Boston's Best Gin Cocktail Spots
Carrie Nation
11 Beacon St.
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 227-3100
www.carrienationcocktailclub.com
Upon entering Carrie Nation in downtown Boston, guests may think it is just an ordinary upscale cocktail bar, but there is more to it than meets the eye. Head to the back of the bar toward the restroom, and you'll find another door behind a velvet curtain that leads to another, semi-secret, speakeasy room! Like the real thing, Carrie Nation's back bar is dimly lit and features dark wood interiors and red velvet furniture for a classic vibe. The best thing about Carrie Nation, however, are the killer cocktails. They provide an excellent traditional cocktail menu featuring a gin fizz with real egg whites, and the pink lady - made with gin, grenadine, and heavy cream - woah!
Wink and Nod
3 Appleton St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 482-0117
www.winkandnod.com
Wink and Nod is another new speakeasy in Boston's South End. Bordering the Back Bay, Wink and Nod is in a neighborhood that simply loves good cocktails. This speakeasy, however is more exclusive than the rest in the city, and guests need to be "in the know" so to speak in order to get in. But, once inside, the drinks are to die for. The menu has some great gin features like a classic gimlet, a gin collins, and the winter special, The Recovery, which is made with gin, becherovka, lemon, honey syrup, and lemon oil.
Parla
230 Hanover St.
Boston, MA 02113
(617) 367-2824
www.parlaboston.com
Parla is the North End's speakeasy. Unlike traditional speakeasies, this one is quite easy to find. It's located on busy Hanover Street and features a big, beautiful sign reading "Parla," or speak, across the front. However, there is a secret cocktail menu, so look for clues on how to find it once inside the venue. So head there with an open mind, ready to try their secret gin concoctions!
Ward 8
90 N Washington St.
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 823-4478
www.ward8.com
Ward 8 has quickly become a Boston favorite since opening last year. It is a much needed high end spot in the TD Garden neighborhood. They have a delicious, innovative menu, friendly staff, and of course, unbeatable cocktails. They have four specialty gin cocktails on the menu, but the skilled bartenders can make anything else you can think of if you are feeling creative. If you need a break from gin, they also have a stellar rotating draught beer list with an emphasis on local brews.
Saloon
255 Elm St.
Somerville, MA 02144
(617) 628-4444
www.saloondavis.com
While Saloon in Davis Square largely focuses on whiskeys and scotch, they also have a surprisingly wonderful selection of gin cocktails and spirits. On their classic cocktail menu, patrons will find gin specialties like the Lemon Song with Nolets gin, meletti amaro, yellow Chartreuse and bitters; and their other bespoke gin cocktail, the When the Sun Sleeps, made with rosemary infused gin, sweet vermouth, lime - how divine!
Cameron Bruns is the founder of BostonGreenBlog.com and co-author of Just Us Gals Boston. She lives in Boston's North End, where her goal is to promote ethical, stylish, and sustainable lifestyle choices to all Boston residents. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
