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Heatwave Cool-Down: Must-Try Summer Cocktails in Chicago
Add summer cocktail crawl to your Chicago bucket list.
As Chicago swelters under the first heatwave of the summer, the city's bars and restaurants are adding cool and refreshing summer cocktails to the menu that are perfect for beating the heat. From frozen concoctions to summer twists on classics, we've rounded up some must-try drinks this season along with a tropical cocktail you can make at home.
GRASS TIGER
Location: Sunda New Asian - River North & Fulton Market
Spicy jalapeño-infused Roku gin is complemented by refreshing lemongrass, lime, orange and ginger beer then garnished with fresh mint—a zesty combination that cools with every sip.
Find out what's happening in Chicagowith free, real-time updates from Patch.
FROZEN SPICY MANGO MARGARITA
Location: Central Park Bar in Avondale
The bold kick of Ghost Spicy Blanco Tequila paired with the tropical sweetness of mango and a tangy hint of lime creates a refreshing and vibrant cocktail perfect for summer evenings on Central Park Bar's popular backyard patio. Pro Tip: Get it for half-the-price during Half-Price Happy Hour every Monday through Friday from 4-7 p.m.
Find out what's happening in Chicagowith free, real-time updates from Patch.
CITRUS 99
Location: Wake 'n Bacon in East Lakeview
This bright and citrusy cocktail, made with Hendrick's Gin, Appel's Grapefruit Cordial and topped with Q Grapefruit, is the perfect companion for a brunch spread set beneath Wake 'n Bacon's floral ceiling.
THE GETAWAY
Location: The Getaway in Lincoln Square
Brand new to the Lincoln Square neighborhood, The Getaway's signature cocktail that shares the same name is a rum-based refresher that will transport you to a tropical paradise. The drink features Ron Zacapa 23 rum, Rhum Clément coconut liqueur, Tiki Lover's pineapple rum, Giffard apricot liqueur, lime, pineapple and orange juices with a splash of grenadine.
16TH STREET
Location: Celeste in River North
The lively River North cocktail bar offers the 16th Street, a vibrant mix of Corazon Blanco tequila with Chinola passion fruit and mango - a true summer treat.
CHIVAS COCO ICE COCKTAIL
Location: Local retailers in Illinois and on ReserveBar.com
Barbecue season is in full swing, so for those backyard gatherings, having a simple, refreshing cocktail recipe on hand is a must. Just in time for summer, Chivas Regal, the award-winning, luxury blended scotch, and Goya, the premier source for authentic Latin cuisine, have released a Chivas x Goya Limited Edition “Golden Hour” Cocktail Kit.
Available in local retailers for $31.99, the kit includes Chivas 12-Year-Old, Goya Pineapple Nectar and Goya Coconut Water — to effortlessly make cocktails at home these easy-to-follow recipes:
Chivas Coco Ice Cocktail
2 parts Chivas 12 Year Old Scotch Whisky
1 part Goya Pineapple Juice
3 parts Goya Coconut Water
Lime wedge garnish
Fill a Collins glass with ice, Chivas 12-year-old, Goya pineapple juice and coconut water. Lightly stir and garnish with a fresh lime wedge.
Chivas Pineapple Gold Rush
2 parts Chivas 12 Year Old Scotch Whisky
1 part Goya Pineapple Juice
1 part Honey Syrup
1 part Lemon Juice
Club Soda Topper (optional)
Pineapple garnish
Combine Chivas 12-year-old, Goya pineapple juice, honey syrup, and lemon juice over ice and mix. To make it fizz, add a club soda topper, dash of bitters, and garnish with fresh pineapple.
