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How to make the Clock at Grand Central, a cocktail inspired by a NYC landmark

A drink from a steakhouse in the thick of the city

By Mark Stock Nov 11, 2025 8:32 AM

The Clock at Grand Central cocktail. — Palladino’s

There’s not a bad time to be in New York City but there’s something special about fall. Things crisp up and being inside the city’s many great bars and restaurants becomes all the cozier of an experience. But if you can’t get to the Big Apple, we can bring a little bit of it to you.

We got a recipe from Palladino’s, a steakhouse in NYC set right next to Grand Central Station. Fittingly, the restaurant has created a cocktail in the station’s honor, named after the incredibly clock that resides within. It’s a mezcal drink that takes on just the right amount of blood orange and fall-friendly maple syrup.

Read on for the full recipe.

Clock at Grand Central

This drink ends up being quite pretty in the glass, thanks to some egg white fluff and a good garnish. Go with a bartender-approved mezcal as you mix this one up.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 ounces mezcal
2 ounces blood orange
1/2 ounce lime juice
1/4 ounce maple syrup
Red chili flakes
Egg white

Method:

Dry shake all ingredients (mezcal, blood orange juice, lime juice, maple syrup, egg white, and a small pinch of red chili flakes) without ice to emulsify the egg white and create a rich foam.
Add ice and shake again vigorously to chill and dilute properly. Double strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass to remove ice shards and chili flakes for a silky texture.
Garnish with a light dusting of red chili flakes (or a fine line down the foam for visual flair).

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Mark Stock is a writer from Portland, Oregon. He fell into wine during the Recession and has been fixated on the stuff since… Read Full Bio

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