Spirit of Albany: Dark & Spicy

A hint of ginger, a touch of lemon, a little sugar, and a whole lot of Albany!  

The "Dark & Spicy" is Angelo's 677 Prime's 2015 Spirit of Albany Cocktail, and although you won't find this signature cocktail on the menu, you ought to order it!  This drink is inspired by its ingredients, as any good cocktail ought to be.   

"The Quackenbush House is the second oldest structure in Albany. A key ingredient in the "Dark and Spicy" is Quackenbush Still House Rum, a product of the Albany Distilling Company near the current Quackenbush House - not far from the site of the city's original 18th century distillery." 

Find this cocktail at Angelo's 677 Prime and pair with one of their delicious apps for cocktail hour, or one of the fine cuts of steak on the menu too! 

Learn how to make the Dark & Spicy on your own 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.)

An afternoon with winemaker and author Steve Casscles

The Hudson-Chatham Winery will host an afternoon with winemaker and author Steve Casscles this Saturday, June 13. This afternoon will include a discussion about and tastes through grapes (and the wines they make) of the Hudson Valley and other cool climate regions.

Join Steve for a private tasting of several wines he's produced for Hudson-Chatham as well as his own cellar. Steve's "experimentals" are amazing, and his personal narrative of how he makes the wines is extremely entertaining. As you sip through one-of-a-kind wines, you'll also be treated to select foods to pair with the wines, and you'll get a signed copy of his newly released book, Grapes of the Hudson Valley.

Saturday, June 13th from 2-3 PM. All for $45/person ($40/person for H-C W Case Club Members). This tasting will be conducted under our tent on the hillside, making for a delightful afternoon in every way. RSVP to info@hudsonchathamwinery.com. Seating is limited to book now!

Yono's Receives Prestigious Award

Our very own Yono's Restaurant in downtown Albany was recently awarded with the "Three Star" awared from London's The World of Fine Wine. With just 116 winners in the entire United States and only 300 in the World, this award places Yono’s in the company of some of the best restaurants in the world such as New York City’s Eleven Madison Park and Per Se, California’s The French Laundry and Saison, and Copenhagen’s NOMA.  Remarkably, Yono's is the only award recipient in the state of New York outside of New York City. 

Of course, this comes at no surprise to those of us who have the pleasure of living in the area and dining there, but if you haven't been to Yono's yet, the distinctive blend of Indonesian and modern American cuisine is incredible, creative, and delicious. This unique style of cuisine is complemented by their award winning wine list which contains wines (vini, vinos, vinho, vins, etc.) from all over the world. 

Make your reservation today by calling (518) 436-7747. Click here to read the entire story on The World of Fine Wine. 

Spirit of Albany: Albany Apple Knocker

New World Bistro Bar offers unique dishes and drinks from all over the globe, which includes a drink crafted in the Spirit of Albany, the Albany Apple Knocker! While we can't guarantee it will keep the doctor away, it certainly is delicious. If you're wondering where this drink gets it's inspiration, look no further:

"The Empire State averages about 29.5 million bushels of apples annually, which are grown on about 55,000 acres in six major production districts. Even with all of those apples, New Yorkers won't shy at the chance to get another taste in! That's why this cocktail embodies the apple flavor."

If you're at New World Bistro Bar consider trying something new with one of their many worldly dishes, and pair it with a drink crafted and created in our own backyard, the Albany Apple Knocker!

Wondering how to make this drink yourself? Check out the video below for instructions:

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: Empire State Apple Manhattan

Wolf's 1-11 Sports Arena Grill may only be open during Times Union Center events, but when it is
you have to stop in to try their extremely creative Spirit of Albany cocktail, the Empire State Apple Manhattan.

If you, like me, are a classic Manhattan lover, then you'll be over the moon with this tasty beverage made from all New York State products. Wondering where this mixologist came up with this inspired recipe? Here's his inspiration:

"When you drive into Albany, it's hard to miss the Empire State Plaza. Inspired to make New York's Capital sparkle, Governor Nelson Rockefeller came up with the idea for what he hoped would be the "most electrifying capital in the world." Today the Empire State Plaza occupies 98 acres of land with 10 buildings, beautiful vistas, and is a favorite spot for residents and visitors alike. This cocktail celebrates the great Empire State Plaza and New York's state fruit: the apple." 

Want to make this cocktail at home? Watch our "how-to" video to learn how:

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.)