet is completely alcohol-free, all for $12.
This drink is part of a tribute menu celebrating the late David Lynch. Making it involves a lengthy, intricate process that starts with an unusual mixture: chocolatey Mexican espresso is blended with lemon, tart cherry juice, Amarena cherries, black tea tincture, and just a hint of salt.
After mixing, it’s poured into buttermilk and left to solidify, allowing milk proteins to refine the flavors into something smooth and silky. Following a day of chilling and straining, it’s served over ice cubes, topped with a shiny Amarena cherry.
Thierry works amidst a sea of eager Gen Z customers who seem entranced, snapping photos with their phones as they enjoy the visually striking coffee mocktail.
Welcome to the evolving nightlife of New York. You can indulge in caffeine without the worry of a hangover.
Research indicates that while Gen Z drinks less alcohol compared to older generations, they still seek out rituals and atmospheric presentations in their beverages.
Cafes like Day-Glow are rising to meet this demand, churning out creatively crafted mocktails that mimic speakeasy-style cocktails but provide the perks of caffeine. Consider an espresso martini devoid of the usual weighty aftereffects, or a bubbly drink that’s almost dessert-like.
In New York, caffeine is now an art form, acting as social currency and a gateway to nightlife for those who prefer not to drink alcohol.
From the sunlit cafes in West Village to polished venues in Midtown, New Yorkers are enjoying coffee concoctions that bear resemblance to high-fashion cocktails.
At Felix Roasting Company in Midtown, where executives and tourists gather, a hickory-smoked s’mores latte is presented dramatically, with smoke wafting upward as it emerges from under a cloche, capturing the essence of campfire nostalgia.
Prized at $15, this artisan drink goes beyond simple creation; it’s an experience. The drink is steeped with graham crackers for a full day, served in an elegant glass, adorned with dark chocolate and crushed nuts.
The entire ensemble is confined under a hickory-filled cloche, perfectly combining flavor and theatrics, while toasted marshmallows are crafted at the table, reviving fond childhood memories.
Felix founder Matt Moinian mentions that these drinks aim to whisk patrons away from busy urban life to a more serene and nostalgic atmosphere.
5 must-stop stops on the coffee mocktail circuit
Daylight
Day-Glow Cafe is a bustling hub that blends bright ambiance with inventive coffee mocktails. It’s known for drinks like the Twin Peaks ($12), which mimics a classy, caffeinated Manhattan.
The jet black Totoro ($12) features a coconut-like, sweet taste that evokes a character from a Studio Ghibli film.
With its deep blue hue, the Mulholland Drive ($10) showcases a refreshing blend of coconut milk, lime, mint, and nutmeg that plays tricks on your senses.
The Eraser Head ($10) offers a unique flavor pairing of green foam, melon soda, and distilled coffee that’s surprisingly enjoyable.
Felix Roasting Company
Decorated by Ken Fulk, Felix’s chic atmosphere features top-tier coffee blends and gourmet bites.
The Hickory Smoked S’mores Latte ($15) evokes summer campfire memories, filled with marshmallow flavor and hickory smoke. A rarity among non-alcoholic offerings, it’s both delicious and enchanting.
Part of the unique experience is the Deconstructed Espresso Tonic ($11), blending fresh tonic with basil, lemon zest, and rosewater for a memorable taste.
Fellini Coffee
Fellini Coffee brings a touch of Italian flair to the West Village, famed for its stylish offerings. The Dolce Vita Latte draws a crowd, including notable celebrities.
For a sweet indulgence, the Tiramisu Latte ($11) transforms dessert into a drink, featuring double espresso, mascarpone, and cocoa flavors, allowing you to savor tiramisu in liquid form.
Unregular
Unregular Bakery epitomizes modern food creativity, introducing drinks like the Latini – a latte adorned with mini croissants that double as a playful accessory.
Seasonal flavors are rotated, with offerings like the Cold Brew Latini, featuring a chocolate croissant, and the Green Matcha Latini, which presents a drink-and-dessert duo. The Strawberry Rose Latini pairs floral sweetness with visual flair, while the Blue Matcha Latini is a vibrant potion-like drink that looks fitting for a witch’s brew.
