Bars Mix Things Up

Nothing like a little camaraderie to make cocktails taste better. Chicago’s restaurant scene is famously community-oriented, filled with chefs throughout the city eager to support one another. The bar department is no different, with mixologists happy to shake drinks alongside their brethren. Two spots jumping on board the guest bartender bandwagon of late, The Winchester and Bordel, are mixing things up by featuring drinks from various mixologists around the city and the country.

The new guest bartender series at The Winchester, where resident mix-master Peter Vestinos has teamed up with some of Chicago’s most venerable bartenders for a Hot Toddy-themed drink list, has a plan to make drinks to help out Working Bikes. The first is Million Pushy Paws, a drink courtesy of Wade McElroy of Sportsman’s Club, made with Pierre Ferrand 1840 Cognac, Marie Brizzard Creme de Cacao, Giffard Pamplemousse, lemon, and hot water. Tous Les Saints is the handiwork of Mea Leech from RM Champagne Salon, featuring a mug full of St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram, St. George Spiced Pear Liqueur, Bacardi 8yr, Clement 3yr Barrel Select, hot cider, and cinnamon. Then there’s The Neck Rub, a cozy option from Nico Osteria’s Matty Eggleston containing milk, Nutella, hibiscus-infused tequila, cinnamon, and orange.

Bordel is also feeling the bar brotherhood with their new guest bartender program. Mixologist Brian Sturgulewski has amassed talents from near and far to join him behind the bar at the clandestine speakeasy-style haunt. And much like the mysterious atmosphere and motif, the roster of mixologists is equally secretive. On any given night, keep an eye out for guest bartenders in from other local bars, those from other cities, and even those from abroad. It’s all a part of Bordel’s goal to serve as a second home for crafty mixologists.

The Winchester
1001 N. Winchester Avenue, Chicago
(773) 698-8703
Website

Bordel
1721 W. Division Street, Chicago
(773) 227-8600
Website