Summer is to Margaritas as Fall is to Spirit of Albany Cocktails

Each year, the Albany Visitors Bureau puts together the Spirit of Albany Recipe Guide which contains creative cocktail concoctions from Albany’s favorite restaurants, bars, and craft beverage producers. This year, the amount of apple inspired drinks was impressive, and although the recipes were “collected” in May and June, their masterpieces just seem like they want to be tasted in the fall.

Here they are, in all of their autumnal glory: 

The Albany Apple Knocker

The Empire State Apple Manhattan

Roff Old Fashion

The Warehouse District

 

Apple Cider Sangria

Ironweed Old Fashion

Spirit of Albany: Passion Fruit Caipiroska

A hint of sweet, a strong citrus flavor, and a tropical taste are offered in this delicious signature cocktail. The Doublecross Passion Fruit Caipiroska at Texas de Brazil was elected to be their 2015 Spirit of Albany Cocktail. Although this drink sits on the menu, it is the perfect selection to be with this year's collection of Spirit of Albany drinks. "Why?" you ask? well...

Although the passion fruit is native to South America, the name could have been penned for New York's Capital. Albany has always been proud and passionate about its heritage and history. This cocktail's golden hues and sweet tones also remind us of the Annual Tulip Festival, another celebration of the passion and history of the city.   

The tempting flavors and beautiful colors of this cocktail are unique and powerful just like the restaurant that offers it. Texas de Brazil is one of Crossgates Mall's newest restaurant additions and if you haven't been yet, you ought to try it! But you may want to go on a day that you are particularly hungry for the "all you can eat" style meat offerings and 42 topping salad bar leave you wanting for nothing more.

Find out how to make the Passion Fruit Caipiroska yourself 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.)

Spirit of Albany: Apple Cider Sangria

For the 2015 Spirit of Albany campaign, The Ginger Man concocted this mouth-watering cocktail that reflected everything we love about Albany!

What inspired the mixologist at The Ginger Man when trying to create this cocktail?

This cocktail celebrates and embodies New York’s favorite time of the year: Autumn. With the beautiful foliage and favorite activity, apple picking, it’s no wonder why residents and visitors alike love the Fall. The Apple Cider Sangria embodies all that comes with that dazzling time of the year. Along with the abundance of apple products, the Hudson Valley and Capital District are known for their local wineries.

This refreshing beverage pairs nicely with a lighter entrée such as a salad or simple chicken dish! Although this drink can be enjoyed all year long, autumn best compliments this cocktail because of its apple-cinnamon roots.

See the recipe and order your own 2015 Recipe Guide by visiting this page.

See how they created the sangria in this “how-to” 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.)

Taste the Spirit of Albany

One city, 400 years of history, and 11 great cocktails...

What could I be talking about? The 2015 Spirit of Albany recipes, of course!

The 2015 Spirit of Albany recipe guides featuring eleven original cocktail recipes from restaurants and culinary attractions throughout Albany County is available now! For the third year in a row, we've encouraged local mixologists to create original cocktail recipes that they feel embody the true spirit of Albany.

This year’s recipes include ingredients from local producers like Nine Pin Cider Works, the Albany Distilling Company, the Underground Alchemy, and Harvest Spirits. Many also make good use out of apples, New York State’s official fruit! 

The 2015 cocktails are as follows: 

• The Tri-City Martini – Reel Seafood Co. 

• Apple Cider Sangria – The Ginger Man

• Ironweed Old Fashioned – Albany Distilling Company

• Centennial Tini - Jack’s Oyster House

• ‘Old Lansing House’ Cosmo – The Hollow

• Roff Old Fashion – The Century House 

• The Warehouse District – Nine Pin Cider Works

• Empire State Apple Manhattan – Wolf’s 1-11 Arena Sports Grill

• Albany Apple Knocker – New World Bistro

• Dark & Spicy – 677 Prime

• Passion Fruit Caipiroska – Texas de Brazil

This year, along with the Spirit of Albany recipe cards, we are producing a video series that features each cocktail with a step by step “how-to” by the mixologist! The eleven videos will be released each Friday beginning April 3 and will be available on the Discover Albany YouTube page and on the Culinary Capital blog! 

Read the inspiration behind each cocktail, view the recipes, or order your our free recipe guide online by clicking this link. 

Recipe guides may be picked up at the Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center for free, or at any of the participating restaurants/locations.  The Spirit of Albany is a special promotion of The Culinary Capital.

