The Massachusetts official state beverage is cranberry juice. But what good is it if we have nothing to mix it with? While restaurants are going local on us by filling their menus with New England veggies, seafood, and meats, it’s only natural that our booze — and mixers — originate close to home, too. Berkshire Mountain Distillers (1640 Home Road, Great Barrington, 413.429.6280) owner Chris Weld is making his own vodka, gin, and rum (and, soon, bourbon and brandy) in Western Massachusetts, while Triple Eight Distillery (5 Bartlett Farm Road,Nantucket, 508.325.5929) is known for its orange-and-cranberry-flavored vodkas, among other products. If there’s an official state spirit up for debate, our vote’s on one of these local liquors. Berkshire Mountain is available at Marty’s Liquors (193 Harvard Avenue, Allston, 617.782.3250) and is served at Sibling Rivalry (525 Tremont Street, Boston, 617.338.5338) and Rialto (Charles Hotel, One Bennett Street, Cambridge, 617.661.5050). Pick up Triple Eight at Downtown Wine and Spirits (225 Elm Street, Somerville, 617.625.7777).
