Winter Cocktails: In Community
l–r: Tersillia Valentini, Kyisha Davenport, Biplaw Rai, Suparerk (Pao) Thampitak, Sāsha Coleman
Photos by Michael Piazza / Styled by Kyisha Davenport
Can it really be winter again? I mean yes, of course—we are in New England, after all. As a not-so-recent transplant to Boston, I will say this: In my approach to a decade of hanging around here—working here, living here, thriving here—I have become fond of pressure-cooked stews, mountain views and iced cold brews. I could blame the pandemic for elevating my sweatsuit game, but in truth, I was very excited when my friend gifted me a cozy pair of WMBR joggers back in 2019, too.
Though there’s plenty to be said about the joys of scooping up fresh cheeses and tamales at side-by-side farmers market stalls, tucking into your favorite corner at the one of the best local bars in town, foraging mushrooms just outside of the city and taking dreamy walks along ponds and rivers shimmering with city lights, what has really made these moments special were the people I’ve shared them with. As anyone living in Boston knows, there are darker sides to the city: a lack of access in education and healthcare, disparity in economics, all often compounded by a past and present history of racism. In spite of that, there’s no shortage of people who shine right through it; I’m forever thankful to them for their love, friendship and community!
For the final story I’ll share with you this year, a cross between a Q&A and a collection of personalized cocktail recipes, I reached out to a handful of my folks to thank them, shine the spotlight on them and make them (and you!) each a cocktail based on their favorite winter traditions and flavors. You’ll also learn a bit more about their phenomenal work in food, education and culture—all of which welcomes your support. It takes a village!
