If you’re looking for a golf partner, I’m not your guy.
Sure, you might be dazzled by my prowess in mini golf, but don’t be fooled by my ability to putt around windmill blades or through tiny waterfalls. Those skills, impressive as they may be, don’t actually translate to a regulation golf course.
But if you need guidance or comradeship in the golf course bar, I like to think of myself as Arnold Palmer in his prime.
I recently paid a visit Granite Links Golf Club in Quincy. I didn’t spend any time on the club’s lush greens, opting instead for the far less taxing activity of having dinner and drinks while watching a spectacular sunset from the comfort of the Tavern at Quarry Hills.
Summertime Drinks
The beverage program at the Tavern is fairly diverse and, at times, surprisingly inventive. Some of it is exactly what you’d expect to find at a golf course bar – refreshing drinks for folks who’ve just gone 18 holes in the hot sun.
If that’s you, then the Strawberry Lemonade will cool you right down. Made with vodka, strawberry puree, and lemonade, it’s sweet, creamy, and dangerously smooth.
The Slice of Life looks light and airy, but don’t be fooled – it’s a potent vodka martini with a prosecco float, garnished with a slice of fresh watermelon.
Thoughtful Variations
Other drinks are more complex. The Blackberry Julep is a bold and fruity take on the classic mint julep, with its blend of Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel whiskey, muddled blackberries, mint, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
If you combined a Bee’s Knees and a Paloma, you’d probably get something like the Bee Sting. Made with jalapeño-infused Patrón tequila, muddled cucumber, honey syrup, and grapefruit juice, it’s a vibrant drink that deftly balances hot, cool, sweet, and sour notes.
But the true standout, for me, is the Mai Thai. This clever version of the tiki classic employs Bully Boy white rum, Appleton Estate Jamaican rum, muddled Thai basil, ginger, orgeat, Clement Creole shrubb, lime juice, and Thai bitters. Strong and spicy, it’s a cocktail that pops with big flavors.
Food
There are few culinary delights I enjoy more than scallops and bacon. Granite Links spices up their version with maple chili glaze.
Buffalo chicken Wellington is downright sinful. These little puff pastries filled with buffalo chicken, mozzarella, and blue cheese cream are crispy and spicy.
And with all respect to the scallops and bacon, the French dip spring rolls steal the show. East meets West here with shaved prime rib and manchego stuffed into crunchy spring rolls with a garlic rosemary au jus gravy for dipping.
And that View!
Speaking of stealing the show – the biggest draw here may be the Tavern’s view of the Boston skyline.
As the sun disappeared behind the clouds, a hush fell over much of the room, save for a few ooohs and ahhhs and the sound of people snapping pictures with their cell phones. Even on an overcast day, it makes for a stunning sight and demands a return visit.
Address: 100 Quarry Hills Drive, Quincy
Website: granitelinksgolfclub.com
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