Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/121906
GUIDE imbibe Temazcal Tequila Cantina offers more than 300 varieties of tequila and a killer view. heat of the moment TOAST CINCO DE MAYO WITH TOP-SHELF TEQUILAS AND MEZCALS AT THESE PREMIUM CANTINAS AND COCINAS. BY BRANDY RAND Head north to feel like you're south of the border at this award-winning restaurant. Named for the spiky desert plant that tequila and mezcal are made from, Agavé offers more than 70 varieties of tequila. Create your own margarita or pick from the innovative cocktail list to get the fiesta started. 50 State St., Newburyport, 978-499-0428; 111 State St., Portsmouth, NH, 603-427-5300; agavedos.com by former B-Side Lounge owner Patrick Sullivan and features mixologist Misty Kalkofen, who has garnered a reputation as Boston's unofficial agave ambassador. The spirits menu includes a robust agave section, while the beverage menu contains simple yet playful cocktails like the Sister Mary (blanco tequila, St-Germain, Aperol, and grapefruit). 567 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 617-491-0016; brickandmortarbar.com Añejo Mexican Bistro & Tequila Bar Habanero's Mexican Kitchen This sophisticated Cape Cod bistro offers a carefully curated tequila list complete with tasting notes. An accompanying bebidas list showcases tempting cocktails. We recommend the Mango Caliente, made with Antiguo de Herradura blanco, Patrón Citrónge, mango, habanero, lime, agave, and a spice-salt rim. 188 Main St., Falmouth, 508-3887631; anejomexicanbistro.com The choice of cocktails here is endless, with nearly 100 mix-andmatch tequilas served in flights or the Mexican way—with a sangrita chaser of tomato, fruit juices, and spicy peppers. Freshly blended fruit purées in strawberry, mango, raspberry, blueberry, peach, pear, and watermelon make frozen margaritas a must-try. 484 Moody St., Waltham, 781-398-0018; habaneroswaltham.com Barrio Cantina Chef Michael Schlow's newest eatery offers more than 80 varieties of tequila, plus sweet and spicy infusions. The margarita menu boasts 15 variations, such as the Barrio Margarita, with 1800 tequila, and the Dobel Margarita, made with Maestro Dobel tequila. 1363 Boylston St., 857-753-4100; barrioboston.com Brick & Mortar This craft cocktail bar is helmed 439 Tremont St., 617-338-8884; masarestaurant.com Mezcal A shrine to all things agave, this MetroWest spot boasts a staggering selection of tequilas and mezcals. Tasting notes make choosing your spirit a snap—such as Del Maguey Santa Catarina Minas (burnt honey and fig) or Don Julio Reposado (pear, apple, lemon). Groups love the pitchers of margaritas, available with any tequila you'd like. 166 Shrewsbury St., Worcester, 508-926-8308; mezcalcantina.com MEXICAN MADE EASY Barrio Cantina GM Thomas Holland offers an agave lesson. The Sinclair Nestled in Harvard Square, this hip, happening spot is all about the influence of music on food and drink. Innovative cocktails will make your taste buds sing, like the North X South (Mezcal Vida, Hellfire Honey Sassafras Syrup, Carpano Antica, and lime). 52 Church St., Cambridge, 617-547-5200; sinclaircambridge.com Masa Temazcal Tequila Cantina Enjoy a little salsa dancing at this South End eatery known for killer cocktails. Try a flight organized by type or region, like one highlighting the fruitier tequilas of Mexico's highlands or the earthier flavors of the lowlands. Or choose the Bartender's Favorites flight, featuring Casa Noble 2yr Añejo, Corralejo Reposado, and Gran Centenario Reposado. This bustling waterfront cantina's 300-plus tequila selection is so massive it has its own section on the menu. Want to impress? Skip the study guide and just order the Margaux Cien Dólares Margarita ($100), made from Gran Patrón Burdeos, Grand Marnier Cuvée du Cent Cinquantenaire, lime, and organic agave nectar. 250 Northern Ave., 617-4393502; temazcalcantina.com BC What's your preferred way to drink tequila? An extra añejo, neat, with a steak. Favorite cocktail on the menu? The Amelia—it's a cool twist on a classic, replacing gin with hibiscusinfused tequila, crème de violette, Luxardo, lemon juice, and strawberry purée. What's a fun food pairing with mezcal? Ilegal Reposado and tongue-andcheek tacos. The smokiness of the mezcal and the morita chili sauce play well off each other. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMIE EMMERMAN (DRINK, PORTRAIT) Agavé Mexican Bistro Hibiscus-infused tequila gives the Amelia a fruity kick. 130 BOSTONCOMMON-MAGAZINE.COM 130_BC_G_Imbibe_LATESPRING13.indd 130 4/10/13 12:07 PM