Ladies United for the Preservation of Endangered Cocktails – Boston

*As originally published in the Weekly Dig November 24, 2011

by Pink Lady

“Holidays Mean Family—We Sell Liquor” reads the sign on a packie in West Somerville, MA. It’s one of the most brilliants pieces of marketing we’ve seen, reminding us as we gather around the Thanksgiving table with family and friends that we’re probably going to want to have a cocktail in hand. Allow the LUPEC ladies to be your guide.

This Thanksgiving, we turn our attention to the humble cranberry.

We love it in cranberry sauce, both the delicious, homemade version and the weird kind that comes in a can … and actually LOOKS like a can. We also love it in cocktails. There’s more to cranberries than the sugar-filled juice that pinkens the Cosmopolitan, you see. (That said, I, for one, have been reviving the Cosmo lately. Ask for it “with Plymouth gin, please” and remember why this believed by many to be “the last classic.”)

At Toro, the Nantucket Mule is a delightful riff on the classic Moscow Mule made with cranberry compote, ginger and cranberry simple syrup, vodka, and ginger beer and served in a copper mug much like the original. It’s one of the most popular drinks on the list and sure to take the edge off as potential family drama begins to rear its head. Stop in for one tonight as you brace yourself for tomorrow’s meal.

Or mix one at home. The drink is a delight and a great way to stimulate the appetite as you prepare to stuff yourself with turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing tomorrow afternoon.

Happy Thanksgiving dear readers! Enjoy your cranberries and enjoy your cocktails.

NANTUCKET MULE
Heaping barspoon of cranberry compote
2 oz vodka
.5 oz ginger simple syrup
.5 oz cranberry simple syrup
.5 oz lime juice
Ginger beer
Combine all ingredients except ginger beer in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake. Pour into a copper mug or a double old fashioned glass. Top with ginger beer. Garnish with a lime wedge.

CIN-CIN!