Top 100 Northeastern American Alcoholic Beverages

A classic cocktail that was created in New York City in the 1940s, Moscow Mule consists of vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice. Because it contains ginger beer, Moscow Mule is a type of buck (a mixed drink with ginger beer or ale, spirit, and citrus), so it is often referred to as Vodka Buck. The cocktail is traditionally served in a copper mug, on the rocks, with a lime wheel garnish. Vodka is typically associated with Russia, while mule was supposedly added to the name because ginger beer adds a kick of flavor, hence the name Moscow Mule.Expand

New England cider is a cider style known for its acidity and high alcohol content. It is usually made from traditional New England apples, and it is distinguished for the use of additional ingredients, such as sugar, molasses, honey, or raisins, which are mainly used to increase alcohol content and impart flavor. New England Cider is usually full-bodied and dry, with a strong flavor and aroma. The color can range from yellow to amber, and it can be sparkling or still. The acidity is usually high, and the alcohol content falls between 7 and 13%. It is often barrel-aged, adding flavor elements such as oak, spice, or caramel. Some of the most common apples used in the production of New England cider are Roxbury Russet, Baldwin, Northern Spy, and Golden Russet, along with many other regional varieties. New England ciders were already present during Colonial America. They are sometimes labeled as Apple Wine. Expand

A classic cocktail believed to have originated in the 1970s in New York City, the fashionable Cosmopolitan (or affectionately Cosmo) consists of vodka, orange liqueur, cranberry juice, and freshly squeezed lime juice. It simultaneously gained popularity and influenced popular culture in the 1990s when it was frequently mentioned and ordered by the iconic Carrie Bradshaw from the TV show Sex and the City. The ingredients should be vigorously shaken with cracked ice in a cocktail shaker before the combination is strained into a large martini glass with a lemon twist garnish. Although Cosmo is no longer the go-to beverage for trendsetters in London and New York, it is still one of the most popular drinks in the world.Expand

Invented on Long Island in 1972, Long Island Iced Tea is a strong cocktail consisting of vodka, gin, tequila, light rum, triple sec, a shot of sour mix, and cola. The cocktail is named after its place of origin and its color, which is reminiscent of iced tea - an effect that is achieved by adding a splash of cola to the cocktail, giving it an amber tone in the process. Although Long Island Iced Tea is prepared with equal parts of the main liqueurs and a splash of cola, in some versions the sour mix can be replaced with lemon juice, while cola can be replaced with iced tea. The cocktail has a high level of alcohol, but it can also be served extra long, increasing the amount of spirits in the combination even further. Long Island Iced Tea is typically served on the rocks in a highball glass with a lemon slice garnish and a stirring straw.Expand

The hazy New England IPA is a modern beer style that originated in 2011. The examples of the style will usually have less hop bitterness than standard American IPA and a character dominated by intense and juicy tropical hop aromas and flavors, typically reminiscent of tropical fruit, stone fruit, and citrus. They are always hazy, with a full body and a creamier mouthfeel. Heady Topper, brewed by The Alchemist in 2011, is considered a prototype. The beer influenced the emergence of an entirely new style and was used as inspiration for many varieties that came afterward. New England IPA has been growing in popularity ever since and is still a somewhat novel, evolving beer style.Expand

Aviation is a classic cocktail that was created at the beginning of the 20th century in New York City by bartender Hugo Ensslin. It consists of dry gin, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, and violet liqueur, which is added to provide the cocktail with a pale purple color. However, some recipes exclude violet liqueur from the mix or it is sometimes substituted with Creme Yvette, a violet liqueur flavored with additional spices. If maraschino is omitted from the mix, the cocktail is named Blue Moon. Aviation is typically served straight up in a cocktail glass garnished with lemon peel and cherries.Expand

Whiskey Smash is a classic cocktail that combines whiskey, lemon juice, and mint. It is usually prepared with bourbon, but rye whiskey is a suitable replacement. To make the cocktail, lemon wedges and mint are first muddled in a shaker. Whiskey, simple syrup, and ice are added next, and all the ingredients are shaken until chilled. The mix is strained into an old-fashioned glass filled with fresh ice and garnished with a mint sprig. The drink is a distant cousin to the legendary Mint Julep. It was first featured in The Bartenders Guide by Jerry Thomas. The Guide was published in 1887, but it is assumed that this cocktail and its many variations existed well before the book was published. Expand