Spirit of Albany: The Century House

The House That Became a City’s Home

Enterprise prevailed in the Fall of 1949, for it was then that The Century House in Latham first opened.  For proprietors, Jim and Dorothy O’Hearn, the acquisition of the land and once “century old” farmhouse was a decision wrought in incredulity and promise.  They allowed the travel patterns of Route 9 to chart the vision for the property (the only way to get from Manhattan to Montreal was through that route) a route, which fortuitously ran right outside the property.  Armed with a loyal band of family members and that American resilience to stay the course, the O’Hearn’s turned an improbable edifice into a celebrated and beloved icon of upstate New York.

Fast forward, and today, The Century House still affirms its original concept; part destination for wearied travelers and part dining facility. But, at its core it is a business in service of others and one wholeheartedly dedicated to its most valuable entity, its patrons. Hence the reason why this Federal Style Tavern hasn’t strayed too much from its philosophy or from its physical appearance.

The House retains its farmhouse charm and old-world elegance – evidenced in its landscaping and

detailed use mid-century lanterns-- while at the same time allowing some modern design touches to accent the almost Dickens-esque, storybook structure.  Striking the tasteful balance of incorporating the antiquity of yesteryear and the appeal of modern elements, is something that many seasoned designers find elusive, but it is a balance that the folks at The Century House achieve with ease because it is an extrapolation of their core philosophy of comfort and service.

The food at The Century House will always be of mention as it continues to be a steadfast crowd pleaser.  Their vibrant lunch service features a full menu and hyper-attentive service from the wait-staff.  The dinner service hits on all the notes characteristic of a classic fine-dining experience and is complemented by the charm and whim of experiencing The Century House after dusk. With a full bar service, ample portion sizes and generous dining room accommodation, dining at The Century House undoubtedly takes you back to a by-gone era in American history, where “going out to eat” was a grand affair.

For the Spirit of Albany Campaign, The Century Houses’s own Mike Niccoli concocted a cocktail that celebrates an equally noteworthy edifice in Albany’s history, The Schuyler Mansion. With Pindar Merlot and Hudson Baby Bourbon as its main components, this crimson libation salutes the red brick characteristic of the mansion – and National Historic Landmark -- for which it is named. The combination of the merlot and bourbon at first tastes like they are at odds with each other, but the Schuyler Mansion Manhattan is an inventive spin on the classic Manhattan. “It’s an acquired taste” my wait-person noted and after a couple of sips, I saw in it, the bold and robust distinction that this drink is meant to embody, as it mimics the mansion that still stands strong.

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 2014 Spirit of Albany Recipe Guide. In this exciting blog series local foodie Brigid Washington, a Culinary Institute of America grad and local restaurant consultant, explores each restaurant – it’s menu, it’s atmosphere, and of course, it’s custom cocktail – and provides her perspective on how it all comes together to create part of Albany’s creative culinary scene! (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: La Serre

Not all restaurants hold lofty ambitions. There are many successful establishments that find their sweet-spot in refined familiarity. These restaurants offer fare reminiscent of one’s childhood, and they do so in polished yet unpretentious setting.  Every city boasts of at least one such gem, and in Albany, it is La Serre.

La Serre is coyly tucked away in downtown Albany on Green Street. And despite the fact that it is a stone’s throw from many  other noteworthy eateries, La Serre has carved a niche for itself – in a thriving, yet saturated market, by giving patrons exactly what they want; a tasteful trifecta of food, service and ambience. As well as par none, banquet and large party facilities.

 

The ambiance of La Serre deserves mention. The restaurant is housed in a building that dates back to the mid-eighteen hundreds. The historic edifice was a product of a modern restoration, although most of its dated, old-world charm shines through some of the modern updates. There is also ample patio space which presents the option for patrons to dine al-fresco when the temperatures permit.

The menu of La Serre is engineered to reflect the heavy influence of French and Italian culinary traditions that has informed New York State over the centuries.  From Pate Maison to Classic Bolognese, the chef at La Serre puts forth an offering list that brings together the best of both worlds.  There is also a distinct presence of modern American fare as well, as evidenced by the wildly popular NY Strip Steak.  And chances are, for most diners with an established palate, it would not be difficult to navigate around this menu since it features dishes that are in essence, tried and true.  Gracious hospitality, heaping portion sizes and decadent dessert options bookend the entire dining experience.  And for those who opt for the classic, old-timey look and feel of a restaurant, La Serre delivers.

For the Spirit of Albany campaign, master bar man Al Fuller created the Hudson High Tider. This libation is more than just a geographical tribute to the restaurants’ proximity to the Hudson river – La Serre is steps away from river’s bank.  This drink is also a nod to a time period in which the river would sometimes overflow unto its environs.

