With an emphasis on brick-oven pizza and rotisserie meats and an open atmosphere, Quattro in Boston’s North End is quickly becoming to go-to stop for cocktails and social drinks. A few notable cocktails that you must give a try:
Blueberry Basil Lemonade – with Pinnacle Blueberry Vodka, Chambord, lemonade, muddled lime, and basil
Could there be anything more refreshing on a summer’s day than a blueberry basil lemonade? Chambord Liqueur, a raspberry liqueur produced in the Loire Valley, is made from red and black raspberries, Madagascar vanilla, Moroccan citrus peel, honey, and cognac, with the berries steeping in French spirits for several weeks. Muddling (crushing) the lime helps release the flavors of the fresh ingredient, to better blend with the alcohol.
Espresso Martini – Skyy Vanilla, Kahlua, Bailey’s, Frangelico, Disaronno, and espresso
While not a true martini, this unique blend of liqueurs and espresso is the perfect accompaniment to any fine Italian dessert. Frangelico, a brand of hazelnut and herb-flavored liqueur produced in Canale, Italy is famous for its unique bottle design – designed to look like a friar, complete with a knotted white cord around the waist. The hazelnuts are crumbled up and combined with cocoa and vanilla berries and left to soak in the base spirit.
Disaronno, with its characteristic almond-taste, is an amaretto-tasting liqueur made in Italy. With a “secret formula” unchanged since 1525, this liqueur has infusions of apricot kernel oil with “absolute alcohol, burnt sugar, and the pure essence of seventeen selected herbs and fruits.”
Limoncello Mojito – Skyy Citrus, Limoncello, muddled mint, fresh lime, and soda
Limoncello is a lemon liqueur produced in Southern Italy, with a recipe at least one hundred years old. Referred to as “limoncino” in Northern Italy. made from the zest of Femminello St. Teresa lemons, the zest is steeped in rectified spirit (most commonly grappa) until the oil is released, and the resulting yellow liquid is mixed with simple syrup. Limoncello is the second most popular liqueur in Italy after Campari.
Margarita Di Pama – Tortilla Silver, Cointreau, Pama, orange juice, fresh lime
Cointreau is a world-famous brand of triple sec produced in Saint-Barthelemy-d’Anjou, France. Production methods and recipe are a close family secret while sourcing its bitter oranges from all over the world.
Pama is “the world’s first true pomegranate liqueur,” and is based in Bardstown, Kentucky. Made from “the juice of California pomegranates, premium vodka, and a touch of imported tequila.”