Chicago’s cocktail scene has become a vibrant tapestry, intertwining the city’s neighborhoods with creative, history-infused drinks. "Chicago Cocktails," a new book by Nicole Schnitzler, offers an insightful exploration of this culture, featuring 100 recipes organized by neighborhood. With contributions from numerous bartenders and industry insiders, the book captures the essence of the city’s evolving beverage landscape.

Schnitzler aims to celebrate Chicago’s unique cocktail creativity and hospitality. Her research highlights the transformation from a city known mainly for beer and shots to one where cocktails are crafted with intention and artistry. “My hope is that it is really an ode to Chicago and the ways in which the industry is showing up for its city,” she says.

The book also delves into the history of Chicago’s cocktail culture, tracing its roots back to the late 1800s. Notable drinks from that era include the Old Fashioned, documented in the 1888 “Bartenders Manual” by Theodore Proulx, and others like the "Cohasset Punch" and "South Side" cocktail, reportedly favored by Al Capone.

Modern Chicago bars reflect this renaissance, where places like The Violet Hour and The Whistler have cultivated an environment for thoughtful drinking experiences. As Schnitzler notes, today’s bars provide an opportunity for patrons to linger, enhancing both community and creativity.

Among the featured cocktails is the "Parallelogram," a unique twist on the Aperol margarita, created by Ryan Rezvani at The Long Room. Inspired by his background as a teacher, Rezvani enriched the drink with homemade bitters and a Mexican spice rub. "It got them thinking about language arts… it also helped them develop vocabulary," he explains, demonstrating how bartending and teaching share a fundamental connection.

Another standout is the "Amaro Daiquiri" from Billy Sunday, where Corban Kell substitutes rum with amaro, crafting a cocktail that balances herbaceousness, bitterness, and sweetness—a testament to innovation in drink making. Kell expresses pride in the bar’s reputation as an incubator for new ideas, which has led to some staff opening their own successful establishments.

“Chicago Cocktails” doesn’t just share recipes; it tells the stories behind the creations. Through interviews and historical anecdotes, it paints a picture of the influential figures who have shaped the city’s bar scene, allowing readers to craft not just drinks, but also connections to Chicago’s rich beverage heritage.

For cocktail enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in Chicago’s unique flavors, this book serves as a guide to not only the recipes but also the communal spirit that defines the city’s drinking culture.

St. Patrick’s Day is a time to embrace all things green, from outfits to cocktails. Celebrating the holiday is incomplete without a good drink, so we’ve compiled a list of green cocktails perfect for March 17.

Popular Drinks for St. Patrick’s Day

Green beer, Guinness, and cocktails made with crème de menthe and Irish cream reign supreme during St. Patrick’s celebrations. Enjoying a green spirit is a festive and fun way to join in the festivities.

Irish Favorites

Though Americans enjoy themed drinks, Irish locals typically celebrate with pints of Guinness, local ciders, Dublin Mules, Irish whiskey shots, and Black and Blacks.

Cocktails to Try

• Green Beer: A classic American-Irish drink that’s simple to make.
• Cucumber Gin Slushie: A refreshing slushy made with just six ingredients, perfect for warmer weather.
• St. Patrick’s Day Green Shots: A fun dessert shot with a chocolate base, layered with boozy pudding.
• Pickleback: Made with green pickle juice and bacon bourbon in a salt-rimmed glass.
• Mezcalima Lime Cocktail: This citrusy margarita is invigorating and has ginger beer for a lighter option.
• Midori Lemonata: Tastes like melon-flavored lemonade with a boozy twist.
• Shamrock Sour Cocktail: A whiskey sour variant made with Irish whiskey.
• Luck of the Irish Sunrise: A colorful cocktail mixed with whiskey and blue curaçao.

More Unique Options

• Grasshopper Cocktail: A dessert-like drink made from green crème de menthe and crème de cacao.
• Mint Matcha Latte: Healthy and refreshing, this can be spiked with Irish cream if you prefer.
• Classic Mint Julep: A refreshing favorite that fits perfectly into the celebration.

Themed Mocktails

For those not drinking alcohol, a Bali Squeezed Mocktail made with nutrient-rich superfoods and coconut water can keep you festive without the booze.

With this array of cocktails, your St. Patrick’s Day celebration is sure to be a spirited affair! Enjoy the luck of the Irish!

