Cocktails Best Enjoyed in the Chicago Sunshine
Some cocktails are best enjoyed while you’re cozy at home. They’re rich and herbacious and pair well with a blanket and a roaring fire. These are not those cocktails. These are cocktails for sunshine, party times and summer in Chicago. They are packed with flavor, full of color, and all about living that life of carefree fun. If #summertimechi could be bottled, it would taste like these sips. How could you say no?! Cheers to enjoying Chicago’s latest and greatest in seasonal cocktails…
PB&J’s Purple Haze {205 North Peoria Street, Chicago; 312.498.7080}: The West Loop is always a fun summer spot, and that’s especially true at a newer addition to the neighborhood: PB&J. Their “Purple Haze" cocktail is served with Beefeater Gin, St. Germain, lavender, lemon, plus edible glitter for an extra bit of fun. Order for your next girl’s night out or when you want to upgrade your Instagram game.
Esmeralda's Lounge’s Frozen Batida {2539 West Division Street, Chicago}: A tiki bar is something we can always get behind - especially one that serves up this frozen dream! Made with Novo Fogo Cachaca, lime, Coco Lopez and simple syrup with a dark rum float, it will give you beach vibes even in the middle of the city.
Bar Chido’s The Guac’s Extra {1012 Curtiss Street, Downers Grove; 630.324.6596}: You don’t have to feel extra when you order the Guac's Extra (Patron Silver, lime, avocado, cilantro, agave, and tajin) at this relaxing spot in the Western suburbs! It’s a refreshing summer cocktail that looks like a green juice but tastes like a party in your mouth 🤗 Who could say “No” to that?!
Tree House’s Cocchi Spritz {149 West Kinzie Street, Chicago; 773.348.8899}: Go from dinner to dancing at Tree House in River North! This latest addition to the hopping neighborhood serves up Italian-inspired food that will pair perfectly with a Cocchi Spritz (Cocchi Americano, prosecco, Grapefruit Topo). Plus, you can easily keep this light summer sip in hand when the dining room physically transforms into a dancefloor at 10PM. Easy like a summer evening!
Ema’s Do Not Disturb {Hyatt Place Chicago/River North, 74 West Illinois Street, Chicago; 312.527.5586}: Shared plates are ideal for warm weather, so gather the friends you haven’t seen in a while and head to Ema for spreads, kebabs and Mediteranean seafood dishes like Grilled Octopus - plus a cocktail or two! The Do Not Disturb is made with vodka, St. Germain, mint, cucumber, and lemon so it’s packed with crisp fruity flavors that pair well with seafood.
Estereo
Estereo’s Paloma {2450 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago; 773.360.8363}: Estereo rocks a warm weather vacation vibe all year long, but they really hit their stride in these summer months. Hit up their bright open-air bar in Logan Square (ladies don’t miss the disco ball bathroom!), grab a Paloma and party while the sun sets. Bonus: It’s also dog-friendly, so you can bring your four-legged pals!
Pizzeria Lobo’s The Swirl {3000 West Fullerton Avenue, Chicago; 312.265.1745}: What’s better than one summery drink? How about two of your favorites - blended together?! The Swirl is Pizzeria Lobo’s famous Frozen Hibiscus Loborita and Frozen Rum Punch, swirled together in one delightful glass. Pair it with your favorite slice of their pizza and feast the season away!
Chez Moi’s Fraise Menthe {2100 North Halsted Street, Chicago; 773.871.2100}: Despite almost continuous revelry in the summer, there are always going to be those nights where you want to have fun, but maybe don’t want to drink alcohol. On those nights, you can order the Fraise Menthe mocktail with fresh strawberry and mint, club soda, and ginger aletree house. You’ll look fancy without any risk of a hangover! If you do want to imbibe though, we recommend the French Martini at Chez Moi ;) Something for everyone!
By Kaleigh Glaza | Market Editor