The tastings which take place on the first Thursday of the month from April - September each feature a different specialty drink and serve signature hors d'oeuvres at a price of $35 per guest inclusive of tax and gratuity. This week commenced the series with a Taste of Bubbly showcasing four different sparkling wines.
In a private room off the back of the main dining room we were seated at round tables dressed in white linens and eye catching centerpieces. 
Floating Marigolds in vibrant orange and yellow hues were a welcome sign of spring.
As guests trickled in and we awaited the start of the tasting, I happily snacked from a table of plated cheese, crackers and fruit including favorites like Munster, Cheddar and Swiss. 
Of the four champagnes, the first, a Roederer Estate from Anderson Valley which retails for $25 a bottle, was my favorite. It was crisp and elegant with a complex pear taste. It was paired with Petit Lobster Rolls made with a tarragon mayonnaise dressed in shredded lettuce on a soft bun.
The second was a Louis Roderer which retails for $60 claiming to have a more mature and structured richness with a full generous texture. Actually, the taste was a little abrasive for my palate at first, but I got used to it after a few sips. To quote the tasting notes, this bubbly has a "fresh festive finesse." (You can't make this stuff up.) 
It was paired with Petit Crabcakes served with a mustard mayonnaise.
The appetizer portions were definitely generous! 
I really enjoyed the Smoked Salmon Pizza served with capers and purple onions layered on a warm crust with dill creme fraiche.
The Roederer Estate Brut Rose also from Anderson Valley was sweeter as a result of using 60% Pinot Noir grapes and 40% Chardonnay. It was smooth and balanced with bright fruity notes.
Next we were served some elegant looking chicken fingers; the menu calls them Chicken Goujonettes. Piping hot and crispy fried, these were delicious. 
The final bubbly was a Mumm Napa Cuvet M and it was finished alongside some Chocolate Covered Strawberries. 
The tasting struck just the right balance of being lighthearted and fun to informative and factual. The women running the tasting series did a great job of providing a relaxed environment to socialize weaved with an insightful knowledge of the drinks at hand. If you're looking for something different to do with your girlfriends as the warmer months approach, (great way to start out a Thirsty Thursday, amiright?) I'd recommend checking out what Morton's has to offer in the upcoming months. I definitely think you get your monies worth considering all the food and drink!
After the tasting we made an impromptu visit to Drink located at 348 Congress Street.
Dedicated to the craft of the cocktail, Drink is an underground haven of serpentine wood bars backed by exposed brick walls and street level windows, as well as uncluttered counter space featuring bowls of fruit, bunches of fresh herbs and vintage barware. 
Urbanites dwell among industrial black metal bar stools while mixologists perform magic with high quality spirits, bitters, sugars and more. The hostess managing the floor greets you upon arrival, if you're lucky enough to avoid a line, and shows you to open stools or a comfortable standing room area for your party. 
The concept here is well executed and unique, where the experience is meant to cater to your individual drink preferences, hopefully ones you never even knew you had. The waiters and bartenders are extremely well versed in knowledge of the subject matter, and you'd be foolish to order anything other than something new. 
Actually, I take it back. Meghan, who's been to Drink a number of time was in the mood for a more well known cocktail, the Dark-n-Stormy. Drink's ginger beer is house made providing a sensational DnS. I looked to the ever changing menu board for inspiration. 
Monkey Gland?! from Paris? It was the first listing to catch my eye, so I followed that initial instinct and inquired about the ingredients with our waiter. Turns out a Monkey Gland is a blend of gin, orange juice, grenadine and absinthe, which sounded a little too sweet for my present craving. However, gin and absinthe sounded nice so we took it from there. 
He suggested a Corpse Reviver made with obviously gin and absinthe and a blend of lilet, orange cuacao and lemon. Vivid. Potent. Fun. New. Different. Loved it. 
Biana and Megan discovered new-to-them drinks as well. I'm sure their posts will rejoice in the details. 
This place is truly a one-of-a-kind-in-Boston experience. They also offer a small menu serving bar bites such as grilled cheese strips, pictured (half eaten) below.
Embracing Drink's philosophy and breaking out of your vodka-tonic-lime rut or your go-to dirty martini comfort zone can be a beautiful thing. I would highly encourage a visit with like minded enthusiasts or open minded participants. There's a whole other world of craft cocktails waiting for you here.
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