For the coolest cocktail experience in Saratoga Springs, check out the Cooperstown Distillery Beverage Exchange at Saratoga. Although the spirits are distilled an hour and a half away at the Cooperstown Distillery in Cooperstown, New York, the Exchange operates as a tasting room, retail store, and bar for the distillery. Try their superb selection of spirits in finely crafted seasonally-based cocktails. And if you’re not a spirit sipper, they’ve got plenty of local craft beer to serve as well.
Cooperstown Distillery Beverage Exchange at Saratoga
Located in the heart of Saratoga Springs on Broadway, the Cooperstown Beverage Exchange at Saratoga combines the attractiveness of a city lounge with tin ceilings and finely crafted woodwork with a laid-back vibe that is welcoming to anyone. Take a seat at the bar or choose a table inside or on the patio which is perched above the Broadway sidewalk.
The distillery itself was opened in 2013 by Gene Marra. A first Beverage Exchange was added in downtown Cooperstown. In 2019 the company expanded with partners taking a stake in the ownership. With this, the company grew exponentially, with distribution in thirty-three states. The Cooperstown Distillery Beverage Exchange at Saratoga opened its doors during a difficult time period for the service industry, in late 2020.
As bar manager, Rob Ercole explained that this location was once a Bruegger’s Bagels, and, a rarity for Saratoga Springs, the storefront lay vacant for a period of time. Walking inside this impressive space, there are zero traces of the former bagel shop today. Both Rob and General Manager, Mark Padvaiskas were both mainstays in the restaurant and bar industry in Saratoga Springs. Combining their expertise with the spectacular spirits of Cooperstown Distillery is like betting on a champion thoroughbred.
Tasting at the Cooperstown Distillery Beverage Exchange at Saratoga
Saddle up to the tasting counter which is a podium of sorts with an intricate design that is located toward the back of the Exchange. Customers are welcome to sample up to three spirits for free (New York State law). Rob shared with me the distillation process, ingredients, and backstory of each, from vodka to gin and to whiskey. I tried the Fenimore Gin, a smooth taste with that necessary piney-ness made with fresh botanicals. I also sampled the Saratoga Revolutionary Rum which was simply delicious. Finally, for the whiskey, the Select Blended was so smooth with an excellent woody flavor of the oak barrels from Adirondack Cooperage. Others, such as the Beanball Bourbon, is a solid bourbon while the Spitball Cinnamon Whiskey will make you forget about Fireball.
Time for a Cocktail!
As good as the spirits are by themselves, tasting Rob’s cocktail menu will knock your socks off. This summer, I was able to try three of his creations. The Cool Cut Cucumber was one of the best cocktails I’ve ever had. Its base spirit is gin and will cool you down on the hottest day. It’s got a slight cucumber flavor which blends so well. The Summer Mule is made with raspberry and is exactly what it should be, and is so delicious. I also had a peach cocktail with bourbon which also totally hit the spot. They use only the freshest ingredients. For example, for the strawberry kiwi flavor of the mule, Rob makes his own puree in the kitchen as an ingredient. And they even make their own clear ice! For beer, try local New York brands such as Unified and Common Roots. Both of these hot brands you can find here along with others such as KCBO, Equilibrium, and Other Half.
Time to Shop
Also located at the Cooperstown Distillery Beverage Exchange at Saratoga is a retail store. Pick up a bottle of your favorite spirit. In addition to its regular lineup of spirits, Cooperstown Distillery also distills its Hall of Champions collection. Try vodka, whiskey, and bourbon in signature decanters. Playing into the Cooperstown theme, this collection started with glass decanter baseballs. (There are even specialty series of this line featuring Hall of Famers.) It has expanded to decanters of golf clubs, basketballs, and footballs as well. I took home a mini triple play, with small versions of the baseball decanters filled with vodka, bourbon, and whiskey.
While you’re visiting Saratoga Springs, make sure to stop at 453 Broadway for not only the coolest bar in town but the tastiest cocktail made with excellent spirits at the Cooperstown Distillery Beverage Exchange at Saratoga.
Interested in finding out more about spirits, make sure to check out my newest book, Distilled In Boston. For more distillery Backyard Road Trips, check out: Five Stops on the New England Distillery Trail, Dirty Water Distillery, and Chattermark Distillers.