Manhattan is a classic cocktail that originated in the late 1800s on Manhattan Island in New York City. Traditionally, it consists of rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and a dash of bitters, usually of the Angostura variety or orange bitters. However, in some variations, it can also be made with bourbon, blended whiskey, Tennessee whiskey, or Canadian whiskey, which was primarily used during the prohibition period due to its availability. Some of the most popular variations of this classic cocktail are Rob Roy, Dry Manhattan, Perfect Manhattan, Brandy Manhattan, Metropolitan and Cuban Manhattan. Although Manhattan is usually stirred, it can also be shaken. Regardless of the preparation style, it is typically served on the rocks in a cocktail or lowball glass, garnished with a Maraschino cherry. Movie lovers can see this famous classic cocktail in Billy Wilder's 1959 hit comedy Some Like it Hot, starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon.Expand

Cape Codder is an American cocktail originating from Cape Cod peninsula, hence the name. It is made with a combination of vodka and cranberry juice. To prepare it, the ingredients are mixed with ice in a highball glass, and the cocktail is then garnished with a lime wedge. It is believed that the drink was invented in 1945 by the cranberry grower’s cooperative called Ocean Spray. The original name of the cocktail was Red Devil, but the name Cape Codder has been used since the early 1960s.Expand

Black IPA or American Black Ale is a versatile craft beer style that combines fruity hop character and moderate dark malts. The examples are typically medium-bodied and may be clear or hazy, while their color varies from dark brown to black. They are packed with hop aromas and flavors that range from fruity, citrusy, piney, and floral. Their hop character is well-balanced with moderate amounts of dark caramel malt aroma and flavors reminiscent of chocolate and coffee. Alcohol content typically falls between 6 to 9% ABV. Black IPA pairs well with burgers, braised meat, stews, BBQ, steaks, and fried dishes. It could also be a good match with chocolate-based desserts and aged or blue cheese. This style is a variation of American IPA, and it is a somewhat new beer style that probably originated in the early 1990s. It is largely believed that the first version was created by Greg Noonan of the Vermont Pub and Brewery, though some argue that the first examples were brewed in the Northwest. Regardless of its origin, Black IPA remains one of the most exciting craft beer styles. Expand

Tree House Brewing Company is one of the most highly regarded American craft breweries, known for its top-quality unfiltered IPAs and strong local presence. It was founded in 2011 in the state of Massachusetts by four friends as a small homebrewing project in Brimfield. They are best known for their hazy and juicy IPA beers, especially Julius, which stands out with tropical aromas of mango, peach, and passionfruit, paired with gentle bitterness and a smooth, full-bodied taste. Their beers are not distributed - they are sold exclusively on-site at brewery locations, giving them an exclusive status and creating buzz and long lines with each new release. Tree House combines innovation and high quality with a local, community-driven approach and a commitment to sustainable growth. Each location offers a warm, family-friendly atmosphere, often with pizza, music, and outdoor gathering spaces.Expand

Hill Farmstead Brewery is a premier craft brewery located in Greensboro Bend, Vermont, founded around 2010 by Shaun Hill on his family’s ancestral farm, which has been in the Hill family for over two centuries. The brewery focuses on subtle complexity and elegance, producing small batches of exceptionally high-quality beers - including IPAs, saisons, porters, and others. Sales take place exclusively on-site, often drawing long lines of visitors who travel from distant states to purchase beer directly from the source. The brewery features a beautifully designed taproom and a retail shop lined with growlers and bottles, while the setting of the family farm adds an authentic, serene backdrop to the full brewery experience.Expand

Other Half Brewing is a highly influential craft brewery founded in 2014 in Brooklyn by Sam Richardson, Matt Monahan, and Andrew Burman. From the very beginning, they established themselves as masters of hop-forward styles, with a focus on juicy, fruity, and dank IPAs inspired by the West Coast. Their dedication to using top-tier hops, employing techniques like double dry hopping, and pioneering innovations such as HDHC (high-density hop charge) have helped redefine the modern IPA and become hallmarks of the brewery. Other Half has built a strong reputation through collaborations with breweries around the world, while their culinary approach to recipe development adds depth and complexity to their beers. By combining a passion for aromatic hops, technical innovation, and close engagement with the beer community, Other Half has earned cult status among craft beer enthusiasts. Today, they operate in several major U.S. cities and are considered one of the leading forces on the American craft beer scene, particularly known for their outstanding and boundary-pushing IPA releases.Expand

