Pop Open a New Batch of Bottled Cocktails
In line with wine and spirits on tap, another burgeoning trend is the increasing omnipresence of bottled cocktails. Affording a streamlined preparation and service method for bartenders, bottled cocktails are paving the way for a new frontier in the bar setting. From dance clubs to craft cocktail dens, everyone’s getting in on the action.
Just as JIMMY unveiled its brand new sidewalk patio for the season, so too does the beverage list get an upgrade with some bottled cocktail innovations. Courtesy of manager/bartender Matt Hunnel and head mixologist Johnny Swet, JIMMY is now serving up two new bottled cocktails ideal for al fresco sipping. The Vodka Collins is made with Oola Citrus vodka, fresh lemon, simple syrup, and soda water, while the Gin Ricky features Death’s Door gin, fresh lime, simple syrup, and soda water.
One of the earlier progenitors of the bottled cocktail boom was Slippery Slope, and the Logan Square dance destination continues to make progress in the bottled liquor department. Ideal for hitting the dance floor or playing Skee Ball, the bottled cocktails at Slippery Slope rotate regularly, featuring everything from rum-based tiki-style drinks to modern takes on bourbon classics. Most spirits are represented, making it easy to stay spirited on the red-lit dance floor.
Delving deep into American nostalgia, the standout bottled cocktail at Headquarters Beercade Lakeview is an homage to childhood chocolate milk. The HQ Yoo Hoo is an adult riff on the old-school staple, served in a bottle with a tag sporting that familiar Yoo Hoo label. It’s carbonated with a chocolate base and house-infused vanilla bean vodka.
Another heavy-hitter in the bottled cocktail arena, in tune with its playfully vintage vibe, is Henry’s Swing Club in River North. The impressively deep cocktail list contains several different drink sections, including one focused on house carbonated bottled cocktails. These include a Ramos Gin Fizz, a Sarsaparilla Sling, and Pet Shop Eyes made with Tabernero Pisco, rhubarb, lime, and pineapple bitters.
For bottled cocktails with a Japanese accent, head to Sumi Robata Bar. Here, flavors like sake, shochu, and yuzu take the stage in drinks like the Akume (shochu, falernum, lemon), Dragons Mile (vodka, cucumber, mint, Nigori sake, white pepper, lime), and The Sad Flute (bourbon, ginger, yuzu, grapefruit).
JIMMY
610 N. Rush Street, Chicago
(312) 660-7191
Website
Slippery Slope
2357 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago
(773) 799-8504
Website
Headquarters Beercade Lakeview
2833 N. Sheffield Avenue, Chicago
(773) 665-5660
Website
Henry’s Swing Club
18 W. Hubbard Street, Chicago
(312) 955-8018
Website
Sumi Robata Bar
702 N. Wells Street, Chicago
(312) 988-7864
Website