Restaurant
Unclaimed profileThe Upstate Tavern
Verona, NY · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
The Upstate Tavern runs a beverage program with a clear New York accent. The craft cocktail section includes four named drinks, among them the Olean Orchardist and the Manchester Mezcal Mule, plus a rotating lineup of boozy milkshakes. Wine spans sparkling, white, and red, with Finger Lakes producers like Fox Run, Glenora, and Dr. Konstantin Frank prominent. Beer leans on regional craft taps and a Tour of New York flight. Spirits celebrate New York distilleries, and Athletic Brewing non-alcoholic beers are on draft.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Manchester Mezcal Mule, built on Don Julio Reposado Tequila and Casamigos Mezcal with passion fruit, agave, lime, and Fever Tree Ginger Beer. For wine, the Fox Run Semi Dry Riesling or Dr. Konstantin Frank Old Vines Pinot Noir. Beer drinkers can order the Tour of New York Flight, a choose-four draft sampler.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Drinkers who want a regional New York beverage focus will find it across the cocktail, wine, beer, and spirits lists. The boozy milkshakes and non-alcoholic Athletic Brewing options give the program range for different drinking preferences. The draft flight suits those who want to compare several New York beers in one order.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The beverage program is built around New York State producers. Cocktails incorporate local spirits and Lamoreaux Landing Ice Wine; the wine list highlights Finger Lakes and Cayuga Lake vineyards; spirits come from New York distilleries like Old Home, 1911, Black Button, and Cooperstown; and the draft list includes the venue's own Upstate Lager alongside regional craft breweries.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
The craft cocktail section lists four named drinks and a separate line of boozy milkshakes. The cocktails use spirits like Grey Goose La Poire Vodka, Hendrick's Gin, Don Julio Reposado Tequila, and Casamigos Mezcal, with New York spirits and local wine incorporated. The milkshakes are elaborately garnished and distinct from the standard cocktail list.
Menu strengths
- — Four named cocktails with specific spirit and ingredient detail.
- — Incorporates New York spirits and Lamoreaux Landing Finger Lakes Ice Wine.
- — Boozy milkshakes are a distinct, elaborately garnished offering.
Standout selections
- — Manchester Mezcal Mule — Don Julio Reposado Tequila, Casamigos Mezcal, passion fruit purée, agave nectar, lime juice, Fever Tree Ginger Beer, and a chipotle chili and sugar rim.
- — Spritzing on the Finger Lakes — Lamoreaux Landing Finger Lakes Ice Wine, Aperol, lemon juice, simple syrup, Prosecco, and red seedless grapes.
- — S'mores Boozy Milkshake — Campfire S'mores Ice Cream, Marshmallow Vodka, Four Sons Toasted Coconut Whiskey, graham cracker and mini marshmallow rim, topped with whipped cream, dark chocolate curls, and a s'more.
Wine
The wine list spans sparkling, white, and red categories from New York, California, Italy, France, and New Zealand. New York wines are prominent, with Finger Lakes and Cayuga Lake producers such as Thirsty Owl, Fox Run, Glenora, Bully Hill, Lamoreaux Landing, Salmon Run, and Dr. Konstantin Frank. The list includes local Finger Lakes wines alongside international selections.
Menu strengths
- — Spans sparkling, white, and red with multiple New York producers.
- — Prominent Finger Lakes and Cayuga Lake representation, including Dr. Konstantin Frank and Fox Run.
- — Includes local Finger Lakes wines alongside international selections like Moët & Chandon.
Standout selections
- — Fox Run Semi Dry Riesling — Finger Lakes, NY.
- — Dr. Konstantin Frank Old Vines Pinot Noir — Hammondsport, NY.
- — Lamoreaux Landing Wine Riesling Ice — Lodi, NY.
Beer
The beer program features regional beers on tap and under cap from New York breweries, with a draft list that includes Southern Tier, Meier's Creek, Upstate Lager, Sloop, Saranac, Fiddlehead, Brewery Ommegang, 1911 Hard Ciders, and others. A Tour of New York Flight offers a choice of four drafts, and a rotating Beer of the Month is poured from a feature tap.
Menu strengths
- — Strong New York craft brewery representation on draft.
- — Offers a Tour of New York Flight and a rotating beer of the month.
Standout selections
- — Upstate Lager — the venue's own lager; rich, amber color and medium body; NY.
- — Meier's Creek Brewing Company Floatin' on by Pilsner — light body, crisp mouthfeel, slightly sweet biscuit finish with light floral hop notes; brewed locally in Cazenovia, NY.
- — Tour of New York Flight — choose four drafts.
Nonalcoholic
Beers on the draft list: Run Wild IPA and Upside Dawn Golden. Both are non-alcoholic options available on draft, providing a clear alternative for those not drinking alcohol.
Menu strengths
- — Non-alcoholic beer options are available on the draft list.
- — Two Athletic Brewing Co. Styles: an IPA and a golden ale.
Standout selections
- — Athletic Brewing Co. Run Wild IPA — non-alcoholic IPA.
- — Athletic Brewing Co. Upside Dawn Golden — non-alcoholic golden ale.
Spirits
The spirits menu celebrates New York distilleries, with spirits available neat, up, or in cocktails. New York State liquors listed include Old Home Distillery Maple Whiskey, 1911 Vodka, 1911 Bourbon Cream, and Black Button Bourbon Bespoke Blend. Happy Hour spirits include Cooperstown Distillery Everyday Bourbon and 1911 Established Original Vodka.
Menu strengths
- — Focus on New York State distilleries across the spirits list.
- — Spirits can be ordered neat, up, or in cocktails.
- — Happy Hour spirits include Cooperstown Distillery and 1911 Established.
Standout selections
- — Old Home Distillery Maple Whiskey — New York State liquor.
- — Black Button Bourbon Bespoke Blend — New York State liquor.
- — Cooperstown Distillery Everyday Bourbon — Happy Hour spirit from Cooperstown, NY.
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