Best of Boston

2005 Best Cocktail

Basil-Lime Gimlet, Via Matta

At a spot that has the feel of an Italian neighborhood trattoria (if said neighborhood were full of top-tax-bracket Italians, that is), this defining cocktail is appropriately light and socially lubricious, and sports a Mediterranean twist. Made of iced Ketel One shaken with fresh lime and garnished with shredded basil, it’s like a burst of Tuscan sunshine.

79 Park Plaza, Boston, 617-422-0008, viamattarestaurant.com/