Nestled right past the entrance of the Charles Hotel is Noir, an apt name for a dark, brooding, French-inspired cocktail bar in Harvard Square. The seats, walls and counter are black as midnight. Soft yellow lighting graces the room, as well as a few shelves of books and a little wooden sign that says “Cambridge, Massachusetts” behind the bar.
I started with the A.B.G. cocktail of butter-washed gin, Granny Smith apple, lemon and fleur de sel served in a coupe glass. It was recommended to me as a gin-cocktail-enjoyer. The apple flavor is nicely subtle, and balances well with the gin while adding brightness to the drink. I can understand how one could drink multiple of these in one sitting, it was so delicious and fun to sip on.
My second drink was called Overnight Shipping, also served in a coupe glass, and made of Bully Boy Rum #2, passion fruit, lime, vanilla and Champagne. This was bubbly, tropical and lightly sweet. The tartness of the passion fruit paired extremely well with the Champagne, making this one of my favorite sips of the column thus far.
Noir features flavorful cocktails and a moody vibe. The drink menu features classics and fresh spins on popular flavors. Even for nonhotel guests, Noir is a sleek, stylish spot for drinking and moodily contemplating.
Noir, 1 Bennett St., Harvard Square, Cambridge
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