Cocktails of Summer

As you get ready to sip the sweetness of summer, it’s always fun to peek at what’s on trend, whether you’re enjoying a nice quiet moment, entertaining guests, sipping around the fire pit, or enjoying the horse track. 

According to Advanced Mixology, 2024 is the year of artisanal spirits, craft cocktails, small distillery-batched products, and sustainability, which means the Saratoga Farmers’ Market is the place to visit to keep your ‘glass half full’—never half empty (wink). 

Around town, Saratoga is currently buzzing with details and news of the Belmont visiting Saratoga this June. I had no idea this race lent its name to its traditional cocktail, but why not? The Belmont Jewel mixes pomegranate juice, lemonade, and bourbon. In fact, Discover Saratoga recently hosted a contest inviting local restaurants and businesses to participate in putting a unique twist on this specific drink, which has led to interesting mixes and new concoctions complete with creative names featured throughout the area. Sixteen establishments joined the contest, and you can check out all the ingredients and drink-mixing fun at DiscoverSartoga.org. 

As you plan your mixology, incorporate a swing by the market to support the local, artisanal, hand-crafted, small-batch brands ready to make their way into your summer coolers.  Remember, mocktails are still on trend, and the market is full of endless ideas and ingredients to accompany your shake, mix, and stir menu sips.

Wednesday’s Market:

Saratoga Apple: Hard cider
Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery: Moonshine, coffee-flavored liqueur, gin, vodkas, limoncello, orangecello, and more.

Saturday’s Market:

Albany Distilling Company: Assorted flavored vodkas, rum, whisky, canned cocktails, and more.New Scotland Spirits: Bourbon, whiskey, vodka, and more
Old Tavern Farm: Assorted wines, vodka, flavored drink syrups, and more
Saratoga Apple: Hard cider
Schenectady Distilling Company: Bourbon, gin, muleshine, whiskey, and more.
Slyboro Cider House: Assorted cider-based wines, hard cider, and more
Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery: Moonshine, coffee-flavored liqueur, gin, vodkas, limoncello, orangecello, and more.
Yankee Distillers: Rum, whisky, and vodka
Coming Soon: GhostFish Brewing Company East featuring assorted craft beers