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: 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.)

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.)

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.)

Spirit of Albany: The Centennial Tini

This delicious cocktail comes from Albany's oldest restaurant. A favorite of locals, visitors, and celebrities, Jack's Oyster House brings you their 2015 Spirit of Albany cocktail, the Centennial Tini!

The inspiration behind this fruity beverage: 

Jack's has been a staple in Albany since it opened it's doors in 1913. This champagne based cocktail celebrates the centennial of not only one of Albany's great landmarks, but also celebrates a family that embodies the true spirit of the city it calls home.

So head to 42 State Street in Albany to try this drink, eat some delicious food, and see what this 102 restaurant is really all about.

See how to the Centennial Tini is crafted:

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: Ironweed Old Fashioned

For this 2015 Spirit of Albany cocktail, you'll have to skip the restaurant and come straight to the horses mouth... or something like that. The Ironweed Old Fashioned can be made for you at Albany Distilling Co. The inspiration behind this cocktail? 

The Albany Distilling Company supplies the Capital Region and beyond with craft spirits one batch at a time. The Ironweed Old Fashioned is in celebration of just that, keeping with tradition of Albany and their devotion for finely crafted liquors, this cocktail remains a classic. The main ingredient being the Distilling Company's own Ironweed Rye whiskey, which they are most known for.

Albany Distilling Co. features this delicious cocktail on their drink menu so stop in, sit, and smell the distilling process which is actually deliciously aromatic. Oh, and if you stop in, be sure to say hi to Cooper, the official Albany Distilling greeter and mouse catcher.

You could also stop in to the distillery and pick up the rye whiskey to create this beverage for yourself at home. 

Want to see how Albany Distilling creates this tasty beverage? 

Spirit of Albany: Tri-City Martini

As part of our 2015 Spirit of Albany campaign, Reel Seafood Co. created this delicious cocktail!

The inspiration behind this colorful concoction?

The Tri-City Martini reflects the close association Albany has with the neighboring cities of Troy and Schenectady. The three layers in this cocktail represent the individuality of each city. Each layer adds something unique to the cocktail just like each distinct city makes up the Capital Region.

This fruity martini would be the perfect after dinner treat, or even an "after lunch on the beautiful patio" treat! Enjoy this drink at Reel Seafood Co. at 195 Wolf Road, Albany NY.

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

See how they create this layered drink in the "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.)