Head to these Hudson Valley bars for floral cocktails that combine botanical liquors with spring flavors for refreshing sips.
Move over mulled wine and hot toddies – it’s the season of gimlets and spritzes in the Hudson Valley. As the region turns green again and blooms begin to pop up all over, sip on something that showcases the beauty of spring with botanical liquors and colorful concoctions. These local bars and distilleries get creative with must-try floral cocktails flavored with sweet blossom and punchy herbs. They’re just the thing to sip on as the weather gets warmer outside.
Jayne Street Distilling Co.
Florida
Sip on: Sprang Chicken
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Located in Orange County, Jayne Street Distilling Co. produces spirits made from locally sourced botanicals. From amaro to gin, the distillery is big on Hudson Valley flavor and uses herbs and florals foraged from the region in every product. The cocktail menu at the Florida destination is constantly rotating with season creations, and spring’s lineup doesn’t disappoint. If you’re in the mood for floral cocktails, try the Sprang Chicken for a drink packed with elderflower liqueur, lemon shrub, and Pennings cider.
The Lemon Squeeze
New Paltz
Sip on: Pear Down
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A modern cocktail bar in downtown New Paltz, The Lemon Squeeze is named after a local hike at Mohonk Mountain House. A hotspot for students and locals alike, the destination hosts live music Thursday through Saturday with an open mic night on Wednesday to keep the tunes going. On a visit to this spot, sip on the Pear Down to enjoy vodka and elderflower liqueur combined with pear, honey, and ginger and thyme-infused lemon juice. It’s a light and floral cocktail that delights on sunny days in the Hudson Valley.
Melzingah Tap House
Beacon
Sip on: Beacon Blossom
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Melzingah Tap House is a Main Street gathering place for craft beer lovers and cocktail connoisseurs alike in Beacon. While the bar serves up seasonal cocktails, zero-proof beverages, and signature sips, you’ll want to go for a house favorite cocktail that leans into floral flavor this spring. Named after the Dutchess County town, the Beacon Blossom mixes jasmine-infused gin, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, peach schnapps, and prosecco. Pair it with one of the eatery’s top-billing spring menu items for a meal you won’t soon forget.
Padrona
Hudson
Sip on: Absinthe Frappe
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Hudson is jam-packed with cocktail bars to satisfy both sophisticated and whimsical beverage lovers. Padrona leans toward the latter side of the spectrum, with a playful and delicious cocktail program that aims to “puncture the pretentiousness” of many other bars. So many of the flavor combinations at this Columbia County spot are interesting and indulgent, but the Absinthe Frappe – with floral Meadow of Love absinthe, Dimmi liqueur, and mint soda – is perfect for spring.
Swoon Kitchenbar
Hudson
Sip on: Hibiscus Ginger Refresher
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Established in 2004, Swoon Kitchenbar prides itself on being “Hudson Valley’s original farm-to-plate restaurant.” Aside from its ever-changing selection of dishes made from fresh ingredients from local purveyors, the Hudson eatery also offers an eccentric cocktail menu. Plenty of boozy options boast bright flavor, but the nonalcoholic Hibiscus Ginger Refresher mixes hibiscus tea, fresh ginger, lemon, lime, sugar, and egg white to create a mocktail bursting with floral flavor.
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