Cocktail bar
Unclaimed profileButtermilk & Bourbon - Back Bay
Boston, MA · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Buttermilk & Bourbon's Back Bay bar program leans hard into its name: a brown-butter-washed old fashioned and a bourbon list that runs from Buffalo Trace to Whistle Pig. The cocktail menu is the draw, with Southern-accented drinks like The Elixir and a soft-serve espresso martini that guests praise. Wine and beer play supporting roles, with a few international pours and local craft taps. It's a bourbon-first stop for drinkers who like their spirits with a little theater.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Honey Butter Old Fashioned, a brown butter-washed Maker's Mark Private Barrel with honey and Angostura. For something brighter, the Southern Siren with Espolon tequila and watermelon. Bourbon fans should explore the deep list, from Eagle Rare 10 Year to Whistle Pig 10 Year rye. The soft-serve espresso martini is a crowd-pleaser.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Bourbon enthusiasts will appreciate the extensive selection, including rare and small-batch labels. Cocktail lovers looking for creative Southern-inspired drinks will find plenty to explore. Those seeking a straightforward wine or beer list may find it adequate but not the main draw.
- When should I go?
- Evenings are likely the best time to experience the cocktail program in full swing. The frozen margarita and spritzes suggest a lively, social atmosphere. A late-afternoon visit could offer a more relaxed pace.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails are around $18, with wines from $14-$16 by the glass and spirits like Whistle Pig 10 Year at $21 and Oban 14 Year at $26. Bottles of wine range from $52 to $60.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The combination of a Southern-inspired cocktail list with a deep bourbon selection sets it apart. Signature drinks like the Honey Butter Old Fashioned and soft-serve espresso martinis are unusual and memorable. The use of brown butter washing and torched rosemary in The Elixir adds a theatrical touch.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
Creative Southern-inspired cocktail menu with a wide range of flavors, from brown butter-washed bourbon to mezcal with prickly pear. Includes frozen drinks and spritzes.
Standout selections
- — Honey Butter Old Fashioned - brown butter washed Maker's Mark Private Barrel, honey, Angostura
- — The Elixir - Horse Soldier bourbon, lemon, honey-cayenne, ginger beer, torched rosemary
- — Creme de la Creme Espresso Tini - Absolut vanilla, chocolate, Liquor 43 crème, espresso
Pricing: Honey Butter Old Fashioned $18
Wine
Diverse wine list covering major varietals and regions, from French sparkling to California Cabernet. Pricing is moderate for the area. No standout selections beyond standard offerings.
Standout selections
- — Bouvet Brut - sparkling, France, $14 glass/$52 bottle
- — Tribute Cabernet Sauvignon - California, $16 glass/$60 bottle
Pricing: Bouvet Brut $14 glass/$52 bottle; Poema Brut Rose $15 glass/$56 bottle; Tribute Cabernet Sauvignon $16 glass/$60 bottle
Beer
Beer selection includes local craft options like Allagash White and Jack's Abbey Post Shift Pilsner, alongside classics like Miller High Life and Corona. Lacks pricing and detailed descriptions.
Menu strengths
- — Includes local craft options like Allagash and Jack's Abbey
Standout selections
- — Allagash White - Belgian-style wheat ale
- — Jack's Abbey Post Shift Pilsner - local pilsner
Nonalcoholic
Limited non-alcoholic options include Early Riser (non-alcoholic sparkling rose, elderflower, lemon) and Lavender Porch Lemonade (lemon, honey, lavender, butterfly tea).
Standout selections
- — Early Riser - Kylie Mignogue non alcoholic sparkling rose, elderflower, lemon
- — Lavender Porch Lemonade - lemon, honey, lavender, butterfly tea
Spirits
Extensive bourbon list with rare and small-batch offerings including Blanton's, Booker's, and Eagle Rare 10 Year. Also includes rye, scotch, and other spirits. A highlight for bourbon enthusiasts.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive bourbon list with rare and small-batch offerings
Standout selections
- — Whistle Pig 10 Year - rye, $21
- — Eagle Rare 10 Year - bourbon
Pricing: Whistle Pig 10 Year $21; Oban 14 Year $26
How it sits with the food
The Southern restaurant context suggests cocktails that pair well with rich, savory dishes. The honey butter old fashioned could complement fried chicken or barbecue, while the Southern Siren's watermelon and basil might cut through spicy or smoky flavors. Wine options like Miraval Rosé or a Côtes du Rhône are versatile for a range of Southern fare.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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