End of summer sips!
By Andrea Zimmerman — Written on Aug 30, 2018
Summer is coming to an end — but that doesn't mean your fun has to! Kick off the last few days of summertime with these deeeeeeliciously fun cocktails. No matter whether you're a whiskey girl (nod to Toby Keith) or a gin gal (nod to, uh, people who like tonic?), we've got something for everyone on this list. Bonus: All these cocktails are super-Instagrammable so you can rack up those likes while you sip away the night. Oh, and double bonus: At all these locations that serve up these drinks have unbelievable yummy food, too. Because nobody likes cocktailin' on an empty stomach! Without further adieu, bartender please...
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1. Bee’s Knees, Hampton Social
End the summer Hamptons-style at The Hampton Social. This Chicago hotspot is known for its quintessential East Coast beachside vibes and mouthwatering menu, and serves up a buzzy (literally) cocktail: The Bee’s Knees. Made with tea-infused Bulleit bourbon, apricot liquor and served with a honey-dipped comb, the Bees Knees is the perfect summertime sipper. So, grab your friends and settle into the nautical-influenced hotspot that celebrates everyone’s favorite season all year round with, dare I say it, your new favorite cocktail?
Visit: Hampton Social, 353 W. Hubbard St
2. The Bathtub, The Bassment
Rub-a-dub-dub in the bathtub. Well, not quite. Known for its impressive cocktail selection, Bassment (Chicago’s British-infused, speakeasy-style hidden gem), offers the most interesting cocktail of the summer: The Bathtub. Cozied up in a mini bathtub is a mixture of Titto’s Handmade Vodka, lemon, cucumber jalapeno syrup, St. Germain and lemon foam to create a refreshing cocktail that’s almost too cute to drink … almost.
Visit: The Bassment, 353 W. Hubbard
3. Frosé, Beach House Social
The new sister concept of the highly-lauded Hampton Social in Wicker Park. Inspired by a West Coast state-of-mind, this beach bungalow offers surf shack vibes and a menu featuring savory bar bites and including the Island Chicken Sandwich, the Spicy Tuna Salad, Beach Front Bowl, an array of tacos and much more. Guests can also enjoy coastal beer, handcrafted cocktails and a laidback atmosphere in the second-floor lounge or rooftop patio. Our suggestion: Head straight to the upstairs patio (it's sooo Instagrammable!), and try the naked shrimp. And don't even think about leaving — no matter how many Frosés you've had — without ordering the key lime pie. It's some of the best we've ever had and we're key lime pie aficionados, so we know.
Visit: Beach House Social, 1501 N. Milwaukee
4. Gatsby G&T, Hampton Social
For all the literature lovers who also appreciate an ice-cold g&t (books + booze = win, always) this one's got fords gin, lime, gin and the fancy fever tree lemon tonic for that extra kick. Also, Hampton Social is one of the best ambiences in Chicago — and we're not just saying that — it's a fun, upbeat, summer-all-year vibe: perfect for social butterflies. If you're looking for a dive bar, this isn't it. But if you're looking to rosé all day (you know who are you are), this is THEE place to go in Chi.
Visit: Hampton Social, 353 W. Hubbard
5. Spiked Simply Vanilla Shake with Whipped Cream and Sprinkles
Spiked sundaes? YES, Please! At Jake Melnick's, you can add a shot of whatever booze you'd like to your after-dinner delectable. (We chose Bailey's in our vanilla sundae with whipped cream and sprinkles and we have zero regrets.) But the best part of Jake Melnick's isn't even the cocktailin' — it's the food. Their BBQ brisket is so decadent, it's like having dessert for your entreé and their wings — which they're known for, do not miss them — come in a variety of rubs: firecracker, hot, XXX — you get the idea. We went with the classic Poncho's - grilled, garlic, and cayenne, and there's a reason it's their bestseller. Mix and match with their combo deals and try 'em all. Also, if haven't OD-ed on dessert (it happens to the best of us), we have two words for you: FRIED OREOS. You guys haven't even known the glory of an Oreo until it's deep-fried. It's heaven in food form. And don't worry about the calories; you're at Jake Melnick's.
Visit: Jake Melnick’s, 41 E. Superior St
6. Rebel, Rebel Rosé
The Old Town concept, notable for giving Chicagoans alike a lively dining-to-nightlife experience year-round, is an oasis for summer time sipping. Guests will indulge in the bar’s highly sought-after Rebel Rebel Rosé made with peach vodka, elderflower, lemon juice, simple syrup and rosé and served in a 46 oz. fish bowl. The refreshing pink drink is the ideal summer concoction for sharing with friends and soaking in the last few weeks of the city’s warm weather.
Visit: 80 Proof, 1500 N. Wells St
7. Satan Gave Me a Taco
Corazon Blanco, Passionfruit Puree, Fresh Lime, Scrappy's Firewater Bitters, Housemade Tajin. We're a sucker for tropical flavors, spicy tequila drinks, and the 90's — and this cocktail fulfills all those requirements. It's punchy, it's just the right amount of spicy, and tajin is amazing on just about everything. Including pairing it with peanut butter pie, one of Optima's A+ desserts, which is exactly what it sounds like — just imagine a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup and then times it by 10 on the flavor scale. AH-MAY-ZING. PS: The upstairs level of the Optima is being rebranded as piano bar soon, so come back and visit and request your faves. (Ours? Walking in Memphis or 'My Kind Of Town,' if you want to please the hometown crowd.)
Visit: The Optima, 1252 N. Wells St
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Andrea Zimmerman is the editor-at-large at Yourtango. She enjoys reading, traveling, and reading while traveling. She lives in Chicago with her husband and three-legged cat. Follow her @angiecat86 on Instagram.