The Hudson High Tider combines the kick of Patron tequila, with a three-prong citrus flavor attack  – from grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice and Rose’s lime juice. This likely marriage – of tequila and citrus – is moderated as well as accented by the sultry richness of Chambord. Chambord is a stand-out black raspberry liqueur which was introduced to French nobility, Louis XIV during one of his visits to Chateau de Chambord during the late 17th century.  The final touches to the Hudson High Tider are splash of club soda – which offers slight effervesce and a lime wedge on the rim of the martini glass, which serves as an apt garnish.  Altogether, the cocktail is a tasteful way to imbibe La Serre’s long standing history with the Hudson River and Albany alike.

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 2014 Spirit of Albany Recipe Guide. In this exciting blog series local foodie Brigid Washington, a Culinary Institute of America grad and local restaurant consultant, explores each restaurant – it’s menu, it’s atmosphere, and of course, it’s custom cocktail – and provides her perspective on how it all comes together to create part of Albany’s creative culinary scene! (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: Jack's Oyster House

Jack’s Retains its Relevance, Over a Hundred Years Later

Some may call into question the future of a restaurant that has witnessed over a hundred years of American history. Could this place still impress the diners who aren’t easily wowed?  And if so, how? Few may think that such a restaurant can exist -- and if it does -- it’s a likely shell of its old self; one that’s been politely grandfathered into the now uber hip dinning landscape.   But on State Street, the horn of New York State political machine, sits Jack’s Oyster House, an old-line seafood and chop house that still reigns as that quintessential American icon.

Opened in 1913, Jack’s continues to be helmed by members of original owners -- the Rosenstein’s –and the restaurant has been dubbed “Albany’s Greatest Restaurant Legend” as well as, “The Best Restaurant of the Century.” The establishment consistently courts the interest of politicians and professions during its thriving lunch and maintains the pace during the evening hours as well. And through the changing frontier in the landscape of American restaurants, Jack’s look and feel exudes the understated opulence akin to a high-brow roadhouse restaurant of the 1930’s. In 2010 the restaurant received a facelift, modernizing some elements – like seating – but still staying true to its chop-house concept.

In terms of its food and fare, Jack’s – once again – maintains its culinary relevance by simultaneously embracing change, and also, at times, strategically bucking it. The menu is classic but not outdated.  At its core, the menu is a three dimensional aggregate, representative of American food past, present and future.  As expected, there’s a robust raw-bar – arguably the best in the city. And the menu, as a whole, is dominated by updated, generously portioned,  stand-out classics of a by-gone era, like Steak Diane and Chicken Lemonardo.

For the Spirit of Albany Campaign, Bill Crabill of Jack’s created a celebratory libation honoring the space Jack’s has occupied in Albany’s history and aptly named The Centennial Tini. On first sip, the presence of the extra dry champagne and echoes of citrus reminded me of a traditional French 75. But as the flavors coalesced, I began to taste how truly special this cocktail is, and why it is the most fitting representation of the restaurant.  With the Centennial Tini, every component was palpable and none of the elements competed against the other. The result was a beautifully balanced, near flawless cocktail served in a chilled vintage martini glass.  

The reason why this drink deserves such acclaim is partly due to the ingredients employed, but moreover, it is largely a result of precise craftsmanship and use of exacting ratios.  Far too many bar-keeps make a fundamental attribution error assuming that the ingredients trump the composition.  And that isn't the case, as the Centennial Tini proves. For instance, the flavors of the black raspberry liqueur in this drink detonate on one’s mid palate, right before the effervescence of the champagne is perceivable. Achieving such balance takes skill but it also takes great attention to detail; an attribute the staff of Jack’s just happen to be masters of.

There are many restaurants that will continue to be part of region’s strong unbroken wave in Capital City dining, but there is no disputing that Jack’s Oyster House will persist as its leading edge.

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 2014 Spirit of Albany Recipe Guide. In this exciting blog series local foodie Brigid Washington, a Culinary Institute of America grad and local restaurant consultant, explores each restaurant – it’s menu, it’s atmosphere, and of course, it’s custom cocktail – and provides her perspective on how it all comes together to create part of Albany’s creative culinary scene! (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 spills into the Times Union

Today's Times Union newspaper features an article on our Spirit of Albany promotion. The Spirit of Albany began last year to promote the talent of our local mixologists and to encourage visitors to try new restaurants while learning something about Albany along the way, as the cocktails must include an element that represents our destination.

Twenty two original cocktail recipes have been created over the past two years - and they are all delicious! I'm only guessing, but I think the journalist had a great time writing this article. Jealous? Don't be! Request a free recipe guide here and then plan your journey around Albany. Remember to be safe and designate a driver, though!

Read the full Times Union article here.