World Cocktail Day is this Sunday, May 13… and if that’s not a reason to hit the bars this weekend, we don’t know what is! Though there are plenty of craft breweries and wine bars in Chicago, our cocktails are also some of the best in the land. You can get them at bars, restaurants, hotels, and more. There is always something to celebrate, and we have just the cocktails for the job.
Travelle {330 North Wabash Avenue, Langham Hotel; 312.923.7705}
Go back to your childhood with Travelle’s ’90s inspired cocktail menu! Whether you loved “Beauty & the Beets” (pictured above) or always wanted to meet your friends at “Central Perk,” there’s a colorful and fun cocktail for you! Our favorite is the “Tell Me What You Want,” made with Grey Goose La Poir, pomegranate, ginger syrup, and Pop Rocks candy. Whether you were a Spice Girls fan or not, the only thing you’ll want… is one more!
el hefe {15 West Hubbard Street; 312.548.6841}
el hefe operates on the idea that it truly is always five o’clock somewhere, and thus, their cocktails pack a punch. Their signature, and deadly, margaritas come in 20-ounce pours and in flavors like “Lil’ Smokey” and both the “Bulldog” and “Redbull-Garita.” If you want to branch off from the margarita menu, there are also still Palomas, Mexican Mules, buckets of beer, and more. Come early, come ready to have a blast, and bring all the cocktail-lovers you know. Everyone will leave happy.
Kamehachi {1531 North Wells Street; 312.664.3663}
Given that this sushi and steakhouse has been in business for more than half a century, you can bet they have had time to perfect their cocktail menu. From updates on classics like the “Edo Manhattan,” made with specialty ingredients like nikka coffee-grain whisky and plum bitters, to house specialties like the “Angry Turtle” (Parce rum, gin, and yuzu syrup with hibiscus float), there is something for every palette. To keep from getting a little too tipsy, pair your drinks with one of their light bites, sushi rolls, or vegetarian starters to complete the experience.
Split Rail {2500 West Chicago Avenue; 773.697.4413}
For girls night out, Split-Rail is serving “Hot Child in the City,” a twist on the traditional Cosmo. The cocktail’s bold pink color hints to the origin of its name, which comes from cranberry juice, but this tasty drink also has Prairie vodka, yellow Chartreuse, Combier curaçao, and lime. Mixologist Brenna Washow loves to incorporate pop culture, movies, and TV shows into her cocktail menu, so you can expect more specialty drinks like this one all summer long.
Via IO Godfrey
i|O Godfrey {127 West Huron Street, Godfrey Hotel; 312.374.1830}
The perfect spot for weekend brunch, and to celebrate the warmer weather, you can’t go wrong with anything on this cocktail menu. We especially love the “Smokey Pearl,” made with basil and cilantro-infused union mezcal, and complimented with rich pomegranate, rhubarb, and fresh lime. This, and several other cocktails, can be ordered by the glass or the pitcher, so bring some friends and have a little Sunday Funday on one of the best rooftops in the city!
Photo via @lensandshaker
The Bristol {2152 North Damen Avenue; 773.862.5555}
Cocktail-lovers need a date night spot too, and The Bristol took that into account when designing their spring and summer menus. In addition to including locally sourced produce and seasonal dishes, they also have specialty, not-to-miss cocktails. “La Verde” comes with tequila blanco, Ancho verde, celery-cilantro syrup, lime, Cointreau, green espelette, and is topped with salt and lime zest, but the “Medicine for Joy” is our favorite. Made with Magnus single malt scotch, Union mezcal, smoked ginger, lemon, and orange rosemary syrup, it will lead to a joyful night indeed.
Tanta {118 West Grand Avenue; 312.222.9700}
It wouldn’t be a cocktail list without some South of the Border flavor, and Tanta takes us right to the heart of Peru. Their latest killer cocktail is called the “El Chignon,” and is one of their best sellers right after their signature Pisco Sour. The “El Chignon” is made with jalapeño tanteo tequila, xicaru mezcal, lime, rocoto pepper ice, and cilantro. Upon first sip, the tequila and mezcal seem refreshing, but the cocktail becomes spicier and spicier as the rocoto pepper ice sphere dissolves into the cocktail, bringing with it some major heat. Perfect for those upcoming steamy summer nights!
By Kaleigh Glaza, Online Editor
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