March Madness is an exhilarating time for basketball fans, filled with teams, brackets, and tournaments that can be daunting for newcomers. For enthusiasts, the season is about excitement, camaraderie, and of course, cocktails. Here are seven cocktail suggestions for the March Madness season:

Slam Dunk

At Pier 5 in Miami, the Slam Dunk combines Don Q Cristal rum, Triple Sec, lime, orange juice, and mint, topped with a splash of Starry. Garnished with an orange wheel and a sugarcane stick, it’s described as refreshing and bold, perfect for celebrating March Madness.

Final Fourange

Served at Sweetwater Tavern & Grille in Chicago and Old Town Pour House in Oak Brook and Naperville, the Final Fourange features Ketel One Oranje, triple sec, orange juice, grenadine, and lemon-lime soda. Senior Beverage Manager Doug Wise highlights the balance of flavors and the fun name that embodies the spirit of the tournament.

Madness Mule

A twist on the classic Kentucky Mule, the Madness Mule at Recreation in New York City mixes bourbon with ginger beer and citrus. Chef Julieta Vera emphasizes that this drink encapsulates the high-energy moments of March Madness, making it a perfect companion for fans.

Big-Blue Buzzer Beater and Cardinal Slam

At Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. in Louisville, these cocktails cater to fans of both the Kentucky Wildcats and Louisville Cardinals. The Big-Blue Buzzer Beater features pea flower syrup for a blue hue, while the Cardinal Slam combines bourbon with strawberry basil syrup and blueberry tea. Bartender Jessi Mosqueda mentions that these drinks are crafted to appeal to both rival fan bases.

The Hooper

At J. Rieger & Co in Kansas City, The Hooper is a tribute to basketball fans, using Rieger’s Straight Rye Whiskey, fino sherry, banana liqueur, fresh lemon juice, orgeat, and orange bitters. Garnished with mint and an orange wheel, it reflects the local basketball culture.

The Espress-Go Martini

Found at Bar Stilwell at the Loews Kansas City Hotel, this cocktail features espresso, Rieger Cafe Amaro, and Madagascar vanilla. Rob Edgington notes it’s a favorite among fans, especially during the Big 12 Tournament.

With these vibrant cocktail options, fans can enjoy the excitement of March Madness to the fullest!

The Eras Pour: For This Mixologist, All’s Fair In Love And Cocktails

Vivian Hsiung, known as the creator behind the Instagram account @cocktailheartremedy, is channeling her romantic escapades into a series of cocktails that narrate her love life in a uniquely creative manner. Dubbed the "Taylor Swift of cocktails," Hsiung’s emotional storytelling through mixology is resonating with her audience of over 9,000 followers and reflects her personal journey of healing and self-discovery.

The onset of Hsiung’s cocktail journey coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, during which she experienced a breakup that compelled her to craft drinks at home. She discovered that the different flavor profiles in mixology—bitter, sweet, sour—mirrored her emotions, leading to a significant realization: transforming her feelings into visual and flavorful experiences. This passion project not only became therapeutic but also evolved into an artistic endeavor.

Though Hsiung has no formal background in mixology, she has quickly become adept in the field, previously working in tech before fully committing to her cocktail creating. Her concoctions are not just simple drinks; they often reflect specific personal experiences, as seen in cocktails like “But You Said You Loved Me” and “Whoremones Gone Wrong”. Each drink is meticulously crafted with layers of meaning, humor, and personal anecdotes, inviting her followers into her journey through the ups and downs of love.

Hsiung’s relationship with her muses extends to the men she dates, some of whom find it flattering when their romantic mishaps inspire new cocktails. Her drink “Flabbergasted” is an example of this approach, conceived after a humorous incident during a date that left an indelible mark on her couch.

As she takes a break from dating in 2025, Hsiung continues to innovate with her cocktail creations, now focusing on simpler recipes to help her followers easily replicate her drinks at home. Ultimately, she dreams of launching a new cocktail menu coinciding with the release of Taylor Swift’s next album, inspired by shared artistic sensibilities.

For her fans and budding mixologists, Vivian Hsiung represents a blend of authenticity and artistry, in which the heartache of love transforms into the joy of creating something beautiful—one cocktail at a time. You can explore her creations on her website.

