We've been complaining about the prices of cocktails in Boston the past couple of weeks. When it's gotten to the point that a few ounces of alcohol mixed with juice is selling for the same price as the average entree, something is seriously out of whack. Have bar owners checked the state of the economy lately? If they're going to charge $15-$20 for a cocktail, it had better come with a shoulder rub, or a resume consultation. So, with the economy in mind we sought out a few lower priced cocktails at some of our favorite swank bars, and the results were surprising. While happy hours are illegal in Massachusetts, there are some watering holes that have managed to set up cocktail specials that are extraordinarily wallet- and palate-friendly.
At the always top-notch Gaslight, they are running a Le Mois De Fous (month of the crazies and the seven winds) special. From 5-6:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m.-midnight on Sunday through Thursday, restaurant-goers can avail themselves of five specialty cocktails for a measly $5.95. The real find is the Joker (below; Bacardi, ginger cognac, parfait amore, passion fruit, orange juice) with its cavalcade of fruit and spice.
"Orange and ginger are paired a lot in cooking," explained bartender Joe O'Connor. "So this plays on that."
Speaking of cooking, the cocktails on the special list are served with amuse-bouche like bacon wrapped dates stuffed with blue cheese. Truth is, Gaslight's cocktails aren't that expensive to begin with. The near perfect Boston Common (basil, vodka, elderflower liqueur, $9) is herbaceous, green, and sharp.
Nearby Aquitaine is running a similar special 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday for $5. Like Gaslight, the drinks are served with the chef's whim hors d'oeuvres.
"Happy hour is so great," explained manager Nicole Perry. "But unfortunately we can't do it. This is our way of offering something like that."
We were more than happy with classics like the Americano (sweet vermouth, Campari, soda), an orange aperitif garnished with a flame kissed orange peel, the Blackberry Bramble (gin, black currant liqueur, lemon juice), sparkling and thick with dark fruits, and the Ramos Gin Fizz (egg white, cream, orange blossom, soda, gin) a creamy aromatic blend.
Five dollars for a cocktail in Podunk is a bargain. In the South End or on Newbury Street, it's practically theft. We found a great $5 concoction at Sonsie: the Stimulus Package cocktail (tequila, Alizé, pineapple juice). Taking the pressures of the economy quite literally, they've designed a simple, fruit-forward, rocks drink. Bursting with passion fruit from the Alizé, and naturally sweet from the pineapple, it's tropical and refreshing, and best of all, priced to move.
1 comments:
Fifteen bucks for your average cocktail? NO WAY!
Sounds like a strip club :D
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