February 23rd, 2007

Mixing with Moxie

Mixing with MoxieBy Scott N. Howe

It’s not quite Coke, it’s not quite root beer, and it’s not quite good. “It” is Moxie, and if you grew up in New England, you’ve no doubt sampled this dark, bitter, medicinal soda — and you probably didn’t like it. To be sure, Moxie is an acquired taste, but a few more folks may acquire it thanks to a new cocktail at Allston’s Deep Ellum. Last night, barman Max Toste turned me on to the Black Water, a new Moxie-based concoction they’ve added to their interesting and ample cocktail menu. (“Moxie,” Max explained, is a Native American word for “black water.” I took his word for it.) The drink is simple: Moxie on the rocks, mixed with rye and garnished with a lemon slice. What you get is, depending on your perspective, a loving update of New England traditions or a Jack and Coke for the highly ironic. Either way, it’s damn tasty, and, at $6 a pop, it’s priced to make even the thriftiest New Englander smile.

Permalink | Filed under Bitters, Cocktails, Whiskey |

6 Responses to “Mixing with Moxie”

  1. Stix S.

    Finally, something that allows Moxie to have its much-deserved moment in the spotlight!

  2. Ryan W.

    A favorite of a great friend of mine is the the Moxtail…. Old Crowe Bourbon and Moxie. Pretty damn refreshing and Pretty leathal if you don’t watch out. Moxie IS life.

  3. Germom

    The New Englander cocktail preceded this by decades…. Moxie, gin and lime slice (with or without a splash of Worcestershire sauce).

  4. Ed Margerum

    The Burnt Trailer is a mixed drink served at the Great Lost Bear in Portland. It is composed of equal parts of Allen’s coffee brandy and Moxie.

  5. Angela M.

    I may be from the west coast but I must say the The New Englander cocktail does not sound appealing… I may be wrong…

  6. Ed Margerum

    I just made a traditional New Englander (or New England) cocktail. Two parts Moxie/1 part Gordon’s gin on the rocks. I agree with Angela. The gin overwhelmed the Moxie. I’ve been fooling around with Campari and Moxie and that may have possibilities.

Leave a Reply