Top Ten Summer Cocktails to Try
It's another scorching, scandalous summer in the city. You've already packed away your parkas; why not ditch your cold-weather cocktail hour staples and try one of these new sweet, summery drinks to celebrate the season?
In this gallery
Craving a taste of the tropics? The Jinjitsu cocktail from the whimsical Pops for Champagne bar in the Loop looks and tastes like a Caribbean sunset. The popular drink is made with La Favorite Rum from the island of Martinique, Koval's Ginger Liqueur, a splash of grapefruit bitters, fruity guava purée, and then topped off with Prosecco for a bubbly twist. Pops for Champagne is located at 601 N State Street, 312.266.7677
A margarita for bikini season? Believe it. The Look Better Naked margarita at Nacional 27 in the Loop is made with organic Sambazon açaí berry smoothie mix, agave nectar, fresh lime juice, egg white, rosemary, and Herradura Reposado tequila. Full of antioxidants, fiber, protein, vitamins C, and cholesterol-reducing fructans (and did we mention tequila?) it’s a healthier twist on a sweet summer favorite. Nacional 27 is located at 325 W Huron Street, 312.664.2727
This vibrant, gingery orange creation at the hot rooftop dining spot EPIC Sky cribs its name from Alice in Wonderland’s famous bunny and will bring a Cheshire Cat smile to those craving something just a little bit wild. Made with Ketel One Oranje vodka, fresh carrot juice, a kick of ginger and simple syrup, it’s light enough for a summery night but still hopping with flavor. EPIC is located at 112 W Hubbard Street, 312.222.4940, www.epicrestaurantchicago.com
Like Chicago itself, the White City cocktail at the Gage on Michigan Avenue has both beauty and bite. Made with local Death’s Door white whiskey and a splash of sweetness from grapefruit juice, Citrónge orange liqueur, and mezcal (a beverage native to Mexico, distilled from the agave plant) you can toast your favorite city while gazing out at Millenium Park. The Gage is located at 24 S Michigan Avenue, 312.372.4243
For a summery twist on an old-school cocktail, try the Cherry Lime Rickey, also at The Gage. Typically made with gin, this version is a creation of Belvedere vodka, sweet brandied and Maraschino cherries, a splash of lime juice, simple syrup, and is served on the rocks with soda and a fresh lime. The Gage is located at 24 S Michigan Avenue, 312.372.4243
You want to look toned in your bikini, but it’s hard to muster the motivation to sweat indoors at the gym when the weather is warm. Burn calories, meet new people, and enjoy gorgeous views of the city with an outdoor exercise class. The Spa at Trump offers a guided outdoor power walking class with certified instructor Vy Brooks every Thursday from 6-7 p.m. Six different walks have been designed to show guests a unique view of downtown and the Chicago River. In case of rain, the class will be held inside for a vigorous treadmill workout (pictured: the gym at Trump). Trump is located at 401 N. Wabash Ave. To sign up, call Caroline Rawlings at 312.588.8126.
Some like it hot, and for those who have no intention of cooling off this scorching summer, the Caliente cocktail at the hot Japanese-Brazilian fusion restaurant Sushisamba Rio doesn’t disappoint. Made with Leblon cachaça (Brazil’s national liquor), sweet passion fruit and mango juices, a dash of aji panca (a Peruvian chili pepper), and simple syrup, it’s an exotic taste of Rio de Janeiro in River North. Sushisamba Rio is located at 504 N Wells Street, 312.595.2300
Also from Sushisamba Rio in River North comes the exotic Hakata cocktail. named for a city on the island of Kyushu in Japan. This cool, tangy, eye-popping creation is made with Finlandia Grapefruit Vodka, the juice of the yuzu (a Japanese citrus fruit), simple syrup, and grenadine. Sushisamba Rio is located at 504 N Wells Street, 312.595.2300
The Nine Island cocktail from the swanky N9NE Steakhouse is a sweet, flavorful rum concoction with a peachy twist. Made with Brugal Extra Viejo Rum, the golden Spanish liqueur Licor 43, a dash of pineapple juice, and peach bitters, it’s shaken and served in a martini glass with a splash of ginger ale. N9NE is located at 440 W Randolph Street, 312.575.9900
For adventurous Chicagoans longing for a taste of something français, the tableside absinthe drip service at Potter’s Lounge at the Palmer House Hilton luxury hotel offers a chance to sip the drink of choice of Degas, van Gogh, and Picasso. Served with a traditional water spigot, spoon and sugar cube, the absinthe is then made into specialty cocktail “La Fée Vert” (The Green Fairy) with Le Tourment Vert absinthe, Dekuyper apple pucker, sour mix and orange juice. It’s an artesian, Parisian take on summer cocktailing. Potter’s Lounge is located at 17 E Monroe Street, 312.726.7500
Jinjitsu at Pops for Champagne
Craving a taste of the tropics? The Jinjitsu cocktail from the whimsical Pops for Champagne bar in the Loop looks and tastes like a Caribbean sunset. The popular drink is made with La Favorite Rum from the island of Martinique, Koval's Ginger Liqueur, a splash of grapefruit bitters, fruity guava purée, and then topped off with Prosecco for a bubbly twist. Pops for Champagne is located at 601 N State Street, 312.266.7677
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