JERSEY CITY, NJ —
August 28, 2026 |
By DailyHudson Staff
From spritz towers to punch bowls, here’s where to gather for a round worth sharing.
The server appears at the table carrying something that makes everyone stop mid-sentence. It’s not the food — though that’s coming. It’s a tower of bright orange Aperol spritz, or a tree of four different martinis, or a punch bowl that could double as a fish tank. For a moment, the whole table just stares. Then the phones come out.
That’s the scene at several bars and restaurants across Hudson County right now. Large-format cocktails — served in towers, trees, pitchers, and punch bowls — are having a moment. And whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a promotion, or just surviving another week, these drinks turn an ordinary dinner into something worth talking about.
Here’s where to find them, what they cost, and what to know before you order.
What’s Happening
Several spots in Hoboken and Jersey City have added shareable drinks to their menus. The options range from classic sangria pitchers to elaborate towers that arrive on a stand in the middle of the table.
At Cellar 335 on Newark Avenue in Jersey City, the large-format list includes two punches. In the Navy mixes rum with beer, cinnamon, ginger, passion fruit, and allspice. The Zombie Priest Punch blends passion fruit, pineapple, cinnamon, grapefruit, and rum. Each serves 2–4 people and costs $46.
Over at Felina Steak on Chapel Avenue, also in Jersey City, the XL cocktails are designed for four. You can order an Espresso Martini prepared in a large format, a Mimosa Bouquet, or the Morning Glam, which is a twist on a Hugo Spritz. Prices run from $35 to $55. For brunch, there’s also a shared Mimosa Cart and Garden Spritzes.
In Hoboken, Halifax on River Street is offering a complimentary Aperol Spritz tower for groups of five or more during weekend brunch in August. The brunch itself is a two-course prix fixe for $39, with an optional $19 Bubbles add-on that includes a bottle of sparkling wine and juice.
At Moran’s on Garden Street, mimosas come by the pitcher during Saturday and Sunday brunch from 11 AM to 3 PM. It’s a straightforward option if you’re looking for something classic and reliable.
Olivia’s, also on Garden Street, serves red and white sangria pitchers for $48, at both brunch and dinner. The pitchers are meant to be shared, so bring a group.
The Ainsworth on Sinatra Drive has a whole section of the menu called Flights & Towers. You can pick a Spritz Tower (Aperol, Hugo, Limoncello, or Ains), an Espresso Martini Tower (vanilla, cinnamon, pumpkin, or peanut butter — with vodka or reposado), or a Tini Tower featuring a Cosmopolitan, Appletini, Lemon Drop, and Dirty Martini. There are also margarita and sangria flights.
At The LOLA Waterfront Restaurant + Lounge, also on Sinatra Drive, the signature is the Spritz Tree — four spritzes served on a stand that looks like a small tree. It costs $60.
And at The View at LOKAL on 2nd Street in Jersey City, you can get four spritzes in a tower for $42. The patio offers panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, which pair well with a shared drink.
The Background
Large-format drinks aren’t new. Punches have been around for centuries, and the tiki revival brought back elaborate bowls. But the current trend is more about the presentation — the towers and trees are designed to be seen. They’re photo-ready, and they make a table feel like a party even before the first sip.
Local restaurants have embraced this partly because it’s good for business. A $46 punch bowl that serves four is a better deal than four separate cocktails, so groups stay longer and order more food. For customers, it’s a way to try something different without committing to a full cocktail you might not like.
It also fits the social side of dining. Sharing a drink is a way to connect — you’re not just eating together, you’re drinking together. And in a county that’s packed with young professionals and families, that kind of shared experience is appealing.
What It Means for Hudson County
For residents, this means more options for group outings. Instead of everyone ordering the same round of individual cocktails, you can get a tower that sparks conversation. It’s perfect for a double date, a group of friends catching up, or a team dinner after work.
It also means you don’t have to travel to Manhattan for a special night out. The Hudson County bar and restaurant scene has grown a lot in recent years, and these shareable drinks are part of that. You can watch the sun set over the skyline from Hoboken or Jersey City, with a drink in the middle of the table, and feel like you’re somewhere special.
Prices vary, so there’s something for different budgets. The Ainsworth’s towers are on the higher end, but Moran’s pitchers are more accessible. Halifax’s free tower for groups of five or more during brunch is a solid deal if you can gather enough people.
What People Are Saying
Cellar 335’s website says the restaurant is “all about fun with family and friends,” which is why they created large-format cocktails. Felina Steak describes its XL cocktails as “meant to be split between 4 people,” positioning them as a centerpiece for the table.
Halifax is promoting its free spritz tower for groups of five or more as a brunch perk. The LOLA’s Spritz Tree is described as a “signature” item, indicating it’s become a regular part of the menu.
There’s no official statement from city officials or health experts about these drinks, but the trend speaks for itself. Where there’s demand, restaurants will supply.
What Comes Next
If you’re planning a group celebration, it’s smart to call ahead. Some of these items are only available during certain hours — Moran’s pitchers are brunch-only, and Halifax’s free tower is limited to August. Others, like the towers at The Ainsworth, are available whenever the kitchen is open.
Keep an eye on restaurant social media for seasonal specials. As the weather cools, you might see fall-inspired punches or holiday-themed towers. And if you’re trying to keep costs down, look for happy hour deals or brunch specials that include a shareable drink.
For now, the next time you’re gathering with friends in Hudson County, you know where to look. The drinks are big, the moments are bigger, and the memories tend to stick — even if the cocktail doesn’t.
Source: Hoboken Girl

