Drinking in America

A go with the flow attitude is how Sam Treadway runs the show at Backbar in Boston. Cocktails of the day or week are simply based on ingredient, spirit or even…the weather. Easy going is the way we like it, especially when it leads to drinks like the carrot cake cocktail. Sam stays true to his understated ways with a Coors original and shot of bourbon to polish off a night behind the bar.

When people think of Backbar what signature drink comes to mind?

Model – T   our signature variation of a manhattan, with rye, carpano, chartreuse and a hint of clove

What flavors and ingredients are your favorite to use this time of year?

Winter is tough, but I try to have fun with root vegetables. We made a carrot cake cocktail that worked out pretty well. Anything with whiskey or sherry is good too.

With all the new varieties of gin in the market, are there any in particular that caught your attention or changed the way you use the spirit? Notice any catching your guest’s attention?

Edinburgh Gin is my bet for the new “it” gin.  It’s got spice, sweet, smooth flavor.  Definitely my new favorite in the genre of new style gins.  Personally I usually go for Beefeater when I’m looking for a classic London Dry gin.

Do patrons usually ask for their spirits by brand when ordering a mixed drink or go with whatever’s on the menu?

The majority go with what’s on my menu. But occasionally people want to change it up. Annoyingly, more often than not they just want to pick a brand to sound educated instead of actually knowing or caring about the different flavors of individual brands.

What are your “drink of the week” & “drink of the day” cocktails based on? Season? Spirit?

Whatever is exciting us that day/week. Whether it’s a new ingredient or spirit, or just a fun story. Sometimes it’s based on how the weather is that day…

Any predictions for what’s to come in 2012?

We’re still so young… it’s hard to say. Hopefully we just get better and better, and continue to have a lot of fun

We’re having contest to see who can come up with the most delicious “Beerbon” combo. Any ideas on which beer brand you’d like to see aged in a whiskey barrel?

Blue Moon, specifically their pumpkin ale in October

After a night behind the bar, what’s your drink of choice?

Coors original and a shot of bourbon.