3 Chicago Bars to Visit for Unique Cocktails

By November 18, 2022Mixology News

As one of the most electric destinations in the U.S. for imbibing, Chicago is home to thousands of establishments that offer one-of-a-kind sipping experiences.

On a casual stroll through the Windy City today, it’s nearly impossible to not come across a new buzzing bar or restaurant. The endless options can get overwhelming, so to help steer you in the right direction, Chilled found three hotspots that promise an unforgettable drinking experience.

For a history-rich taste of overseas culture, located in Logan Square is a space called Lardon. It’s a bright and airy daytime spot that draws inspiration from cafes across Europe. With over 100 years of age to it, the building has retained its charm with exposed brick, reclaimed materials, and honeycomb tile floors.

 

Lardon

 

During the busy hours of the day at Lardon, guests can expect tons of locals hanging out, enjoying lunch, and vibing out to staff-picked records. As the lunch rush cools down, the environment is geared towards a more intimate, slower experience. Beverage Director Abe Vucekovich explains it best: “Think catching up over charcuterie boards from our in-house cured meats program and sipping cocktails under string lights on the sidewalk patio.”

Italian and French liqueurs are the core of Lardon’s cocktail program. Guests can expect Amari, aperitivos, and seasonal spritz-focused drinks. “The liqueurs impart beautiful vegetal and herbal notes that anchor the otherwise bright drinks and pair well with the savory cured meats,” added Vucekovich.

 

The Violet Hour

 

Serving artisanal cocktails at the heart of Wicker Park, The Violet Hour is an escape from the norm. Upon entry into the joint, guests are instantly transported back to the pre-prohibition era. The ambience is brought to life through high vaulted ceilings with crown molding, long curtains, high back chairs for tables, and cushioned bar seats all accented by the intimate setting of candlelight.

The relationship between a patron and their beverage is of paramount importance at Violet Hour. Their team’s goal is to find the appropriate drink for every guest, whether it be a booze aficionado or a beginner.

Delving into the inspiration of the drink selections, General Manager David Branch says, “We are rooted in pre-prohibition style cocktails, boozy and balanced. Our menu changes seasonally, so guests are always able to experience something unique.”

 

The Whistler

 

Finally, there’s The Whistler, a bar, gallery, record label, and venue that hosts live music and DJs. Situated on N Milwaukee Ave, it’s a place for all to enjoy music and drinks in a respectful, friendly environment. Their dance floor stays jumping, but no need to worry; the back patio is a perfect space designated for relaxing and taking a breather from all the excitement.

The Whistler’s award-winning cocktail program is versatile in the sense that is takes inspiration from many different things. It has reached the top of the game by following strict principles, yet still keeping it cool. “Our cocktail program is all about using the best products, fresh juices, house-made syrups made to order with speed and no pretension. Alongside a classic Daiquiri, you might get our draft Old Fashioned variation or a cheesecake-inspired Piña Colada with birthday sprinkles, says Head Bartender Alex Barbatsis.”

 

 

 

SHOULDER SEASON

Photo by Robert Brenner

Created by Head Bartender Alex Barbatsis of The Whistler

Demerara rum and earthy reposado tequila give this fall-forward sipper it’s signature depth, while allspice dram and a hint of nutmeg round out it’s seasonal notes. The combination of earth and spice evoke the sensations of falling autumn leaves.

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 oz 5-Year Demerara Rum
  • ¾ oz Reposado tequila
  • ¾ oz Lime juice
  • ¾ oz Demerara syrup (1:1)
  • ¼ oz Allspice Dram

Preparation: Combine all ingredients in shaker tin with ice, shake, and double strain over ice into a rocks glass. Grate a little nutmeg on top.

 

 

 

ALL PINE FOR YOU

Created by General Manager David Branch of The Violet Hour

Photo by Kelly Sandos

The “All Pine for You” is a wintery punch-style drink with a split base of vodka and Colombia’s Aguardiente – an anise and sugarcane-based spirit. The crowd-pleasing cocktail combines the seasons best flavors with juicy notes of dark cherry, a rosemary aroma and hint of allspice.

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz Cumber Aguardiente
  • 1/2 oz Village Vodka
  • 3/4 oz Braulio Amaro
  • 1/2 oz Ruby Port
  • 1/4 oz St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram
  • 1/4 oz tart cherry juice
  • 3/4 oz lime juice
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup

Preparation: Pour all ingredients into tulip glass and fill with crushed ice. Quick swizzle. Garnish with rosemary sprig and 3 Griottine cherries on a skewer.

 

 

 

OLD SPORT

Created by Beverage Director Abe Vucekovich of Meadowlark Hospitality

This Negroni-inspired drink swaps out gin for warmly spiced Russel’s Reserve 10 year Bourbon and pairs it with apple brandy for an autumnal flair. Peppered with smoked orange and cherry bark bitters and a rinse of absinthe, the Old Sport is packed with nuanced flavor that evolves with each sip.

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 oz Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Bourbon
  • 3/4 oz Laird’s Apple Brandy Bottled-in-Bond
  • 3/4 oz Campari
  • 3/4 oz Carpano Antica
  • 2 Dashes smoked orange bitters
  • 2 Dashes cherry bark bitters

Preparation: Chill rocks glass. Add all ingredients to cocktail stirring vessel with ice and stir until chilled. Rinse glass (atomizer works best) with Herbsaint. Strain cocktail into glass. Express orange peel over drink and discard.

 

 

The Whistler Images by Jeff Marini 

Lardon images by Clayton Hauck 

The Violet Hour images by Michael Robinson

The post 3 Chicago Bars to Visit for Unique Cocktails appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

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