Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
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GUIDE imbibe Unwind with handcrafted cocktails at chic Towne Stove and Spirits in Back Bay. Cocktails & Couture SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP, THEN STEP OVER TO THESE STYLISH SIPS. BY BRANDY RAND Shop: Escada Sip: Bistro du Midi Shop: Saks Fifth Avenue Sip: L'Espalier The Paris runways may inspire your new fall wardrobe at Escada, but the Provençal-inspired cocktails down the block at Bistro du Midi will delight your palate. A stylish, tasty cocktail is the Refashioned (Bulleit bourbon, Luxardo maraschino cherry syrup, lemon, and Regans' Orange Bitters No. 6). Or sip the Vesper #2 (Ketel One vodka, Berkshire Mountain Distillers Ethereal gin, St-Germain, Triple Sec, Rothman & Winter crème de violette). The Heritage on the Garden, 272 Boylston St., 617-426-7878; bistrodumidi.com It's easy to spend hours at Saks Fifth Avenue, which has all the labels you want located under one artfully curated roof. Take an afternoon break at L'Espalier, where tea sommelier Cynthia Gold has raised the bar on high tea. Nibble a selection of finger sandwiches with a nod to Her Majesty while sipping a Green Tea Gimlet (Beefeater 24 gin infused with lemongrass and green tea, lime, and basil simple syrup). Satisfy your sweet side with a proper Southern Earl Grey (Earl Grey – infused bourbon, Cointreau, oolong tea, and Champagne). 774 Boylston St., 617-262-3023; lespalier.com Shop: Chanel Sip: Bristol Lounge Kick off a weekend of serious shopping at the Four Seasons with Fizzy Friday, a celebration of the finest Champagnes and nibbles from 5:30 to 7 PM. Saturday, make a stop at the Chanel and Burberry boutiques across the street. Too many shopping bags may make you feel like A Mule in Paris (thyme-infused Grey Goose La Poire vodka, lime juice, crème de cassis, and ginger beer). Tuck back in a leather banquette with a 200 Boylston, a house signature cocktail made from ingredients all sourced within 100 miles of the hotel: house cask–aged whiskey, Smuttynose Robust Porter jam, and house bitters. Four Seasons Hotel, 200 Boylston St., 617-351-2037; fourseasons.com/boston 144 Shop: Valentino Sip: Met Back Bay Iconic Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani once remarked: "I know what women want. They want to be beautiful." Embody his vision of red-carpet romanticism by meeting your significant other at the Met Bar, where you can share a Mai Tai for Two (dark rum, Mathilde peach liqueur, curaçao, rum, pineapple, lime, and orgeat syrup) while dishing on your latest luxury purchases. And if that exquisite couture dress fits like a glove, just opt for Kate's Skinny Margarita (Avión tequila, stevia, lime, and seasonal fruit). 279 Dartmouth St., 617-267-0451; metbackbay.com Shop: Intermix Sip: Stephanie's on Newbury One of the most notable shopping districts in the world, Newbury Street is Boston's most fashionable place to be seen. From classic labels to trendy boutiques like Intermix, a world of glamour awaits on every corner. Stephanie's is the ideal respite to cool your heels with a selection of shareable pitchers like the Patio Painkiller (Bacardi Rock Coconut rum, pineapple, coconut, and orange, topped with nutmeg). Toast your purchases and prepare for a night on the town with a signature Newbury (raspberry-infused Farmer's organic gin, limoncello, and Champagne). 190 Newbury St., 617-236-0990; stephaniesonnewbury.com Shop: Gucci Sip: Towne Stove and Spirits Luggage and loafers are handcrafted at the esteemed Italian label Gucci, just like the cocktail menu at nearby Towne. If the credit card got a workout and you're feeling a little devilish, there's always the El Diablo Fizz (tequila, crème de cassis, lime, ginger beer, and soda), guaranteed to revive your angelic side. And if your new goods are a reward for a life well-lived, order up a Golden Dream (Galliano, vodka, Cointreau, orange juice, and half-and-half), Culinary Director Lydia Shire's favorite tipple. 900 Boylston St., 617- 247-0400; towneboston.com BC MODEL MIXOLOGIST Todd Lipman, head sommelier and beverage director at Bistro du Midi, talks about what's trending now. What's the cocktail ingredient of the moment? Amaro. It's a broad category that can add complexity, dimension, and texture to a cocktail even in small quantities. My favorites are Aperol, Cynar, Fernet Branca, and Averna. What inspires your creations? Classic cocktail technique is an art form I regularly cull from. Variations on an established theme are a constant in music, art, gastronomy, and fashion. A perfect cocktail is... Balanced, interesting, nuanced, and delicious. The Vesper #2 gets a lavender tinge from crème de violette. BOSTONCOMMON-MAGAZINE.COM 144_BC_TG_Imbibe_Falll13.indd 144 8/2/13 2:21 PM