There’s no sense in getting scurvy in the summertime, especially with blueberries, nectarines, strawberries and melons lining every produce aisle. But if you’re too busy taking advantage of Chicago’s brief season of warmth to get a decent breakfast, we have a solution that may not please Mom, but might be enough for a slight rationalization: Fruit-filled cocktails. Look at them as booze with a nutritional boost, or just embark on a new liquid excursion. Either way, this ain’t no gin and tonic with lime.
Marche
Cocktail: Blood orange martini
Marche is nothing if not colorful. Touted as a “grande French brasserie,” its theatrical bent shines through lively art-clad walls and bold blue, gold, maroon and purple seats; the whimsical umbrellas that hang from the ceiling seem truly fit for a 19th-century clown on a tightrope. Put a bit of color in your own hand via the blood orange martini. This blend of orange vodka, sour mix and blood orange puree provides a powerful citrus burst. For an added vitamin boost, don’t pass on the delicious asparagus with gruyere side.
Red Light
Cocktail: Mango martini
You really can’t miss this Pan-Asian winner; located at the corner of Randolph and Green, its gigantic, red glass flame lights up the rooftop. Elaborate and plush remain the adjectives of choice within, where a see-and-be-seen crowd dines on curries, seafood and the ever-present Peking duck. You’ll pair exotic eats with an equally exotic drink when you order the mango martini, a refreshingly sweet combination of citrus vodka, ginger syrup and mango puree.
Tizi Melloul
Cocktail: The Fizi Tizi
Don’t let Tizi Melloul’s “Aladdin” meets “2001: A Space Odyssey” description make you nervous. The careful combination of the Middle Eastern with the hip is a successful one; plush reds and gold accents set the scene for an opulent evening (though you’ll still wish you could casually kick off your shoes and plop down on a pillow for the duration). Outstandingly spiced dishes, like a traditional layered Moroccan pie of Cornish hen, red pearl onions, wild mushrooms and almond, could use a fruity counterpart. Luckily the Fizi Tizi is on the menu. This cocktail combines Prosecco sparkling wine with passion fruit juice, garnished with lime and fresh berries.
Martini Ranch
Cocktail: Hawaiian martini
As the name so subtly suggests, martinis are the drink of choice at this popular after-work bar. Pick your poison. Chances are, this place has it. The menu boasts the expected slew of cosmos, gimlets and chocolate martinis, along with a menu of greasy appetizer plates like nachos and mozzarella sticks that martini-ed out bellies should welcome. For a drink that can temporarily whisk you away to that elusive island, order up the Hawaiian martini, a mix of pineapple vodka, coconut rum and pineapple juice, garnished with pineapple.
Syn
Cocktail: Original Syn
This modern remake of the old Jilly’s Retro Club space plays out its name’s homonym quite literally (it’s actually short for synergy). In addition to its discotechque-like take on the club scene, you’ll find a cocktail menu that includes a drink tailored (and named) after each of the seven deadly sins. Where else can you order a Dom Perignon-topped “greed” martini? When it’s your turn to drink up, skip the seven for the big kahuna, Original Syn. It’s a blend of Fris apple vodka, Cazadores tequila, apple pucker and sour, garnished with the forbidden fruit, the apple, of course.
NoMi
Cocktail: Cosmobellini
This deliciously chic hotel bar and restaurant is a decidedly jeans-free locale. Situated on the Park Hyatt Regency’s seventh floor, guests sip on fine cocktails while overlooking the Magnificent Mile. Opt for a liquid evening in the lounge, or book a table in the adjacent dining room and savor the contemporary French cuisine of Chef Gamba. When choosing a drink, you’ll do well to select the Cosmobellini, a sophisticated blend of Ketel One Citreon, champagne, triple sec, cranberry juice and peach puree.
Bungalow Lounge Bar
Cocktail: Margitini
Likened to a Rat Pack watering hole, this cozy lounge can’t be beat when it comes to mellow spots to grab a drink. Equally appropriate for downing a beer or sipping on a martini, finger in air, Bungalow is suitable for anything but uptight folks. There’s a solid list of martinis to choose from, which wisely starts off by offering the traditional vodka and gin varieties (a classic too often left off cocktail menus). Go straight for the fruit, however, and order the Margitini. Making good of the concept of fancier margaritas (or just classier glasses to serve them in), this drink combines Sauza Commemorative tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime juice and a lime pinwheel.
Tiny Lounge
Cocktail: Creamsicle
Intimate, dark and, well, tiny, this lounge packs in a lot of charm for your dollar. Impress the subject of your wooing with this hip bar’s leather booths and sweet bar space, perfect for sidling up next to one another. The place sports some mean mixed martinis (sweet and non) and the typical wine, beer and mixed drink varieties. Channel the child within by ordering the Creamsicle, a too-good blend of Stoli Vanil, orange juice, cream, triple sec and 7up, garnished with an orange.
Minx
Cocktail: Shady Lady
Deck yourself out in your best bohemian chic before making a trip to this fashionable lounge. Though it’s far enough from the Loop that you won’t see endless stuffed shirts, Minx keeps a 15-foot runway in storage for a reason. When looking for a yummy libation, go for the Shady Lady, a blend of Bacardi Orange, Meyer’s and Malibu rum and orange and pineapple juice, garnished with an orange, pineapple slice and cherry.
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