Who knew that gin could be made in Brooklyn or bourbon in the Hudson Valley? These spirit companies are taking drinking local to the next level, and local doesn’t mean drinking at the “local” watering hole. It equates to resourceful entrepreneurs who are finding ways to create sustainable spirits in New York’s backyard.

Needless to say, the mixologists at The Bar at Four Seasons Hotel New York were very ecstatic to source two great tasting spirits to feature on the drink menu, not only because they taste good but that they are part of the Hotel’s commitment to buy all local products. More than 80 percent of the cuisine on the menus is sourced from local farms.

The classic cocktails featured are the Tom Collins and the Old Fashion New York. The Tom Collins is concocted using Brooklyn Gin, which is distilled right outside of New York City using botanicals and locally purchased fruits. The cocktail is topped off using lemon, Brooklyn Roof Top Honey and club soda. The Old Fashion New York has a sweet and sour taste as orange and lemon slices, sugar and bitters are added to a glass of Hudson Baby Bourbon. This is the first bourbon whiskey to be distilled in New York and it is made from 100 percent New York corn, with touches of vanilla and caramel flavours that add just a hint of sweetness.

The Bar is open for cocktails, Sunday from 1:00 to 11:45 pm and Monday through Saturday from 1:00 pm to 12:45 am. Hors d’oeuvres and small plates are served weekly from 2:30 until 11:00 pm. Reservations are suggested.

City.Mobi

Also in US today, City.Mobi is celebrating the success of its new guide to New York.

City.Mobi offers the most comprehensive mobile travel guides available, with over 800 cities in 200 countries listed. Each is developed by the City.Mobi team to combine into a single global travel directory.

However, each city retains its own mobile identity via a dedicated domain. Already on offer are Brussels.Mobi, Paris.Mobi, Sanfrancisco.Mobi and Sydney.Mobi.

NYC.mobi is the latest in this illustrious line up, offering click to call functionality – which means no scribbling down telephone numbers.

Most entries are also linked to websites where users can quickly access more detailed information if needed.

Other key features include information on accommodation, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and transport.

City.Mobi guides include user reviews and traveller utilities such as a translation guide, currency converter, news and local weather guide.