The History of Craft Cocktails

Craft cocktails are fun, creative, and entertaining for a 21st birthday event, as much as the retired couple on vacation. Trying something new can excite your evening if you enjoy a good cocktail. The history of craft cocktails may entice you to branch out!

Early Cocktails

The original craft cocktail was used as a medication when Sir Francis Drake, commander of a fleet of English ships, fell ill in Havana in the late 1500s. It was called El Draque and made of lime, sugar, mint, and rum-soaked bark at the time. 

Various punches are said to have been crafted and consumed in the 1600s; the mid-1800s boast the creation of sours alongside whiskey and gin fixes. Despite the presence of these beverages, the credit for the first cocktail is not given to any of these. It wasn’t until the mid-1800s that American Aaron Bird created the modern cocktail. Bird mixed cognac with elixirs to develop what’s known as the Sazerac, which is typically considered the first proper cocktail. 

Prohibition

Despite early successes of craft cocktails, the prohibition era began to attempt to stop alcoholism, corruption, and violence. Although many secret locations still served cocktails and other alcoholic beverages, alcohol was outlawed for over a decade. Although alcohol was allowed once more in the early 1930s, cocktails didn’t gain a lot of popularity until the end of World War 2. 

Some popular prohibition-era cocktails include:

1. Sidecar
2. Old Fashioned
3. Highball
4. Gin Rickey

Cocktail Parties

The fifties began a trend of cocktail parties as a social event. The better the cocktail party, the higher an individual moved on the social ladder. New recipes and authentic craft cocktails became widely known and loved during this time. This was the beginning of an era in its own right. 

Some 1950s cocktails include:

1. Pina Colada
2. Mai Tai
3. Martini
4. Gin Punch

The 1990s and Early 2000s

The 90s and 2000s saw traditional cocktails become exceptionally popular once more. The prohibition-era cocktails were gaining popularity, and new, healthier cocktails were also created. These decades provided cocktail lovers with several new beverages, many of which have remained popular ever since. 

Some popular cocktails during this time include:

1. Bloody Mary
2. Cable Car
3. Cosmopolitan
4. Appletini

Try Some Craft Cocktails!

If this brief history lesson has sparked an interest in craft cocktails, it’s time to visit! Committee in the seaport offers tasty and flavorful craft cocktails – whether you’re a newbie to the beverages or an experienced connoisseur. Have a drink with us!

Fun Places to Get Cocktails in Boston MA

Boston’s cocktail scene has exploded in the past decade. It is currently thriving at some of the best mixology hotspots in the city. Whether searching for a strong classic drink, a meticulously constructed cocktail, an internationally-inspired beverage, or a fun alcoholic slushie, you won’t be let down by these top cocktail bar places. There are speakeasies, bars, and trendy hotspots available.

Lacking the desire for a cocktail? You may still go to one of Boston’s countless dive bars, storied Irish bars, or buzzing sports bars for a chill beer or hearty pour of the booze.

Mentioned below are the fun places to get cocktails in Boston, MA: 

Hecate

In recent years, Hecate has been the hottest new cocktail bar in Boston, MA. This underground speakeasy, owned and run by the same group as Krasi, has the best feeling of being in NYC rather than Boston. As you walk in, your eyes gradually adjust to the darkness, and you wonder if anyone else has managed to get a table at the hippest restaurant in town. The waiters, referred to as your “spirit guides,” make chic cocktails in the background.

Committee 

Inspired by the modern-day “ouzeri” found throughout Greece, Committee is the kind of vibrant, welcoming place where the conversation flows, the sharable plates delight and satisfy, and the creative cocktails keep the mood light and fun. Step in and kick back in a gathering place that brings a new spark–and a true taste of Greece–to the Boston waterfront. Get a taste of Greek meze and cocktails in Boston, MA! Call us today at 617.737.5051!

Krasi

Krasi is located in the Back Bay and has a menu of off-the-beaten-path with natural wines from the islands. Krasi tells the lesser-known stories of Greece, which is one way the concept strives to evoke the cultural concept of philoxenia. You will find wines that have never been poured in Boston and a unique bottle of assyrtiko from the producer Gaia, which has been submerged in the Aegean Sea for five years. Visit us today to get started. 

Traits of our Bartenders at Committee in Boston MA

No one wants to go to a bar and have a lousy night. However, it’s not uncommon to be confronted with a rude or unattentive bartender busy with everything except taking your drink order. Things can get frustrating when it takes forever to get that drink. Of all the possible bad bartending pitfalls, there are some stellar bartenders out there that will ensure that guests have the best time possible and that your bar picks up great reviews. You can avoid being stuck with bartenders that disappoint by identifying key traits when seeking someone for a new bartending position. Take a look at some top characteristics of a good bartender. Head to Committee Boston and experience our fabulous drinks and even better bartenders!

