The Boston Shaker- all your cocktail needs

Adam Lantheaume is a busy man. I arrive an hour before his shop, The Boston Shaker, opens and he's in the process of receiving a large order from Associated Buyers out of Barrington, NH. They feature mixers, sugar cubes, and other specialty items that Adam will need for the busy holiday season ahead. This process shows clearly that for any bar or cocktail related items his store is the place to go- and we're lucky it's nearby in Davis Square. If you haven't been, it's a must, if you have, well, you know you'll need something else for the holidays. I'm buying a punch bowl for my brother and some bar tools for friends.

Let's rewind. Adam worked in the technology industry years ago and the famed
B-Side Lounge was perfectly (and prophetically, it turns out) situated between his work and home. He started out drinking spirits on the rocks, and was gradually introduced to cocktails by the great staff there. To duplicate some of those drinks on his own, Adam would go to some of the big retail home goods stores, and buy cocktail shakers and related items that inevitably broke or didn't quite work. In response, legendary bartender
Dave Cagle (now at Deep Ellum) bought him a decent bar spoon and Boston Shaker at Restaurant Depot, and the rest is history. Adam was determined to find these items and offer them to other enthusiasts. He began purchasing bitters from online sources, and bars would order through him- the seeds had started to grow.
LUPEC (Ladies United for Preservation of the Endangered Cocktail) threw a party at the now shuttered Grand in Union Square, and Adam eagerly attended. Timing is indeed everything, he convinced the owners to lease him a portion of the store to sell all things cocktail. It has been a pleasure, as I have always been a fan, to watch as he has grown from the corner of another shop, into the wonderful retail store he owns today. Adam now also has an impressive online store with completely redesigned website. He regularly (and quickly, I might add) sells out cocktail classes. He revels in the process, directing customers with ease, from to a present for a friend or new specialty item for an industry veteran working a top bar.

Biitters, shakers, complete sets of tools, books, mixers, soda systems- I think you can tell I love this place. An insider tip: go in to the store with no real agenda, ask questions, talk cocktails. You'll leave with plenty of goodies and new ideas. That's the fun after all, where better to fulfill all your holiday cocktail shopping needs? If you're like me, you'll leave with plenty of cheer and stuff for yourself too.

The Boston Shaker
69 Holland Street, Somerville, MA, Davis Square
Between now and the New Year M-Sat 11am-8pm, Sun 11am-6pm

Upcoming events:
Drambuie/Bacardi Thursday December 20th 5pm-7pm
Grand Ten Distillery Friday December 21st 5pm-7pm