Spirit of Albany: Roff Old Fashion

What more would you expect from one of the area's oldest hotels than a classic, yet ultimately delicious, cocktail? 

The Century House Restaurant's Roff Old Fashion is an old favorite with a twist... because there is a
twist of orange peel, get it? The cocktail's other ingredients, St. Germain, Manhattan Rye, orange bitters, and brown sugar simple syrup, marry extraordinarily well to create a smooth and refreshing taste. The inspiration behind this drink: 

"Manhattan Rye warms the chill of the bitter cold while the refreshing taste of St. Germain reminds you of the warmth of spring that is not too far away. This cocktail exemplifies the spirit of the people of Albany and the beauty and magic of our diverse seasons."

Looking to get this drink with dinner? Chef Michael Niccoli joked that whiskey goes with everything, and while I agree, he later suggested pairing it with steak or their Beef Short Rib Slider.

Watch this video to find out how to make this on your own:

Editor's note: We asked some of Albany’s best mixologists to create original cocktail recipes that embody the spirit of Albany, and we compiled those recipes into our 2015 Spirit of Albany Recipe Guide. (The ACCVB does not, in any way, condone drinking and driving so please designate a driver as we did for this series.)

Spirit of Albany: The Warehouse District

What do you get when you ask one of Albany's favorite cidery to create a signature mixed drink? The ultimate collaboration cocktail that is 150% Albany. 

Nine Pin Cider's The Warehouse District takes their own Ginger Cider and adds Albany Distilling Co.'s Ironweed Rye Whiskey, a bit of wildflower honey, and a cherry. Simple but wonderful. The inspiration for this 2015 Spirit of Albany Cocktail? Well...

"The Warehouse District cocktail combines craft beverages from the up and coming Warehouse District in downtown Albany. Using local ingredients in the production of the alcohol and for the cocktail itself, this drink truly embodies the Spirit of Albany in every way."

Although you can't get this cocktail at Nine Pin's tasting room yet (due to current legislation), you can go there to pick up the main ingredients to make this at home for yourself or for your friends!

See how easy it is to make The Warehouse District by watching this video:  

Editor's note: We asked some of Albany’s best mixologists to create original cocktail recipes that embody the spirit of Albany, and we compiled those recipes into our 2015 Spirit of Albany Recipe Guide. (The ACCVB does not, in any way, condone drinking and driving so please designate a driver as we did for this series.)

Spirit of Albany: 'Old Lansing House' Cosmo

The Hollow Bar + Kitchen in downtown Albany put a new spin on a favorite cocktail for their 2015 Spirit of Albany Cocktail: the 'Old  Lansing House" Cosmo. You can taste the inspiration in this cocktail:

The Hollow Bar + Kitchen is currently located at the site of The Old Lansing House circa 1710. While honoring the historic landmark, this cocktail also embodies Albany's rich Dutch roots with the addition of Vox Vodka.    

The Hollow is one of my favorite restaurants in downtown Albany, partly because the menu is unlike anything else in the area, partly because of their mason jar "chandelier" in the main dining room.

See for yourself! Visit The Hollow and order this Spirit of Albany cocktail, get dinner, of even attend one of their many concerts.

See how to make the Old Lansing House Cosmo:

Editor's note: We asked some of Albany’s best mixologists to create original cocktail recipes that embody the spirit of Albany, and we compiled those recipes into our 2015 Spirit of Albany Recipe Guide. (The ACCVB does not, in any way, condone drinking and driving so please designate a driver as we did for this series.)