Two New Bartenders You Need to Know
Gone are the days when men dominated the kitchens and the bars. With more and more women taking the lead in the hospitality industry, two new mixologists have recently assumed position at two of downtown Chicago’s bars.
Following the departure of opening mixologist Paul McGee, Diane Corcoran has filled the enviable shoes running the bar program at Three Dots and a Dash. One of Chicago’s most adored bars, credited with kickstarting a tiki cocktail revival, is now in the talented hands of McGee’s former protege. Corcoran amped up the drink list with a bevy of new cocktails and some refreshed standbys. Her new creations include a section of Painkillers, including the Painkiller 347 with aged rum, coconut, pineapple, blood orange, vanilla, and cream; and the Bikinis After Dark featuring smoked pineapple, orgeat, lime, rhum agricole, Guyanese rum, and overproof rum. She’s also revived a few bygone Three Dots favorites, like the Mai Tai and the Saturn.
From subterranean Three Dots to one of downtown’s coolest rooftop bars, Whitney Morrow is newly at the helm of Drumbar. Located atop the Raffaello Hotel, Drumbar has employed Morrow since 2013, eventually leading to her promotion as beverage director. Now it’s her time to shine and showcase her innovative cocktail creations, which can be sampled on her brand new summer menu. Unique ingredients and infusions such as salted beet-ginger syrup and celery bitters exemplify Morrow’s background in a culinary household and her chef-like approach to mixology. Her new menu features 18 cocktails, including liquor-splashed freeze pops and slushies. Cocktails include Another Man’s Rhubarb (Bols Genever Gin, raspberry brandy, lemon, rhubarb, rose), Chico Guapo (Novo Fogo Silver Cachaca, banana, almond, lemon, fennel), Figgin’ Awesome (Mitcher’s Rye, red wine and fig vinegar, lemon), and Hog Wild (bourbon, Ancho Reyes, artichoke amaro, flavors of maple and soy).
Three Dots and a Dash
435 N. Clark Street, Chicago
(312) 610-4220
Website
Drumbar
201 E. Delaware Place, Chicago
(312) 933-4805
Website
