Stop by these locations to enjoy a refreshing berry cocktail, or pick up Hudson Valley ingredients to craft sweet cocktails at home.
Warm weather signals the start of berry season in the Hudson Valley. While fresh-picked blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries can be enjoyed alone, why not take it up a notch and enjoy seasonal berries in a cocktail? Luckily, these local hotspots have just the drinks to celebrate the most berry-licious time of year.
Garvan’s Gastropub
Taste This: Strawberry Delight or Foggy Down
New Paltz
Garvan’s Gastropub, housed in a building built in 1759, is situated in a cozy corner of New Paltz. With both indoor and outdoor seating, the property is perfect for a meal on a sunny evening. For drinks, head bartender Pete Miller crafts works of art. Order one of the berry-forward sips, like the Strawberry Delight, which features strawberry-infused vodka, lime, simple syrup, and club soda. More of a gin lover? The Foggy Down is refreshing with blackberry-infused gin, a blend of berry liquors, lemon, and simple syrup.
Pearl Moon
Try This: Spicy Luna
Woodstock
For something with a kick, try out the Spicy Luna from Pearl Moon. This berry cocktail features tequila, lime, agave syrup, jalapenos, and blueberries. It may be different from a traditional cocktail accented with berries, but this drink is sure to impress, especially for those who enjoy a bit of spice. Following drinks, dinner classics with a Latin American twist will hit the spot. Expect delectable burgers, quesadillas, sandwiches, and fried tofu.
Lakehouse Restaurant and Bar
Sip This: Strawberry Martini or Blueberry Mojito
Mahopac
Indulge in a sweet drink and order a strawberry martini, blueberry mojito, or huckleberry lemonade from Lakehouse Restaurant and Bar. Muddled fresh strawberries, Stoli vodka, triple sec, and fresh-squeezed lime juice create the perfect summertime martini. For mojito fans, enjoy fresh muddled blueberries and mint, Don Q coconut rum, and brown sugar in a drink that that leans into the season. For something unique, the huckleberry lemonade combines 44 North Huckleberry vodka, raspberry puree, and homemade lemonade. While the berry cocktails are a treat in themselves, diners can also take in stunning views of Lake Mahopac while enjoying a meal here.
Pamela’s on the Hudson
Sip This: Blackberry or Raspberry Mimosa
Newburgh
Looking for a meal to enjoy on the waterfront? Pamela’s serves brunch every Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and its variety of mouthwatering mimosas are the perfect accompaniment to the mid-day meal. From the menu options, the blackberry and raspberry mimosas offer delectable berry flavors. During other mealtimes, for those looking for berry flavors minus the alcohol, the Raspberry Beret combines fresh raspberries, muddled mint, lime, and simple syrup served on the rocks.
Melzingah Tap House
Taste This: Blueberry Martini or Shortcakes
Beacon
This Beacon eatery offers craft beer, unique bites, and custom berry cocktails. The blueberry martini is a delightful sip, with gin, blueberry simple syrup, blanc, and lemon. Shortcakes lives up to its name with vodka, house strawberry simple syrup, lime, and coconut. Pair a cocktail with one of the appetizer options on the menu, like the meat and cheese board, crispy pretzel bites, crispy wings, or spicy tuna crispy rice for an ideal start to any meal.
Willa
Try This: Avant Gardener or Willa Negroni
Millerton
Willa serves up local fare that accommodates any appetite. Its mission is to responsibly source and support local producers. The Avant Gardener is for bourbon lovers, featuring local blackberries, lemon, vanilla, cynar, and bitters. More of a gin fan? The Willa Negroni pairs Listening Rock gin with midsummer strawberry amaro, blood orange and satsuma-infused vermouth, and lillet rose.
Make Your Own
Summer Sangria
Who doesn’t love the refreshing taste of a summer sangria? Make it at home with pick-your-own Hudson Valley strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. Pair these with 2023 Ava Rose from Nostrano Vineyards in a favorite sangria recipe to create a sweet sip to enjoy all spring and summer long.
Blueberry Vodka Soda
Valley Vodka from Hudson Valley Distillers is the star ingredient for simple blueberry vodka soda that can easily be made at home. Craft a blueberry simple syrup with sugar, water, and ½ cup of fresh-picked Hudson Valley blueberries. Add vodka, ice, sparkling water, and the homemade simple syrup to a glass. Top with fresh blueberries.
Related: 5 Floral Cocktails That Scream Spring in the Hudson Valley
