Smoky drinks, fur blankets, and family sigils make a visit to Precinct’s patio feel like a night out in Winterfell.
I imagine many New Englanders feel a certain kinship with the inhabitants of the North in George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones series. “Winter is coming” means something for us – not White Walkers or the threat of famine, thankfully. But the phrase carries a sense of foreboding nonetheless, a harbinger of subzero temperatures, transportation delays, and hours of shoveling.
Rarely does it mean sipping drinks outdoors.
But that’s exactly what you can do at Precinct Kitchen + Bar at the Loew’s Hotel, which has transformed its patio into a scene from the Seven Kingdoms.
A Patio Fit for a Khaleesi
Banners representing the great houses of Stark, Lannister, and Targaryan adorn the walls, while candles and bales of hay give the patio the rustic feel of a medieval castle. Leftover snow from last week’s blizzard lends an all-too-authentic touch.
Surprisingly, it’s not that cold. With the patio situated below street level, the winds of winter are mostly held at bay. But if you’re chilly, you can wrap yourself in a fur blanket and park yourself on one of the thrones.
Or just go inside. There you’ll be greeted with something far less deadly than Westerosian hospitality – a blazing fireplace and a list of GoT-themed cocktails.
Pass the Flagon
As you’d expect, the drinks on the popup menu are named for characters and scenes from the series. But they also capture the rich flavors and aromas of the season. Beyond the Wall balances sweetness and spice with a combination of bourbon, maple, and ginger beer.
You can drink like Daenerys with Smoke of the Dragon’s Breath, an impressive cocktail that combines dark rum and mezcal with sweet vermouth, simple syrup, and bitters. It’s served in a smoked glass, appropriately enough, which accentuates the smoky mezcal.
Blood of the Dragon, meanwhile, is made with Boston Harbor Distilling’s Putnam rye, cranberry, chai, and clove. It’s a smooth, wintry drink with a spicy aftertaste.
And the most gruesome scene of the entire series is recalled in the most celebrated drink of winter. The Red Wedding is a classic mulled wine, loaded with seasonal spices and hot enough to warm a wight’s frozen heart. But if you hear anyone humming “The Rains of Castamere,” drop your glass and run.
Precinct’s Game of Thrones popup is open nightly from 4 to 11 p.m. and runs through the end of January. Check their social media pages for updates, as the patio might occasionally be closed for private events.
Valar Morghulis!
Address: 154 Berkeley Street, Boston
Website: www.precinctkitchenandbar.com
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