Triple Eight Distillery is located on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, and is known for crafting high-quality spirits, including whiskey, gin, rum, and vodka. Established in 2000 as part of Nantucket Vineyard and Cisco Brewers, it offers a unique combination of craft beer, wine, and spirits all in one place. Triple Eight Distillery is renowned for using premium ingredients and innovative techniques, producing popular spirits like "Triple Eight Vodka" and "Notch Single Malt Whiskey," which have gained recognition among whiskey enthusiasts worldwide.Expand

Fidens Brewing, based in Albany, New York, was founded in late 2019 as the result of a shared passion for hoppy beer styles between three friends - Steve, Tim, and Raquel. The brewery’s name comes from the Latin word fidens, meaning courage and confidence, which perfectly reflects their authentic and independent approach to brewing. The brewery is almost entirely focused on styles such as New England India Pale Ale, Double India Pale Ale, and Triple India Pale Ale, with a strong emphasis on double dry hopping and expressive aromatics - frequently using hop varieties like Citra, Galaxy, and Simcoe. Thanks to their consistency, quality, and recognizable style, Fidens has quickly become one of the fastest-growing and most respected microbreweries in the Northeastern U.S. Their taproom in Albany has become a must-visit destination for hazy IPA enthusiasts and a true showcase of modern American craft brewing.Expand

Bhakta Spirits is a luxury craft spirits brand offering a portfolio of rare, vintage whiskeys, brandies, rums, and more. Founded in 2020, Bhakta became known for its exclusive selections, including historic Armagnac collections. The brand prides itself on offering spirits aged for decades, creating a refined and exceptional experience for connoisseurs. Their headquarters, Bhakta - Griswold, provides an immersive destination for lovers of vintage spirits.Expand

Whistlepig is a renowned whiskey producer based in Vermont, USA, known for its dedication to crafting premium rye whiskeys. Founded in 2007, Whistlepig set out to revive the tradition of rye whiskey in America. Their products, such as Whistlepig 10 Year and the Whistlepig Boss Hog series, are celebrated for their rich flavor profiles and complex aromas. The brand stands out not only for the quality of its whiskeys but also for its sustainable approach, growing its own rye and utilizing resources from its farm in Shoreham, Vermont. Today, Whistlepig is a symbol of luxury and innovation in the whiskey world, attracting enthusiasts globally.Expand

The business that began with two employees importing a few family producers from France has grown to include a prestigious roster of internationally renowned, award winning brands serviced by well over 340 employees. The Deutsch family is renowned for its ability to identify unmet consumer needs within the wine and spirits categories and translate them into award winning brands. We are proud to acknowledge the enduring relationships with our supplier partners, many of whom have been part of the family since the business began.Expand

 

Kentucky Owl is an American whiskey brand with deep historical roots in Kentucky, originally founded in 1879 by pharmacist Charles Mortimer Dedman. The brand became known for producing “The Wise Man’s Bourbon” before operations were forced to stop during the Prohibition era in 1916, when much of its whiskey inventory was confiscated. After remaining dormant for decades, Kentucky Owl was revived in 2014 by Dixon Dedman, a descendant of the original founder, who reintroduced the brand with a focus on small-batch premium bourbon and rye whiskey releases. Modern Kentucky Owl is recognized for its luxury positioning, limited-edition blends, and carefully curated batch releases such as Confiscated, Batch Series, and The Wiseman. The brand combines traditional Kentucky bourbon heritage with a contemporary premium identity, emphasizing craftsmanship, blending expertise, and exclusivity. Over the years, Kentucky Owl has developed a strong reputation among collectors and whiskey enthusiasts for its limited production runs and high-end approach to American whiskey.Expand

Hillrock Estate Distillery is a premium American whiskey producer located in the Hudson Valley region of New York. Founded by Jeffrey Baker and Cathy Franklin, the distillery was established with the goal of reviving the region’s historic farm-distilling tradition and producing authentic estate-made spirits using a true “field-to-glass” approach. Situated on a historic estate dating back to 1806, Hillrock controls every stage of production, from cultivating grain and floor malting barley to distillation, maturation, and bottling. The distillery is recognized as one of the few whiskey producers in the world to manage the entire production process on-site and was the first American distillery since Prohibition to floor malt its own grain. Working closely with the late master distiller David Pickerell, Hillrock gained international recognition for its innovative whiskeys, including one of the first Solera-aged bourbons produced in the United States. The portfolio features bourbon, rye, and single malt expressions that showcase the unique terroir of the Hudson Valley. Through its commitment to traditional craftsmanship, estate-grown grains, and small-batch production, Hillrock Estate Distillery has become one of the most respected names in American craft whiskey.Expand