CHEERS TO SUMMER!
Here are 10 trends when it comes to summer cocktailing in the western suburbs. Enjoy & please drink responsibly.
#1 | The Burbon Room
GENEVA–Enjoy the excitement of the Bourbon Boom in a modern rustic atmosphere at Barrel + Rye in Geneva. Authentic and unique cocktails including a Bourbon Milk Punch (benchmark bourbon, vanilla, maple syrup, milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg); a refreshing summer Sacred Sage (benchmark bourbon, simple, blackberries + sage, lemon, soda); or perhaps Just Peachy (benchmark bourbon, lemon, lime, ginger beer, orange juice, giffards peach liqueur). Pick one of over 75+ enticing Bourbon varieties and combinations.
#2 | Curbside Brewery
BATAVIA–Curbside and drive-thru breweries are hot across the country, as well as authentically hand-crafted home-made beer that is only offered once a week. The ever popular, Energy Brewery is all the rage and is located right in the western suburbs in Batavia. On the first Saturday of every month, they open their doors for only a few hours and make their freshly brewed beer available to the public. Waiting in line is part of the fun to experience this top summer cocktail trend.
#3 | Boozy Teapots
NAPERVILLE–High tea has a whole new meaning when you bring out Grandma’s fine china and add a little alcohol. Boozy Teapots are the latest hot commodity to unwind with your girlfriends while enjoying your favorite tea flavor. Modeled after the speakeasies of the Prohibition era, the Northcott Liquorette in Naperville features absinthe fountains, liquor-infused teapot kettles, highly rated wine & rare whiskey acquisitions in a private, cocktail lounge setting.
#4 | Cocktail Infusion Kits
GLEN ELLYN–Home bar enthusiasts and gift-givers are passionate about beautiful and delicious infusion kits that are served in cute mason style jars or the like and contain refreshing summer flavors such as cherry, lemon, orange and citrus-infused vegan non-GMO cane sugar and then filled with your favorite alcohol. After a few days of refrigeration, the infused fruit offers a refreshing and satisfying light summer drink. A wide variety of cocktail infusion kits can be found at Shawn Sargent in Glen Ellyn – punches, sangrias, cranberry martinis, Bloody Mary’s, hibiscus ginger lemons, and so much more.
#5 | Small Plates Paired with Unique Wines
GLEN ELLYN–Incorporating sustainability into one’s social life is one of the hottest trends in dining out. Koze Wine in Glen Ellyn works with small production wineries, while showcasing natural and organic wines and select local craft beers, and couples it with a local farm to table small plate menu items in their remodeled 1920s space to create an intimate experience.
#6 | Distillery Destinations
DEKALB–Whiskey isn’t made, it is grown! Road trip to Illinois’ first certified-farm distillery founded by 4th and 5th generation farmers with a goal to diversify its offerings, showcase its high-quality grain, and share its passion with friends and family. Whiskey Acres has mastered the highest-quality distilling practices in the industry growing 16-24 different varieties of corn. This 2,000-acre farm boasts: a historic tasting room, visitor center, large flagstone patio, whiskey garden, production building, barrel warehouses, farm buildings and grain bins.
#7 | Shop & Sip
OSWEGO–Enjoy wine on the patio, wine in your home, or wine while you shop at Fox Valley Winery which offers hand crafted, award willing Illinois wines. Join a daily tasting, browse the wine selection, take time to admire the work of many local artists featuring wood carvings, hand painted glass items, pottery, paintings, wine bottle lamps, and artisan cheeses. Feel a million miles from home in this west suburban winery.
#8 | Craft Beers/Unique IPAs
ELBURN–Discerning pallets for unique flavors produced by local breweries has been trending for the past few years but blending the love for craft beer, the passion for Mead, the childhood memories of eating your favorite BBQ, along with a strong sense of community is no longer a fad but a desired staple. Obscurity is in the heart of the oldest part of Elburn and has preserved the art of locally source and re-purposing spent grain within the area. Beer, BBQ, and best friends!
#9 | Rosé All Day
BURR RIDGE–There is no better feeling than the feeling of being on vacation. Inspired by the longoing for summer days spent on the coast, The Hampton Social in Burr Ridge is the perfect place to imbibe and relax with their coastal-inspired cuisine and hand-crafted cocktails creating the perfect social atmosphere. The outdoor garden is picture perfect with a beach front feel making this a number one trending hot spot this summer.
#10 | The Evolved “Happy Hour”
OAK BROOK–It is all about relaxing, unwinding, and just escaping the day with Escape Hour at The Drake Oak Brook. Slip into a supple leather chair at The Polo Lounge and engage your senses with an extensive wine menu and scotch selection along with the listening pleasure of timeless music heard through a 1960s inspired gramophone player. Appreciate the hour and escape into peace.
