Backbar is a speakeasy-style bar in Union Square that designs beverages inspired by flavors from around the world. This is a perfect place that makes amazing alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Drink-savvy Bostonians know that the best bar in town is in Somerville, which is only a short Red Line journey away. Getting to this location requires some local knowledge (its entrance is hidden in a parking lot, behind a number of surrounding restaurants), which just serves to increase its attractiveness. Backbar maintains a welcoming atmosphere and constantly changes its menu of delicious drinks. It is sophisticated but very approachable and frequently sprinkles nostalgic references to pop culture favorites like Seinfeld and Star Wars.

Backbar provides a cocktail or mocktail called “Mockingbirds,” created depending on your agreement with the bartender. In the interim, you can schedule cocktail workshops with the bar’s owner Sam Treadway or cocktail & spirit tastings in the Closet Bar. You can sample creative libations, from milk punches with imaginative twists to concoctions emphasizing unusual booze like Greek mastiha. Sam also presents his collaboration with Treadbetter with a special cocktail paired tasting menu. Aside from their cocktails, like Big Bird and Toucan Sam, Backbar has a low-alcohol twist on a negroni – try their Black Bird!