Posts Tagged ‘Boston Shaker’

August 6th, 2009

A brief history of drinking in Boston

michaeltmcgreevys-1916-bpl

Hear ye, imbibers of the Hub. I’ve been brushing up on my Boston booze history, and I thought it would be fun to lead, you know, a little salon with fellow boozehound-historians interested in the topic. So I mentioned this to Adam Lantheaume of the Boston Shaker one day, and he said, ‘Why don’t we do a class?’ And I said, ‘You’re on.’

“A brief history of drinking in Boston” will take place Monday, August 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the Boston Shaker, which resides in the Union Square, Somerville, store named Grand. Tix are $20 (includes cocktails). Topics on the agenda include:

  • Colonial taverns
  • The New England ice industry & Boston’s role in the evolution of cocktails
  • Saloons
  • Massachusetts temperance and prohibition laws
  • Locke-Ober and the Parker House
  • Scollay Square
  • The Cocoanut Grove fire
  • Tiki bars
  • The revival of classic mixology in Boston

Sure, it’ll be educational, but it’ll also be informal and festive, as Adam and I will be serving samples of both classic and new Boston cocktails, including a Ward Eight made with Sazerac 6-Yr Rye (aka Baby Saz). Whether you know beans about Boston bar history or work for a tour company called the Boston Hooch ‘n’ History Trail (in which case we need to get acquainted), reserve yourself a spot — you’re bound to learn something.

See you there!

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Posted in Books & resources, Boston bars, Events | 4 Comments »

April 7th, 2009

Home bartending 101

Bartender pouring many bottles

Finally, a bartending class for the armchair mixologist. It’s called Home Bar Basics, and it’s happening on April 13 at the Boston Shaker, Adam Lantheaume’s store within a store at Grand in Union Square (374 Somerville Ave.). Remember? He’s the guy who’s selling hard-to-find cocktail ingredients, books and tools. Well, now he’ll show you how to mix a proper drink. From the course description:

Want to start making cocktails at home but are befuddled by the different tools, ingredients and recipe instructions? Do the drinks you make at home never come out as well as the ones you have out? Want to understand some of the “hows and whys” of making cocktails? Check out this hands-on workshop!

It’s $30, and the best thing is you can buy tix online.

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Posted in Books & resources, Drinking supplies, Events | 3 Comments »