The Carlyle Hotel’s famous Bemelmans Bar bartender shows New York Matinée how he makes the iconic ‘Madeline Vesper’ in the new series: Make Your Favorite Drink.
At Bemelmans Bar in New York City, a cocktail comes with a side of culture, a dash of nostalgia, and a setting that feels straight out of a storybook. Tucked inside the legendary Carlyle Hotel on the Upper East Side, this glamorous Manhattan destination has been serving sophisticated sips since 1947. Its most charming secret? A connection to one of the most beloved characters in children’s literature: Madeline.
The bar takes its name from Ludwig Bemelmans, the Austrian-born author and illustrator who created the Madeline books. In 1947, Bemelmans transformed the bar’s walls with whimsical murals depicting Central Park scenes populated by playful animals and charming characters. The artwork became a defining feature of the space, blending childhood imagination with old-school New York elegance.
The story behind the murals is almost as delightful as the artwork itself. Rather than simply accepting payment for his commission, Bemelmans reportedly received 18 months of accommodation at the Carlyle for himself and his family while completing the project. His work remains a major part of the bar’s identity decades later.
Naturally, a place this iconic deserves a signature cocktail. Enter Madeline’s Vesper, a playful nod to the little girl whose creator gave the bar its name. The cocktail joined Bemelmans Bar’s signature drinks menu when the Carlyle announced the bar’s reopening in 2021. Inspired by the famous Vesper martini associated with James Bond, it brings a touch of literary whimsy to the bar’s classic cocktail culture.
But the magic extends beyond the glass. With its elegant atmosphere, live piano music, and celebrated murals, Bemelmans remains one of the most distinctive cocktail bars on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. It’s equally suited to a special occasion, a glamorous date night, or simply treating yourself to a little New York history.
So, the next time you’re craving a martini with a story, head to the Carlyle.
After all, at Bemelmans Bar, growing up doesn’t mean giving up the fairytale.
