The Pickwick Portfolio

Libations & Vices: Cocktails

Superior Sips

Chicago mag’s February issue lists THE 20 BEST COCKTAILS in town {from bitter to sweet}…and I’d like to share them with you.  

• 11A.M. Sunday 54 E 1st St The most beautiful Bloody happens to be the most delicious- smoked oysters, caper brine, and all. $8 Lula Cafe
• Creole Cocktail A seldom-seen classic {bourbon, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, Amer Picon} done exactly right. $10 Barrelhouse Flat
• 1871 Manhattan The perfect rye Manhattan with a smoky historical reference: Laphroaig Scotch. $15 NoMI
• Weston This drink’s components read like a snapshot of its creator’s day off: Four Roses bourbon, strong coffee syrup, and pipe tobacco.  $12 Boka
• Typeset Winter caught in a smoked-anise glass: rye, port, maple syrup, perfection. $12 Duchamp
• Blood of Dillinger Tequila meets its least likely culinary match: beet juice, with rosemary syrup to boot. $14 Bernard’s Bar
• Carlisle An abstract tribute to the Manhattan, with a base of applejack and delicate bittersweet vermouth and finished with peach bitters. $12 Blackbird
• Henri Presse The classic sidecar subs Pineau des Charentes for cognac- with an unexpected wash of Old Overholt rye. $12 Henri
• Victorian Pimm’s Cup The best of three Pimm’s Cup variations at this bar, with pink peppercorn tincture and rose water. $9 Owen & Engine
• Dead Meadow Named for the seminal stoner-rock band, this combination of bourbon and rye goes psychedelic with walnut bitters and apple whiskey. $10 In Fine Spirits
• Paloma Mexico’s answer to the Greyhound, balanced and way beyond typical taqueria fare. $7 Big Star
• Four Points Rye, Bénédictine, sherry, and sweet vermouth, elegantly accented with a walnut liqueur rinse. $8 The Whistler
• Rum Manhattan Pillow pretense aside, this is one of the smoothest sippers in town, if not the world. $18 The Aviary
• Tom Collins The best Tom in town {and we’ve tried them all}, anchored by real Old Tom gin, as it should be. $8 Longman & Eagle
• Cognac Unfamiliar ingredients {tonka bean, quassia, smoked black pepper} delicately complement the queen of cordials. $20 The Office
• Transfinite Induction A complicated blend of rum, apricot brandy, allspice dram, and bitters; pairs well with heady conversation. $13 Sable Kitchen & Bar
• Eve’s Answer Reposado tequila, mezcal mist, raisin syrup, cider, and cinnamon.  It makes margaritas jealous. $13 The Drawing Room
• St-Germain Fizz Death’s Door vodka, Aperol, and everyone’s favourite elderflower liqueur combine for a divine blend of bittersweet. $12 Maude’s Liquor Bar
• Hush & Wonder The classic daiquiri, all dressed up and perfumed with violet liqueur. $12 The Violet Hour
• Wood-Burning Stove As cozy as it sounds: New Holland amber rum, Koval ginger liqueur, and almond syrup, sprinkled with nutmeg. $12 Weegee’s Lounge

Celebrate this article with the writers and editors of the magazine on Feb 8th at Duchamp {2118 North Damen Ave} from 6-8, where you can enjoy the Typeset cocktail for half-price.

Now how does that saying go?  Ahh, yes… “Don’t shoot the messenger…buy them a drink!”  {I added that last part.}