Your Guide To The Most Popular Alcoholic Beverages In The State Of New York
Alcohol is a pretty popular thing, so is makes sense that there are so many options available when it comes to which one you want to drink. What’s available? Well, let’s see: beers, wines, scotch, bourbon, hard liquor; there are far too many for us to expect you to try find the best available to you by yourself. Just your luck that we’ve put together a list of the most popular kinds of drinks in New York state
1. Beer
New York, like plenty of states, is particularly fond of Imperial Stout beer. As beers go, it’s strong and heady in flavour, with a particularly large malty body, which may be why lots of people, like New Yorkers, love to drink it. You can also expect the taste of coffee and dark fruits, such as figs, all adding to the flavour. Some like it from, bottles, others from the tap, but all agree that it’s a pretty darn good drink either way.
2. Wine
As far as wine goes in New York State, the preferred type is made from Concord grapes by far. A dark blue or purple grape, Concord grapes yield wines with a strong ‘foxy’ flavour, which has also been described as being strawberry, candied, or musky. Most Concord wines are sweet in finish, but if they’re ripe enough can produce a fine dry wine.
3. Bourbon & Scotch
New Yorkers are partial to the Rusty Nail, a cocktail that was perhaps favoured by your grandfather. A classic combination of Scotch and Drambuie, a fine combination itself of Scotch, honey, spices and herbs, this is often considered to be an ‘old person’s drink’, which I guess kind of makes sense given that recipes calling for this combination date back to the 1930s. Early recipes call for a 4:1 ration of Scotch to Drambuie, giving it a good, strong, dry flavour.
4. Hard Liquor
The most popular kind of hard liquor in New York State is cognac, a French variety of brandy that takes its name from the town of Cognac. Cognac is made with a form of dry, white wine, characterised as being dry, acidic, and thin and is sometimes called virtually undrinkable. However, it somehow comes together to form a fine brandy. There are many different types of cognac, but all are enjoyed in equal measure.
5. Cocktails
This one makes perfect sense: New Yorkers love the Manhattan, at least as far as cocktails go. Stories about its origins vary: some attribute the Manhattan’s creation to the Manhattan Club, others to a saloon in Broadway. However, it is confirmed that it was the first drink to combine spirits and vermouth. Rye whiskey and vermouth, with a dash of orange bitters is the traditional recipe, along with a maraschino cherry for a bit of excitement.