St. Patrick’s Day is a vibrant celebration of Irish culture that traditionally features Irish whiskey, alongside iconic elements like the color green and Guinness beer. In the U.S., whiskey sales see a notable spike around this holiday, with about 61% of Americans planning to spend an average of $43.64 to commemorate the occasion, according to the National Retail Federation.

The number of Irish distilleries has expanded significantly, having grown from just four in 2010 to over 40 today. Bartenders and distillers credit the smooth and approachable flavor of Irish whiskey for its rising popularity. Classic cocktails like Irish Coffee, highballs, and whiskey sours are often enhanced with it.

To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year, here’s a curated list of 15 cocktails that incorporate Irish whiskey and other festive spirits:

Teeling’s Iced Irish Coffee

• Ingredients:
  • 2 oz Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey
  • 2 oz Cold Brew
  • ½ oz Demerara Syrup
  • Bar spoon of heavy cream
• Instructions: Shake the whiskey, syrup, and cold brew over ice. Strain into a chilled mug filled with ice. Top with cream and garnish with grated nutmeg.

Shamrock & Roll

• Ingredients:
  • 1 ½ oz Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey
  • ¾ oz White Chocolate Liqueur
  • ¾ oz Creme De Menthe
  • ½ oz Half and Half
  • Chocolate Syrup and Cocoa Powder for garnish
• Instructions: Rim the glass with chocolate syrup and cocoa powder. Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into the prepared glass.

Slane Irish Coffee

• Ingredients:
  • 1 part Slane Irish Whiskey
  • ⅔ parts vanilla-infused demerara syrup
  • Freshly brewed double espresso
  • Boiling water
  • Lightly whisked double cream
  • Dark chocolate orange shavings
• Instructions: Preheat your glass, brew a double espresso, and add boiling water. Stir in the syrup, espresso, and whiskey, then top with cream and shavings.

White Chocolate Shamrock Shake

• Ingredients:
  • 2 oz Mozart White Chocolate Liqueur
  • 2 oz vodka
  • 2 pints vanilla ice cream
  • 2 oz milk
  • ¼ tsp peppermint extract
• Instructions: Blend all ingredients until smooth, then serve with whipped cream and mint garnishes.

Jameson Ginger & Lime

• Ingredients:
  • 1 part Jameson Original
  • 3 parts Ginger Ale
  • 1 Lime Wedge
• Instructions: Fill a highball glass with ice, add Jameson, and top with ginger ale. Squeeze lime into the drink.

Redbreast Irish Whiskey’s Robin Manhattan

• Ingredients:
  • 50ml Redbreast 18-Year-Old
  • 25ml Antica Formula
• Instructions: Combine ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, stir, then strain into a chilled coupette and garnish with a Maraschino cherry.

Tullamore D.E.W. Honey Lemonade

• Ingredients:
  • 1 ½ parts Tullamore D.E.W. Honey
  • 3 parts lemonade
  • Squeeze of fresh lemon
  • Top with club soda
• Instructions: Stir all ingredients and pour.

Bushmills Irish Coffee

• Ingredients:
  • 1 part Bushmills Black Bush
  • 0.5 part Demerara syrup
  • 4 parts Sumatra coffee
  • Lightly whipped fresh cream
• Instructions: Stir all ingredients in a glass and top with cream.

Glendalough Shamrock

• Ingredients:
  • 4 parts Glendalough Double Barrel Irish Whiskey
  • 1 part Chartreuse
  • 1.5 parts Simple Syrup
  • 2 parts Lemon Juice
  • 1 part Verbena Tea
  • Mint & Basil leaves
• Instructions: Muddle herbs, mix all ingredients, and strain over ice.

Gold Fashioned

• Ingredients:
  • 2 oz Taffer’s Browned Butter Bourbon
  • 3 dashes Angostura Bitters
• Instructions: Add ingredients over ice in a glass and garnish with orange peel.

Scotch Spring Matcha

• Ingredients:
  • 2 parts The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve
  • ¼ parts matcha
  • 2 parts Crème of Coconut
  • ½ parts lime juice
• Instructions: Shake and strain into a coupe glass, garnish with edible flowers.

The Botanist Green Gimlet

• Ingredients:
  • 2 oz The Botanist Islay Dry Gin
  • ¾ oz lemon juice
  • ½ oz cucumber honey*
• Instructions: Shake and strain into a chilled glass, garnish with cucumber ribbon.

