January 14th, 2009

Behind the Boston mixology scene

Nightclub & Bar, December 2008Ever wonder how the Boston mixology scene — the constellation of bars and bartenders who take drink-mixing seriously and are chronicled regularly on this site — came about? Who the originators and other key figures are? What they think of their collective work and its future? Well, you’re in luck, because I lay it all out in a recent cover story for the trade publication Nightclub & Bar. (Yes, that’s Drink‘s own John Gertsen on the cover.) Here’s to all the cocktailians in this city who are helping the scene to thrive!

Permalink | Filed under Booze in the news, Boston bars, drinkboston in the news | Tags: ,

7 Responses to “Behind the Boston mixology scene”

  1. Scortch

    That’s a great overview/history of the scene here. While reading it, it kinda reminds me of the Boston music scene (at least as I have always loved it); feverishly passionate, technically adept without ever losing the feel and soul, wholly incestuous, completely open and inter-supportive. And yes, whether the rest of the world realized it, the best damn scene on the planet!

    Another fine job, Ms. Clarke!

  2. ljclark

    Ah, nice analogy. Music seems to be a popular one, actually, what with Cleve’s comment in the article about the evolution of punk rock. Thanks for the kind words, Scortch.

  3. Scortch

    No really so much a music analogy as it is a people one- no surprise that that so many of our beloved bartenders -Bro. Cleve, Jackson Cannon, Josey Packard- have ties to both scenes.

    Yes, incestuous indeed!

  4. MC Slim JB

    Man, the media is all over this story suddenly. Anyone see the story in The Atlantic? http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200901/cocktails

    Good news; long overdue, even.

    I only cover (and patronize) the local cocktail scene, but I’m an old school punk rock kid, too. Must be something about seeking the edge, the authentic roots and energy of a movement, the truth.

  5. jacqueline church

    I’d like to see it laid out like the Bill Walsh coaching tree…anyone, anyone?

  6. Pink Lady

    Excellent work, Babs! Congrats on totally ruling the cover of Nightclub & Bar.

  7. ljclark

    Thanks, PL. It’s good to be a cover girl.

Leave a Reply