I was on a mission to find the best Christmas cocktails in New York City this season, and Sveta NYC quickly made its way to the top of my list. From Ukrainian food to creative, over-the-top holiday drinks, here’s everything you need to know before visiting.

Sveta in New York City

Before I dive into what I ate and sipped, let’s talk about Sveta, the modern Ukrainian restaurant that totally stole the show this holiday season.

Located in the West Village, Sveta feels like stepping into a warm, creative space where tradition meets playful, picture-perfect presentation.

The restaurant was founded by a mother-and-son team and blends European fusion flavors with Ukrainian soul.

I visited during the holidays, which means this spot is filled with festive decorations, and themed drinks take center stage. Here is a look at my visit.

Sveta’s Festive Christmas Cocktails

The main reason for my visit was to try one of their over-the-top Christmas Cocktails! After seeing them for weeks, I was so excited to order them.

Naughty But Nice Cocktail

My first Christmas cocktail had to be Naughty But Nice!

Made with Flecha Azul tequila, blueberry purée compote, and fresh lime, it strikes a really nice balance between tart and sweet.

The cotton candy on top slowly melts into the drink, adding a playful touch and just a hint of extra sweetness as you sip.

Sveta Stole Christmas Cocktail

Another standout holiday cocktail at Sveta was Sveta Stole Christmas, which was just as fun!

Made with Gunpowder Gin, white cranberry juice, DaVinci kiwi syrup, fresh lime, and topped with fizzy water, it’s bright, crisp, and easy to sip.

The flavors are clean and slightly tart, making it a great option if you want something festive without being overly sweet.

What I Ate at Sveta in NYC

I was genuinely excited to eat here because I had never tried Ukrainian food before, and this felt like the perfect place to start.

Ukrainian Borscht

I knew right away that I had to order the borscht, it’s one of the most traditional Ukrainian dishes, and felt like the right introduction to the menu.

The soup was rich and comforting, with deep beet flavor and tender beef that made it feel hearty without being too heavy.

It’s served with dark bread and a generous dollop of sour cream on the side, which you can swirl in to balance out the richness.

It was warm, flavorful, and exactly what I wanted on a winter night, especially as my first taste of Ukrainian cuisine.

Roasted Chicken Tabaka

I ordered the Roasted Chicken Tabaka, and it ended up being one of my favorite dishes of the night.

The chicken comes perfectly roasted with crispy skin and tender meat.

And it’s served over handmade potato gnocchi that immediately soak up the buttery lemon sauce.

The gnocchi are soft and pillowy, and the Parmesan cheese adds just the right amount of richness.

Chicken Kyiv

I also tried the Chicken Kyiv!

The breaded chicken breast was perfectly crisp on the outside, but the real standout was the dill butter inside.

Which melted into the chicken and the creamy mashed potatoes underneath.

It was rich, comforting, and exactly the kind of dish you want on a cold night in the city.

“Mistletoe” Shots

We ended our meal with the “Mistletoe” shots, and it felt like the perfect way to wrap things up.

These are made with Santa’s homemade infused vodka, and we went with the horseradish vodka, which definitely packed a punch.

It was bold, a little fiery, and surprisingly smooth at the same time. Fun, festive, and not for the faint of heart, it felt very on brand for Sveta and their over the top holiday menu.

Do You Need a Reservation at Sveta NYC?

Reservations are highly recommended, especially during the holiday season.

If you’re planning to visit in December or on a weekend, booking a table in advance will save you the wait and help you lock in a prime dining time.

You can make reservations directly through OpenTable.

Explore More of NYC

I love eating and drinking my way through New York City!

If you are visiting during the holidays, make sure to visit Macy’s Herald Square Holiday Market in NYC, Everything I Ate.

Check out Bryant Park Winter Village: Foodie Guide to NYC’s Holiday Market.

If you want fun cocktails, Sip & Guzzle– Two Floors, Creative Cocktails & Food.

For hidden cocktail bars, here are 8 Secret NYC Speakeasies You Need to Find!

Read all of my New York City Travel Guides!