5 bars for a great cocktail in the mid-Hudson Valley
There's a science and an art to crafting the perfect cocktail.
The portions of each vital ingredient, the way they're mixed, stirred or shaken, all contribute to a flavor that inspires. Even a classic sidecar or Old Fashioned can bring something unique to the experience.
The mid-Hudson Valley is home to a plethora of great bars with great cocktails, but here are five spots to consider the next time you're in the mood for a mixed drink.
Mill House Brewing Company
While Mill House Brewing Company in the City of Poughkeepsie may be best known for its varied selection of craft beer, but its lineup of signature cocktails is nothing to scoff at. Embrace the brick and brass of this quintessential brewpub and grab a seat at the bar under the beamed wooden ceiling. Opt for their unique takes on classic cocktails such as The (Kinda) Spicy Margarita, made wither either tequila or mezcal, Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur, dry curacao and lime. Or take a chance with a unique drink like Under a Cherry Moon, made with Half Moon Orchard Gin, amarena cherries, Averna Amaro, apple brandy, lemon and brut sparkling wine.
Go: 289 Mill St, Poughkeepsie; 845-485-2739; millhousebrewing.com
Stockade Tavern
Though stepping into Stockade Tavern may feel like travelling back in time to a Prohibition-era speakeasy, guests can expect classic cocktails crafted with modern sensibilities and flair. A black blade sign emblazoned with a striking red "S" gives away the otherwise unassuming brick building, though outsiders can peer through the crosshatched wooden windows for a sneak peak at the simple and classic wooden bar. It's the ideal atmosphere to try one of the tavern's more historic drinks like the Yellow Parrot, a 1930 cocktail made with Vieux Pontarlier absinthe, Yellow Chartreuse, apricot brandy and lemon, that's stirred. For a contemporary drink, try the Chimney Sweep, Angostura 1919 rum, Sfumato amaro and cinnamon, also stirred.
Go: 313 Fair St., Kingston; 845-514-2649; stockadetavern.com
The Parish Restaurant
Just a quick stroll through the Water Street Market and up a set of wooden stairs, you'll find yourself in the Hudson Valley's own slice of New Orleans. The comfort foods and fried delights served up at The Parish Restaurant in New Paltz will makes guests feel as though they're dining in the French Quarter, but one look off the deck offers a strictly Hudson Valley view in the form of the Shawangunk Ridge. The hidden treasure in dining at The Parish is its extensive cocktail menu, filled with experimental drinks. Take Monk's Fire, a concoction made with either tequila or mezcal, green chartreuse, lime and Thai chili for a heat you feel in every sip.
Go: 10 Main St. #327, New Paltz, 845-255-4205, theparishrestaurant.com.
County Fare
Little bits of history hang from the brick walls inside County Fare in Wappingers Falls. Little touches, like an old, repurposed sign for Sweet Orr pants, shirts and overalls, give County Fare its vintage atmosphere — one that matches precisely with its modern and trendy, pub menu. A true local drink, The Meadowlark is crafted from Dennings Point Distillery's Maid of the Meadow honey vodka and More Good's Jalapeno Black Tea syrup, both Beacon products, as well as a splash of fresh lemon juice. Despite the ingredients,
Go: 2652 E Main St., Wappingers Falls; 845-297-3300; countyfareny.com
West Main Kitchen & Bar
Casual and sleek are easy first impressions of West Main Kitchen & Bar in Wappingers Falls. But West Main is a restaurant that's hard to put into a box. A smooth, granite-topped bar lit by black cone lamps conveys an industrial style that juxtaposes an experimental selection of dishes. With a menu taking new American fare and throwing in Mexican, Italian and Asian influences, the restaurant defies simple categorization. A West Main takes advantage of regional products to provide cocktails with a local flair. Djarum Black, made with Bulleit bourbon, More Good Cassia Kream Syrup, clove extract and fresh lemon.
Geoffrey Wilson: gwilson@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4882, Twitter: Geoff_LW