Knows Their Drinks

A bar is a place where people buy alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, which means that it’s paramount that a bartender has keen knowledge about various drinks. Bartenders are knowledgeable about their craft if they are to be effective. Being an expert mixologist who is well-versed in everyday beers and cocktails, plus those less common drinks, is a star quality to possess. A bartender can offer guests recommendations about a drink to try or what drink to pair with their meal. It’s a must that a bartender knows their drinks.

A Bartender Must Maintain Cleanliness

A clean environment is a healthy and inviting space, and your bartend should ensure that cleanliness is an everyday practice on the job. Bar cleaning may not be a glamorous part of the job description, but it’s essential nonetheless. It’s all about the kind of experience that you give to your guests. A clean and tidy bar will attract and keep guests coming back, and any bartender that values cleanliness is an asset.

Exceptional Customer Service Skills

It helps that a bartender is a people person, but more importantly, that bartender understands what it means to offer excellent customer service. A bartender should be vibrant and friendly to let guests feel welcome and at ease. A smile and a warm greeting can go a long way when bartending, and so can being responsive and attentive. Seek out a personable bartender who can quickly form connections with people and knows how to handle different personalities and situations. 

Exemplify Excellent Time Management and Memory

Effective time management is a common challenge to bartending, and having a good memory is also helpful. Not all orders will be simple; some may include uncommon or long names and long, multiple requests in one order. Things can get complicated fast, and you have to work under pressure and deliver orders promptly and stay connected with guests, all the while keeping them happy. A bartender must deliver on time management and have a good memory to make their bartending something boss and guests appreciate.

Visit Committee Boston’s Bar

For the best drinks and the most satisfying bar experience, come have a great time at Committee Boston. Here you’ll find the most lively and delightful bartenders that will ensure that you have a good time while enjoying your favorite, most delicious drinks. Your satisfaction is our priority! Give us a call today to make your reservation at (617) 737-5051!

Brunch Essentials To Try This Spring

With the warm weather coming and the days getting longer, brunch season is back – although it never really went anywhere. At Committee in Boston, MA, we have a full Greek brunch menu for you to select from. Consisting of fresh fruits, authentic recipes, and craft cocktails, our brunch can’t be beaten. Keep reading below for more of our fun brunch options! 

Greek Yogurt Pancakes

Pancakes are the classic choice for many brunch-goers, but at Committee we add a Greek twist. With ouzo-infused blueberries,  lemon zest, and an anthotyro whipped cream, these pancakes truly can’t be beaten. Try our Greek yogurt pancakes today by making brunch reservations on our website. 

Baklava Oatmeal

Who doesn’t love a warm bowl of oatmeal? I bet you never thought to order it at brunch, especially at a Greek restaurant. But our Baklava oatmeal is one of a kind and is loved across Boston. Our Baklava oatmeal is made of rolled oats, with toasted walnuts, allspice seasoning, cloves, figs, honey, and shredded phyllo to add in the traditional baklava texture.  

Shakshouka

If you have traveled anywhere in the Mediterranean, then you have come across the delicious delicacy of Shakshouka. The Committee Shakshouka has eggs baked in a pan of spiced tomato sauce, topped with peppers, onions, and feta with a side of pita. Visit us in Boston, MA, or order online to try it today. 

Breakfast Gyro

If you enjoy Greek food then you have indulged in Gyro’s some time in your life. At Committee in Boston, we put a twist on Gyros for brunch. Our breakfast gyro’s consist of scrambled eggs, grilled halloumi, loukaniko, Florina pepper coulis, and are then wrapped in pita and served with homefries. Try it today by making reservations for brunch at Committee. 

Brunch Cocktails 

Lastly, at Committee we have plenty of fun unique craft cocktails to make your brunch even more delicious. Here are just a few of our favorites, but view them all on our menu – and we’re constantly updating them! 

C0mmitt33 Mul3 2.0: made with vodka, mango, saffron, ginger beer, and bitters

Aegean-tini: made with Hendricks, Mediterranean tonic reduction, topped off with mastiha, basil, and rose

Boots and Hats: made with St. George Chile Vodka, bison grass, pink peppercorn, galangal, lime, and a delicious yuzu soda

Biscotti Doesn’t Know: made with almond butter rye, white peach, Greek dessert wine, génépy, and topped off with chocolate bitters

Visit Committee in Boston, MA for Greek Brunch

Looking for something new to try this spring? Visit Committee in Boston, MA for some delicious Greek brunch foods and drinks. If you haven’t visited us before, learn more on our website. If you have, come back we miss you! 

