Step out of the cold — and into a cocktail. Boston bartenders are battling the chilly weather by embracing it; they’re working some of the season’s best ingredients – like maple, cinnamon and citrus fruit – into hearty drinks. Whether you need a break from the holiday madness or an accompaniment to the dark after-work hours, pull up a stool at the spots below.
Area Four Boston — Area Four has holiday cheer on tap, literally—the South End location keeps cocktails on draft for fresh and festive imbibery, like the Shrubbery!, made with Citadelle gin, seasonal shrub and elderflower.
Back Bay Harry’s — Have yourself a Townie Christmas, courtesy of Back Bay Harry’s and Boston Harbor Distillery. The luxurious, city-representing cocktail features BHD’s Spirit of Boston Merry Maker whiskey (distilled from Sam Adams beer), plus their Lawley’s Dark New England Spirit, Maple Cream Liqueur and Coffee Liqueur—all mixed up with cinnamon-infused honey and cream.
Brine — For winter citrus with a bigger boost than just Vitamin C, sip on the N.8 at Brine. Espresso bean-infused tequila and smoky mezcal add spirit, while Campari, grapefruit and lime cover the citrus side of things in the cold-weather pick-me-up.
Coppa — Coppa pours one out to National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation with The Uncle Eddie, a raucous mix of eggnog, Jelinek Fernet, Yellow Chartreuse and St. George coffee liqueur — making holidays with the relatives that much more bearable.
The Hourly — Winter whites take on new meaning with The Hourly’s cocktail list. The “Chalmers” showcases Glendalough Distillery’s seasonal forage gin with triple sec, Luxardo Bitter Bianco and maraschino liqueur, finished to icy clear perfection with soda water and lemon.
L’Andana — Live the luxe life at L’Andana with a bubbly toast to the winter season. The Lux pairs up Prosecco with Luxardo Amaro Abano, an Italian digestivo infused with herbs like caradamom, cinnamon and bitter orange.
Novara — Novara’s cocktail list sparkles this season with additions like the Desdemona Smile. Spiced rum is shaken together with burnt cinnamon nutmeg syrup and tart lime juice for a merry and bright sipper.
Porto — Porto shakes up something better than a snowfall – a frothy sour featuring winter’s favorite berry. Cold weather cranberry syrup stars in the Cranberry Sour, paired with Peychauds, lemon, and cardamom-infused vodka, then shaken with an egg-white to creamy perfection.
Tiger Mama — Snuggle into The Sona Sour at Tiger Mama to take away any winter chill. A rye whiskey base is shaken with honey, turmeric, Moroccan bitters and egg white for a pillow soft, froth-topped glass.
Waypoint — Waypoint invites you to pull up a chair By the Fire. The warming libation gets its warmth from ingredients like mulled wine, smoked maple and house coffee liqueur, blended with gin and lemon for a roaring good drink.
Check out even more concoctions to keep you warm with this list of Holiday Cheers cocktails, shaken and stirred up at spots around Boston.
