In this economy? Good luck.
You might have an easier time with this if you seek out brands that are new to the market, a little obscure and need the publicity. There are micro-distilleries in the Hudson Valley that might want to do a NYC promotion seeing how close they are. If they are producing in New York State, I don’t think that they have to sell to retailers through distribution and you could be able to contact them directly. Of course, I they are distilling applejack from Hudson Valley apples, that is what you will be drinking.
Otherwise, again in NYC, you are going to be working through a distributor or wholesaler. I suggest you go on-line and look for some liquor-related trade publications and see who is mentioned and go from there.
You are having this party at an outside location. Ask the manager of the venue which liquor wholesaler is pushing what brand on them and use that as a base. The manager has the contacts, not you. If he or she succeeds for you, it is worth $50 or
$100 for his or her assistance and should not be expensive for you since the booze will be free.
At this point in December, I think you are going to have a very hard time of this.
SRM