The Best Cozy Cocktails This Winter in Boston, MA

At Committee in Boston, MA, we provide our community with unique cocktails crafted to perfection by our in-house bartenders. In the winter, it can be difficult to leave the house and enjoy the luxuries the city has to offer. This year, try something new by coming down to Committee and trying one of our craft cocktails with delicious Greek meze. Keep reading below to learn more about our favorite cocktails and where to find them in Boston! 

Vodka Cocktails in Boston, MA

At Committee in Boston, MA, we have a variety of different vodka cocktail options, each with a unique twist. Are you skeptical about vodka cocktails? We understand, but you can trust that these are like nothing you’ve had before! 

C0mmitt33 Mul3 2.0

Our version of the Moscow mule, this delicious drink comes with mango, saffron, ginger beer, and bitters. It can’t be missed! 

Boots and Hats

Our Boots and Hats cocktails are made with our St. George Chile Vodka. Made with bison grass, pink peppercorn, galangal, lime, and yuzu soda, this cocktail will pair perfectly with any of our Greek meze plates. 

Rum Cocktails in Boston, MA 

On top of vodka cocktails, we also have delicious rum cocktails to get you in the cold weather spirit. Not everyone enjoys rum, but we recommend that you give these a go. With our spices and flavor additions, you will barely be able to notice the rum! 

Daikiri-San ダイキリをください

Made with Flor de Cana 12yr and acidified pineapple, this may be one of our most unique cocktails. Perfect for those looking to try something new, this drink also contains sesame, ginger, nori, santaka chili, and light lime zest.  

Miss Kleo’s Crystal Ball

This crystal ball cocktail is made with Kleo’s mastiha and a delicious Oaxacan rum. Topped off with sumac, plum, sage, and lemon, it can’t be missed.

Tequila Cocktails in Boston, MA

At Committee in Boston, MA, tequila is one of our favorites. We have a variety of tequila cocktails, each with a different brand. Top off the New Year with a delicious tequila cocktail. 

#Flannel is the Color of My Energy

This cozy cocktail contains Maestro Dobel Diamante tequila and is served with spiced pear, maple-cider shrub, ginger, lemon, and a sparkling rose to add a little carbonation. 

Making Fetch Happen

Our last recommended cocktail for you to try this winter is Making Fetch Happen, made with Vida mezcal, toasted pistachio orgeat, persimmon, and lastly a little bit of pineapple. Try it today! 

Visit Committee in Boston, MA 

You can find the comfort of these cozy craft cocktails at Committee in Boston, MA. We strive to bring feelings of community and culture to everyone we serve, and every cocktail our bartenders make for you. Make a reservation today or come on in! 

Best Summer Cocktails

The hot summer days in Boston make you want to quench your thirst. Committee Boston has a full drink menu filled with delicious cocktails to help cool you down in the summer heat! Sipping on fruity and refreshing cocktails in the sunshine is just what you need. Continue reading our blog to learn more about the best summer cocktails to try this summer.

Mule

The Committee Mule 2.0 is a fantastic summer cocktail. It is mixed to perfection with vodka, mango, saffron, ginger beer, and bitters. This mule is packed with those fruity and refreshing summer flavors you’re looking for. This cocktail is a popular choice at Committee Boston!

Total Entertainment Forever Cocktail

This fun-named cocktail is packed with refreshing flavors to enjoy in the summer heat! The total entertainment forever cocktail is made with vodka, lemongrass, rosé cordial, citrus, aloe, and mint. All of these fresh flavors combine into a delicious summer cocktail that you’ll want to try!

Cielo Verde Cocktail

“Green sky” is what Cielo Verde means… this yummy cocktail is made to perfection with the ingredients: tequila, matcha coconut cream, banana, and lime. It is shaken up into this beautiful-looking and great-tasting green cocktail that fits perfectly with the name!

Rhymes With Zachary Cocktail

This cocktail is great for the summer with its combination of flavors. Rhymes With Zachary cocktail is made to perfection with delicious aged rum, pineapple, cardamom, and lime. With all of these fresh flavors, it creates the perfect cocktail for the summer heat!

Weird Al Greekovic

This fabulous twist on a cocktail makes for a refreshing, flavorful, and Greek-inspired summer cocktail! This cocktail is mixed to perfection with hibiscus-infused mastiha, yuzu, melon, pineapple, and bitters. All of the citrus and fruity flavors create a cocktail you need to try!

Visit Committee Boston Today

Here at Committee Boston, our team is shaking up the best summer cocktails! Visit us today and try the wide variety of cocktails we serve on a daily basis. Contact us at (617) 737-5051 or check out our website to learn more. We look forward to having you!