Best Winter Cocktails In Chicago
Winter in Chicago can be long and brutal. Warm things up with the featured drinks below. From the traditional hot toddy to hot chocolate with a twist, here are some of the best cocktails to keep you warm this season.
Signature Room/Lounge
875 North Michigan Avenue # 152
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 787-9596
www.signatureroom.com
You can't beat the views from the Hancock Tower's Signature Lounge. Enjoy breathtaking scenes of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan while you warm up with one of the winter drinks below.
Signature winter drinks include: Hot Chocolate Pixie- Bailey's, Butterscotch Schnapps, hot cocoa; Peppermint Cocoa- Bailey's, Peppermint Schnapps, hot cocoa; Raspberry Truffle- Bombay Gin, raspberry liqueur, hot cocoa ($13).
Rebar at The Trump
401 North Wabash Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 588-8000
www.trumpchicagohotel.com
Rebar is a chic, sophisticated lounge located in the Trump International Hotel & Tower. Located on the mezzanine level, Rebar offers a vibrant atmosphere and gorgeous views of the Chicago River and Michigan Avenue Bridge. In the colder months, try their hot toddy or grab some friends and share their Winter Magic punch bowl. Punch is served tableside in a warm crock. This beautifully served drink features brandy, red wine, cinnamon sticks, cloves, oranges and cognac-marinated cherries.
Roof on theWit
theWit Hotel
201 N. State St
Chicago, IL
(312) 239.9501
www.roofonthewit.com
One of Chicago's sleekest rooftops, also boasts a unique and stylish winter scene. The rooftop at theWit Hotel, is the place to see and be seen in Chicago. Open 365 days a year, you can warm up by the fire and enjoy their seasonal drink menu. Your best bet is their Apples & Cinnamon brandy. Made with Laird's Applejack Brandy, old-fashioned bitters, fresh lemon, topped with meringue and a cinnamon stick.
Zed 451
739 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 266-6691
www.zed451.com
The beautiful interior of Zed 451, complete with an indoor fire pit, rich wood and sprawling glass windows, is a great backdrop to any cold night in the city. There's nothing like a classic drink to keep you warm this season. The Spiced Old Fashioned at Zed 451 is made with Woodford Reserve bourbon mixed with muddled oranges, cranberries and spiced syrup ($12).
The Violet Hour
1520 N Damen Ave
Chicago, IL
(773) 252-1500
www.theviolethour.com
The Violet Hour has been known, or unknown rather as an unmarked, speakeasy with a mysterious reputation. Going for the allusive, swanky vibe, the exterior of The Violet Hour is hardly noticeable at first glance. Once inside, you'll find a vibrant, beautifully decorated bar and lounge. Mixologists at The Violet Hour have been cooking up some great, warming cocktails and punches. Never one to give away a secret, you'll have to check their menu or follow their blog for their latest drink creations.
Keep up with The Violet Hour on their blog at: http://partyondamen.wordpress.com
Simone's Bar
960 W. 18th St.
Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 666-8601
www.simonesbar.com
Simone's Bar has recently been qualified as a Certified Green Restaurant®. In my book, they should also be certified for their great winter cocktail menu. Because their cocktails change weekly, call ahead or check their website for the most updated drink specials. Warming cocktails available daily include: Pie In Your Face- boubon, caramel vodka, walnut liqueur, apple schnapps with a side car of whipped cream vodka ($9); 1988- rumchata, vanilla vodka, espresso vodka, cinnamon ($8); The Give Inn-tullamore dew whiskey, butterscotch schnapps, brown sugar, strawberries, ginger ale ($8).
LOKal
1904 W North Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 904-8113
www.lokalchicago.com
LOKal is the place to go for a winter warm-up in Wicker Park. Their vast menu features specialty drinks range from wine, spiced rum, brandy and teas. Signature winter drinks include: Krakowski-spiced red wine, orange, hazelnuts; Goracy Tadeusz-earl grey, Slivovica plum brandy; Rum ta ta -red wine, rum, black cardamom ($7).
