5 Updated Classic Cocktails from The Hawthorne, Boston, MA

Posted by J. Kenji López-Alt, February 16, 2012 at 1:00 PM

[Photographs: J. Kenji Lopez-Alt]

We've long been fans of Jackson Cannon's work in Boston, most notably as the bar manager at Eastern Standard (where our Boston community members will be meeting up for International Serious Eats Day on February 25th!) and Island Creek Oyster Bar. A few months back he reintroduced us to the Jack Rose, a classic drink that combines applejack and grenadine.

This time we're here to take a look at The Hawthorne, the first bar in which Cannon actually has a personal stake as proprietor. His partner is Garrett Harker, proprietor of both Eastern Standard and Island Creek Oyster bar. A man who could aptly be described as the Danny Meyer of Boston, his restaurants and bars are known for their unmatched service.

The old Foundation Lounge space has been completely gutted and renovated, and it was a much needed improvement. Gone are the multi-colored LED's and cramped, dark spaces. In their place is one of the most warm, welcoming bars I've ever seen. Spacious and well-lit with large, comfy couches, low tables, and armchairs. There are bar stools for those who want them, but if you'd prefer to feel like you're sitting in your neighbor's living room, well, that's an option too.

We asked Cannon to share five recipes with us from their menu, which focuses largely on stripped down, updated classics. Most drinks are under four ingredients and served simply, focusing on technique and balance rather than dozens of competing flavors or fancy garnishes.

Check 'em all out in the slideshow above, or jump straight to the recipes below.

About the author: J. Kenji Lopez-Alt is the Managing Editor of Serious Eats where he likes to explore the science of home cooking in his weekly column The Food Lab. You can follow him at @thefoodlab on Twitter, or at The Food Lab on Facebook.

1 of 9
The Mojito

Do you ever get annoyed with the bits of mint and lime pulp that get stuck in your teeth when drinking a mojito? This version solves the problem by straining the lime and rum-based drink through a tea strainer while adding a bit of complexity with a dash of bitters.

Get the Recipe »

2 of 9
Living Room

The Hawthorne is decorated to be comfortable, like sitting in your friend's living room. Nooks and couches take up the bulk of the space.

3 of 9
The Attention

A "forgotten classic" and Prohibition-era favorite, the version Jackson serves is an adaptation from Seattle barman Jamie Boudreau. A martini with character, it combines Tanqueray gin (Jackson insists on it), Dolin vermouth, absinthe, crème de violette, and orange bitters.

Get the Recipe »

4 of 9
Jackson Stirs The Dutch Oven

A Genever-based variant of an Old Fashioned.

5 of 9
The Dutch Oven

Created by bartender Katie Emerson, this variation of an Old Fashioned is made with barrel-aged Bols Genever and two types of bitters.

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6 of 9
Another Living Space

During daylight hours, plenty of natural light reaches the roomy, comfortable couches and armchairs.

7 of 9
The Phil Collins

Part cucumber, part lime, and a bit of Yellow Chartruse, this Tom Collins variant created by Scott Marshall goes down easy. As Jackson says, "she's an easy lover..." He uses Square 1 Cucumber vodka, but you can muddle your own fresh cucumber if you prefer.

Get the Recipe »

8 of 9
Jackson Strains a Paper Plane

A quattro-proportioned drink created by Sam Ross of New York's Little Branch. It got its name from M.I.A.'s song, which Ross was listening to when the drink was created.

9 of 9
The Paper Plane

Bourbon, Aperol, Nonino, and fresh lemon juice come together in equal proportions for a drink that's a little sweet, a little bitter, a little fresh, and a little too easy drinking for a deceptively strong drink.

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