Bear Fight Bourbon Margarita

• Ingredients:
  • 1 oz Bear Fight Kentucky Reserve Bourbon
  • 0.75 oz Cointreau
  • 1.5 oz lime juice
  • 1 oz agave syrup
• Instructions: Rim glass with salt, mix ingredients with ice, and pour into prepared glass.

Matchatini Crème Latte

• Ingredients:
  • Kin Euphorics Matchatini
  • Minor Figures Oat Milk
  • Coconut Whipped Cream
• Instructions: Shake together and pour into a glass, topping it with whipped cream and matcha.

Mine Hill’s Lucky Mule

• Ingredients:
  • 2 oz Mine Hill Distillery’s Rye Whiskey
  • ½ oz Lime Juice
  • 4 oz Ginger Beer
• Instructions: Pour whiskey and lime into a glass with ice, then top with ginger beer and garnish.

This spirited assortment offers plenty of options to enjoy and toast to the luck of the Irish!

Perkins is set to open its flagship restaurant in Orlando, Florida, on March 19, 2025. This new location aims to modernize the brand with a revamped menu and contemporary decor, as Perkins President Toni Ronayne explained. The updated menu will include both classic Americana dishes and exciting new offerings such as boba drinks and cocktails, appealing to evolving consumer tastes.

Having previously undergone a rebranding, Perkins is keen on refreshing its image, including its restaurant layouts. The new flagship space, featuring 3,500 square feet, boasts contemporary aesthetics like bright lighting and an outdoor patio, which have been well-received by franchisees.

"This upscale design has resonated well with our target market," noted Ronayne in a message to Restaurant Dive, signaling strong interest among franchisees for similar enhancements.

The culinary revamp is led by Mindy Armstrong, vice president of menu innovation at Perkins. The restaurant will provide signature items like omelets and build-your-own breakfasts while introducing new categories like shareable appetizers and burgers. On the beverage side, the menu now features Boba Chillers, craft cocktails, and options for younger guests, aiming to cater to a broader demographic and enhance the dining experience during brunch and dinner hours.

The addition of alcoholic drinks reflects a growing demand from customers for enhanced beverage offerings. Ronayne mentioned that cocktails, including frozen margaritas and specialty blends, were a natural progression for the brand, which has previously offered limited alcohol selections.

In a challenging environment for casual and family dining chains, Perkins’ strategic overhaul focuses on modernizing its offerings and restaurant experience. This effort comes as competitors face struggles; for instance, Denny’s closed numerous locations, while other chains saw declines in same-store sales.

By embracing a blend of traditional and contemporary elements, Perkins seeks to recapture market share in a competitive landscape, positioning itself for growth as it navigates the changing dining preferences of its customers.

Related Links

• Perkins to open fast casual stores in Texas debut
• How Perkins’ multifaceted refresh aims to accelerate growth

A chance encounter more than two decades ago between Ilana Hoffer Skoff and a community leader led to the establishment of an organization that has positively influenced the lives of thousands in Northeast Ohio. This initiative, known for its commitment to supporting individuals in need, has made substantial strides in enhancing the community fabric.

Recently, the organization mourned the loss of Skoff, who passed away at the age of 58. Her legacy of compassion and advocacy continues to resonate, reflecting her significant impact on the lives she touched through her work.

In an unrelated event, the Solon Chamber of Commerce will hold its fourth annual Cocktails and Conversations on March 6 at the Solon Community Center. With over 150 professionals in attendance, the event aims to foster connections within the women’s health and wellness sector.

Speakers at the event include Judy Caine of Cetera discussing "Envisioning Women in Retirement," and Melissa Goldsmith addressing post-traumatic stress recovery strategies. Other topics cover the importance of recognizing biases in CPR training and achieving optimal health through functional medicine.

Tickets for this networking evening are available for $20, which includes two drink tickets and appetizers. For additional information or to purchase tickets, visit shorturl.at/OlGpR.

Mon, March 3, 2025, brought notable culinary creativity to Seattle with the appearance of Pablo y Pablo on Studio 13 Live. The mixology duo showcased a range of delicious cocktails that left the audience eager to replicate the flavors at home.

