With gourmet eateries springing up at many of the city's top museums, it's been awhile since a tuna sandwich was de rigueur fare for the art crowd. It seems food isn't the only thing that's getting a makeover though, as several museums now offer specialty cocktails in their restaurants and some even have bars of their own—making a cultural outing that much more interesting.  

The Morgan Library and Museum
Renzo Piano's light-drenched atrium in the center of the museum is the perfect setting for a cocktail. In keeping with The Morgan's mission to be both a library and a museum, cocktails are marked on the menu with the date of origin and interesting trivia (did you know the cocktail “Death in the Afternoon” was Ernest Hemingway’s contribution to a 1935 compilation of celebrity recipes?) There may be no time like the present, but the past created some tasty libations, including 1857’s “Knickerbocker Gimlet” (currant vodka and lime), and 1935's “Aviation Cocktail” (gin, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lemon). All cocktails $9. (225 Madison Ave., 212-685-0008)

The Museum of Modern Art
Gabriel Kreuther's food at The Modern (the Alsatian-influenced restaurant adjacent to the museum), has been lauded since the day it opened, but the superb cocktails created by mixologist-of-the-moment Junior Merino are equally stunning. Spend an afternoon in the nursing “The Payback” ($12), a potent blend of Gran Centenario tequila, kiwi, Luxardo tri-plum triple sec, and a fiery kick of jalapeño, or the elegant “Coming Up Roses” ($12), an ethereal combination of rose petals, lime, rosewater, Bacardi Razz and Champagne. (11 W. 53rd St., 212-708-9400)

Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum
While the Café at Cooper-Hewitt doesn't offer much in terms of beverage selection, it does provide a gorgeous outdoor seating area overlooking Central Park and the Carnegie Mansion. Tables and benches are dotted throughout the verdant landscape of trees, shrubs, and flower beds, so grab one of the three types of Brooklyn Brewery beer ($6) or a glass of wine ($7) and head outside for an alfresco aperitif. If it's a really nice day, you can always opt for an entire bottle of wine ($24). (2 E. 91st St., 212-849-8400)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy a drink atop the Roof Garden Café, which offers patrons panoramic city views in addition to an impressive installation of Frank Stella's huge abstract sculptures. A full bar stocks cocktails ($11), beer ($7), and wine ($10) and frozen drinks made with your choice of liquor ($11). The café closes at 4:30 p.m., but on Friday and Saturday nights, the martini bar stays open until 8 p.m., offering specialty drinks. Also on weekends, check out Balcony Bar, located on the second floor of the museum overlooking the spectacular Great Hall. Here you can indulge in a selection of innovative cocktails like the “Lavender Martini” ($12) while listening to live classical music. (1000 Fifth Ave., 212-535-7710)

Asia Society and Museum
The Garden Court Café offers two Asian-inspired cocktails in addition to a full menu at this museum. The “Lychee Bellini” is your best bet for something sweet, while the “Thai Bloody Mary” spiked with chili oil and ginger packs a zesty punch. Both drinks $8. (725 Park Ave., 212-288-6400)

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