If you are in search of a great cocktail in Boston, you are in very good company. The city’s bar scene has quietly evolved into one of the most creative and technically impressive in the country, driven by bartenders who treat cocktail-making as both craft and art. From meticulously sourced spirits to house-made syrups, infusions, and unexpected flavor pairings, Boston’s cocktail culture rewards curiosity and attention to detail.
Whether you are drawn to tropical tiki escapes, spirit-forward classics with a twist, or visually stunning drinks designed for both flavor and flair, Boston offers no shortage of standout bars worth seeking out. Neighborhood cocktail dens and nationally recognized destinations alike are pushing boundaries while still honoring the fundamentals. Here are some of the best spots to find cool, craft-driven cocktails in Boston, where every pour tells a story and every menu reflects the passion behind the bar.
Where to Find Cool Craft Cocktails in Boston
The Baldwin Bar
Inside the Baldwin Mansion is a small cocktail bar that is delivering big flavor. The Baldwin Bar menu features an impressive list of house tiki creations that will transport you straight to the islands. The influence from O.G. tiki mixologists Trader Vic and Don the Beachcomber is obvious and two mai tai variations are named after these titans of the cocktail world.
Each cocktail comes with a brief flavor profile which is helpful since many of the ingredients are exotic. Try the spirit-forward and nutty “Threepenny Opera” with rye, Ramozzoti, PX sherry and pandan. If you need your drink to be Instagram-worthy, order the “Halo-Halo,” a bright purple concoction with white rum, cachaca, ube milk, pineapple and lime.
Blossom Bar
Whether you want to order cocktail kits for home or sit in an actual bar again (can you imagine?) Blossom Bar has you covered. This Brookline spot has a long, curved white marble bar and chic esthetic that matches the stunning glassware and innovative cocktails.
The tropical and deeply flavorful “Pulque” cocktail uses tequila, Licor 43, soursop verde, pineapple and Topo Chico for fizz factor. Definitely order a “Gloria” because it was the winner of the 2019 Bacardi Legacy East Competition. It combines Bacardi four-year, passion fruit, lime, cinnamon, coffee and creamy mascarpone.
Brick & Mortar
The mixologists at Brick & Mortar know their stuff. That’s probably why this Cambridge cocktail den has been on Esquire’s list of best bars in America and Zagat’s “16 Must Try Cocktail Destinations Around The World.” Try the vegetal and refreshing “Disco Map” with mezcal, cucumber, yellow chartreuse and lime.
If you’re a fan of darker flavors go for the “Paradise Garage” with blended scotch, apricot and cynar (an artichoke amaro). After a few rounds, soak up the alcohol with skewers of Calabrese salami, pepperoncini, and pimento-stuffed olives. It’s a salty, briny snack that pairs well with alcohol.
Whether you are planning a dedicated cocktail crawl or simply looking for a memorable drink to cap off an evening, Boston’s craft cocktail scene delivers depth, creativity, and consistency. These bars are not just places to grab a drink, but destinations where atmosphere, storytelling, and technique come together in every glass. From transportive tiki-inspired escapes to refined, spirit-forward compositions, each spot reflects the personality of its neighborhood while contributing to the city’s broader mixology identity.
What truly sets Boston apart is the passion behind the bar. Bartenders here are constantly experimenting, refining, and reimagining what a cocktail can be, often drawing inspiration from global flavors, seasonal ingredients, and classic traditions. As the city continues to evolve, so does its cocktail culture, making it an exciting place to explore for both locals and visitors. No matter where your night takes you, Boston offers no shortage of expertly crafted cocktails worth savoring, proving that great drinks are very much part of the city’s DNA.
Looking for more? Check out these great wine bars here.
