Pride of the Hudson Cocktail Recipe

The Pride of the Hudson cocktail is a tribute to the beauty and history of the Hudson River in New York. This cocktail was created by bartenders who wanted to capture the essence of the river and its surrounding areas. It is a popular choice for those who appreciate the rich history of the Hudson Valley and the flavors of its local ingredients.

• The Hudson River is a vital waterway in the United States, stretching over 300 miles from the Adirondack Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean.
• The cocktail's name is inspired by the pride that the people of the Hudson Valley have for their region and its natural beauty.
• The Pride of the Hudson is often enjoyed by those who appreciate the outdoors, history, and the flavors of the region.

The Pride of the Hudson cocktail is a well-balanced mix of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. The combination of apple brandy, lemon juice, and maple syrup creates a harmonious blend that is both refreshing and satisfying. The cocktail has a smooth, velvety texture with a hint of warmth from the brandy.

• The Hudson Valley is known for its apple orchards, which is why apple brandy is a key ingredient in this cocktail.
• Maple syrup, another ingredient in the Pride of the Hudson, is a nod to the region's maple trees and the syrup produced from their sap.
• The cocktail's garnish, a slice of apple, represents the abundance of apples in the Hudson Valley and adds a touch of freshness to the drink.

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the apple brandy, lemon juice, maple syrup, and Angostura bitters to the shaker.
3. Shake well until chilled and combined.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Top with ginger ale.
6. Garnish with a fresh apple slice.

• Use fresh lemon juice for a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
• Chill your glass before serving to keep the cocktail cold longer.
• Use a high-quality apple brandy for the best flavor.

Appetizers

• Cheese Plate: A selection of cheeses, particularly sharp cheddar, complements the cocktail's apple brandy base.
• Sliced Apple with Honey: To match with the cocktail's apple and sweet profiles, pair it with freshly sliced apple drizzled with honey.

Main Courses

• Roast Pork: The savory flavors of the pork pair beautifully with the sweet and spicy notes of the cocktail.
• Maple Glazed Salmon: The sweetness of the maple syrup in both the cocktail and the glaze will harmonize on the palate.

Desserts

• Apple Pie: The apple in both the pie and cocktail create a perfect autumnal pairing.
• Ginger Cookies: The spice from the cookies and the ginger ale in the cocktail complement each other perfectly.

• Apple Brandy: Can be replaced with Calvados or apple-flavored vodka.
• Maple Syrup: Honey or agave syrup can be used as a substitute.
• Ginger Ale: Can be replaced with club soda for a less sweet version.

Ciderhouse Pride

• Ingredients: Switch apple brandy with hard cider and add a splash of bourbon.
• Recipe: Follow the same recipe, substituting ginger ale with hard cider and adding a splash of bourbon. Shake, strain, garnish with a cinnamon stick.
• Taste: A more robust, caramel note with a cidery kick; perfect for a fall evening.

Hudson Harvest

• Ingredients: Apple brandy to apple-infused vodka, maple syrup to honey.
• Recipe: Use apple-infused vodka and honey, and proceed with the usual method. Strain into glass, then add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.
• Taste: Cleaner, crisper notes with a sweeter, more floral aroma and a whisper of spice.

Spiced Ginger Snap

• Ingredients: Add a pinch of ground ginger and replace maple syrup with brown sugar syrup.
• Recipe: Mix all the ingredients, shake with a pinch of ground ginger, strain, and then top with ginger ale. Serve with a ginger snap on the side.
• Taste: A sharper ginger zing and a molasses twist to the sweetness, echoing autumn's full-bodied flavors.