Seasonal Affective Disorder, or S.A.D., is a real thing. They even have lamps to fix it. Winter is bumming us all the eff out, and I don’t care if it’s sunny out today, if this weekend marks the ‘spring forward’ leap for daylight savings time, or if the seasons will change by the end of this month. It’s freezing, it’s going to stay freezing and more snow is likely coming. End rant.
So what can we do to fight our way through the rest of this wretched winter without completely losing our minds? Well, I’m sure there are a few saving graces out there, but we’re going to focus on liquid magic. Nothing says summer like a good, juicy, refreshing cocktail, and we’re all sick of the mulled wines and hot toddys by now anyway, regardless of how season appropriate.
We sought out some happiness-inducing drinks from Boston’s best cocktail bars, and we’re highly suggesting that you go try out a few, or all, this weekend. It’s almost guaranteed that they’ll raise your spirits, even if you pay the consequences tomorrow.
jm Curley | 21 Temple Place
The cocktail: Bridge and Tunnel, $12
What’s in it: Vodka, strawberry, lemon and elderflower foam
Where it will take you: To a rustic porch overlooking a field dotted with green trees and budding flowers, just as the sun is setting but it’s still warm enough that you don’t really even need your lightweight cardigan, but you keep it on because it looks good with your early summer tan.
Brick & Mortar | 569 Massachusetts Ave
The cocktail: Sister Mary, $11
What’s in it: Blanco tequila, St. Germain, aperol, grapefruit
Where it will take you: To an underground bar somewhere in Spain that you stumbled upon because you got lost trying to make it back to your hotel. You don’t really understand what anyone’s saying, but they’re all dancing, and it’s quickly becoming the best summer night of your life.
The Hawthorne | 500A Commonwealth Ave
The cocktail: Daiquiri Time Out, $12
What’s in it: Bully Boy rum, sugar, lime
Where it will take you: A patio somewhere in the city, on a Friday afternoon when you’re supposed to be working, but it’s too nice out not to go outside. So you snuck away with a fellow city dweller for a ‘business lunch’ that actually includes small plates and a not-so-small amount of booze.
Silvertone | 69 Bromfield Street
The cocktail: Mary’s Pink Lemonade, $9
What’s in it: Crop Organic Meyer lemon vodka, citrus, cranberry juice
Where it will take you: To a Saturday night out that’s so hot and sticky, you’re left with no choice but to cozy up to a bar with some central air. Naturally, you’re going to need to sip on something refreshing, and luckily, you’ve found it. Next thing you know, you’re sweating it out again on a makeshift dance floor, thanks to Mary.
backbar | 7 Sanborne Court
The cocktail: Hot Route, $12
What’s in it: A spicy margarita with mezcal, lime, chartreuse, aveze and serrano peppers
Where it will take you: To a hole in the wall somewhere along the border, where you’re momentarily stuck as your hot rod gets its flat fixed. The bartender knows you’re an outsider, so he’s not going to go easy on the spicy. But if someone hands you a Hot Route, you accept.
Gather | 75 Northern Avenue
The cocktail: Peach Sangria, $10
What’s in it: White wine, peach liqueur, fruit juices and peach slices
Where it will take you: A mid-morning Sunday brunch on the ocean, complete with the salty breeze and the birds and all that. You’ve had your generic mimosas and heavy Bloodys, and this seaside brunch requires a much lighter, juicier beverage that can last through lunch.