The segment highlighted the artistry behind crafting cocktails, revealing tips and tricks to elevate drinks from the mundane to the extraordinary. All it took was a few quality ingredients and a splash of creativity, enabling viewers to explore new flavor combinations.

As spring approaches, the warm weather and social gatherings make it an ideal time to experiment with cocktails. Whether hosting a small get-together or simply enjoying a quiet evening, the cocktails demonstrated by Pablo y Pablo are sure to impress. Their innovative approach serves as a reminder that mixing drinks can be as enjoyable as savoring them.

For those looking to expand their cocktail repertoire, catching the full segment will provide step-by-step guidance along with inspirations for seasonal variations.

For years, dairy products have played a crucial role in cocktail culture. Molly Horn, Chief Mixologist and Spirits Educator at Total Wine & More, emphasizes that cream- or milk-based cocktails can range from rich and indulgent to refreshingly light. Classic cocktails like the White Russian epitomize decadence, while the Ramos Gin Fizz showcases a thriving, airy dairy-infused option. Horn sees an opportunity for unique flavors to be introduced into these beloved drinks, notably blueberry milk.

Horn notes, "The rich, sweet-yet-tangy nature of blueberry milk makes it a versatile ingredient." It can replace simple syrup and traditional dairy in a Ramos Gin Fizz, or serve as a substitute for orgeat or coconut cream in iconic Tiki cocktails. A classic Trader Vic’s mai tai could benefit from blueberry milk instead of orgeat, and in a refreshing twist, the Caribbean painkiller cocktail can utilize this fruity option but should be prepared carefully to avoid curdling.

Tips for Mixing Cocktails with Blueberry Milk

When crafting cocktails with blueberry milk, Horn advises considering the distinct flavors of the chosen spirits. She recommends pairing it with liquors such as Cognac and armagnac, as fruit-based brandies blend well with the blueberry milk’s bright notes and richness. Additionally, rum offers a naturally sweet base complemented by spices and citrus, making it a fantastic match with the berry flavors. For those eager to experiment, combining flavored whiskey and lemon juice with blueberry milk opens the door to creating new recipes. A critical tip is to add the blueberry milk last and to shake immediately to prevent curdling.

For larger gatherings, Horn suggests making a clarified milk punch, which cleverly curdles a citrus cocktail mixed with blueberry milk. After straining the curds, the result is a vibrant, tangy cocktail with a wonderfully creamy mouthfeel.

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A few years ago, Stuart Weaver, general manager of Lady Jane, a cocktail bar in LoHi, discovered a "one-sip martini" while vacationing in London. This unique drink inspired him to create a similar version called the Tiny Tini, priced at $6, which has since captivated patrons and showcases seasonal variations.

Currently, tiny cocktails are trending in Denver bars, presenting a less-intimidating option for customers looking for smaller alcohol servings. Experts suggest their popularity might stem from the rise of low ABV drinks and mocktails, offering a new way to enjoy cocktails without committing to a full-sized drink.

At Lady Jane, the Tiny Tini features refreshing ingredients like Hendricks gin, cardamom-infused brandy, and vermouth, packing a flavorful punch in just an ounce. The trend also reflects a nostalgic shift back to traditional cocktail sizes that were typically smaller, emphasizing quality over quantity.

Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar offers a 3-ounce martini for $10 during happy hour, while Poka Lola Social Club has introduced a "Shots! Shots! Shots!" menu, featuring crafted shooters like a chocolate martini and mezcal concoction. Each allows guests to enjoy a mini experience and displays a more sophisticated approach to what might once have been seen as "cheap" drinks.

Moreover, drink sizes play well with popular espresso martinis, with venues like Millers and Rossi serving a shot-sized version for $8. At Jacques, a French bistro, their 2-ounce espresso martini delights diners as a sweet nightcap.

For those wanting to join the trend at home, vintage petite glassware can enhance the tiny cocktail experience. Antique shops often have beautiful items crafted for smaller drinks, reflecting a time when cocktails were meant to stimulate the appetite rather than be enjoyed in large quantities. Cocktail glasses of the late 19th and early 20th centuries typically held around 3 ounces, contrasting sharply with today’s much larger standards.

As the tiny cocktail trend continues to grow, it nurtures an appreciation for craftsmanship in drinks and creates a social atmosphere that encourages sharing and tasting in a delightful way.