There’s no better way to end a week than grabbing a cocktail with a friend at a one-of-a-kind Chicago bar. These seven drinks are super unique, and their ingredients range from hard candy to egg whites. They’re best for the adventurous types who crave trying new things. Give one of these a try when you need to switch up your routine.
Forbidden Milk
A post shared by Cindy’s (@cindysrooftop) on Nov 14, 2017 at 2:12pm PST
As you enjoy the beautiful view of the rooftop bar Cindy’s, 12 S. Michigan Ave., also enjoy an unusual cocktail. One of the strangest is a drink with Italian bitters, forbidden black rice milk, coconut, black sesame, and dried rose. Forbidden Milk is given its name from the days of the Ching and Ming dynasties, when the extremely valuable black rice was reserved for contributing to the emperor’s health. A combination of flavors gives this cocktail an herbal and fruity taste.
Chartreuse Cocktails
A post shared by Dave Brisbois (@d_isfordave) on May 21, 2017 at 10:10pm PDT
The underground speakeasy under the Aviary, 955 W. Fulton Market, can serve up any cocktail for your specific tastes (ask for the “Dealer’s Choice”). The speakeasy known as The Office serves chartreuse, a special liqueur made by a group of French monks. The recipe is centuries old and is kept a secret among those in the monastery. The Office serves up green or yellow chartreuse, the yellow being milder and sweeter. Go for a chartreuse cocktail if you want a delightfully exclusive experience.
Cotton Candy Martini
A post shared by Carnivale (@carnivalechi) on Nov 14, 2017 at 2:03pm PST
This sweet cocktail is a different take on a martini. Served at Carnivale, 702 W. Fulton St., it would be great as a special treat at the end of a long week. Get your camera ready when it comes out, because the waitress will pour the combination of Belvedere vodka, fresh lime juice, and fresh grapefruit juice over a puff of cotton candy, which will disintegrate before your eyes. For those of you with a sweet tooth, this martini will hit the spot.
Violet Revolver
A post shared by Three Dots and a Dash (@threedotsandadash) on Dec 31, 2017 at 5:51pm PST
Another drink that experiments with candy in its recipe is the Violet Revolver. This cocktail is served at an underground tiki bar Three Dots and a Dash located at 435 N. Clark St. and contains Pop Rocks. Spice up the dark atmosphere of this basement bar with crackling candy in your drink.
Peruvian Margarita
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For a twist on a traditional margarita, try this spiced-up drink in the West Loop at Bar Takito, 201 N. Morgan St. Not only does it have tequila, but it blends aji amarillo, a medium-to-hot spiced chile used frequently in Peruvian cuisine. In addition to its citric spicy salt, this unique drink also has coriander. Good for those who want to try a little kick in their margaritas.
Sumo Mary
A post shared by Sunda New Asian (@sundanewasian) on Jan 7, 2018 at 8:53am PST
Sunda, a River North gem at 110 W. Illinois, has the most loaded Bloody Mary you will find at brunch joints in Chicago. Not only is the tomato juice and vodka garnished with a ridiculous number of extras, the toppings are not what you would call typical. The savory beverage comes complete with a full meal on top, including tocino grilled cheese, steamed duck bao bun, crab handroll, crispy pork belly, wok fired shishito peppers, applewood bacon, sunda potatoes, lumpia, takuan, and kai-lan.
Sex and Caffeine
A post shared by Slightly Toasted (@slightlytoastedchi) on Apr 3, 2017 at 7:58am PDT
If you’re into coffee cocktails, Slightly Toasted at 22 N. Clinton St. offers up a unique option. The café’s Sex and Caffeine beverage mixes whiskey and pineapple rum with nitro coffee and egg white. Great for the adventurous cocktail drinker.
Featured Image Credit: Sunda
