Finger Lakes Spirits
Spring’s here whether it knows or not, so it’s time to bust out the cocktails! Check out this round up of local distilleries and our favorite drinks from each.
Finger Lakes Distilling: I’m all about a good G&T, and Finger Lakes Distilling offers two great gin options. McKenzie Distiller’s Reserve Gin is a classic London Dry style gin, which is perfect for a crisp, clean Martini. Seneca Drums Gin is distilled from Finger Lakes Distilling’s own grape spirit and 11 different botanicals, giving it a fresh and zesty flavor. Try this in a simple fruity cocktail, or how about this Rhubarb Tom Collins? Finger Lakes Distilling also produces whiskey, vodka, brandy, grappa and liqueurs.
Myer Farm Distillers: Winner of a bronze medal at American Craft Spirits Association Annual Craft Spirits Competition, John Myer Wheat Whiskey is a prime choice. If you aren’t familiar with Myer Farm and their Farm to Flask motto, it’s definitely worth checking out. They “both plant the seed and produce the spirit”. They also distill gin, Bourbon and vodka — Their Blueberry Orange Vodka is a revelation.
Our recommendation for this whiskey? Drink it straight. One ice cube. Don’t drive.
Hidden Marsh Distillery: Step outside the box and try Bee Vodka: vodka distilled with 100-percent New York honey. We’re obsessed with this stuff. It doesn’t have that grain alcohol scent like many vodkas do and it’s got perfect floral honey flavors to remind us warm weather is around the corner. This Bee Vodka is triple distilled at Hidden Marsh Distillery, a part of Montezuma Winery. They also produce whiskey, brandy and liqueurs.
Want to get buzzed? Here’s a Bee Vodka cocktail recommendation from the makers themselves:
Bee Sting
1 1/2 ounces Bee Vodka
1 1/2 ounces Cointreau or Triple Sec
Juice of 1 wedge lemon
Shake ingredients with ice. Strain into a sugar rimmed cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon zest.
Check out these additional spirits producers in the region:
Black Button Distilling: The first distillery to open in Rochester since Prohibition. Try a cocktail with their Citrus Forward Gin. They also produce whiskey, vodka and moonshine.
Beak & Skiff: Over 100 years old with their own apple orchard for public picking. They produce vodka and gin under their 1911 spirits label.
Rock Stream Vineyards: Known for their Grape Brandy and Grappa.
Six Mile Creek Vineyard: Try their “Spirits by Battistella” products: grape-based vodka and gin, grappa, limoncella, orangecello and amaretto.
Swedish Hill Winery: Here you can find two grape brandies: a classic, dry style and a raspberry-infused variant.
