It’s cold outside, but you can warm up indoors at some of our favorite watering holes around Chicagoland. These bars are hot, hot, hot!
CHICAGO
Violet Hour vets Robby Haynes and Henry Prendergast introduced Analogue in Logan Square last year. Grab a bowl of Alfredo Nogueira‘s hot andouille and chicken gumbo and wash it down with a strong but satisfying Strike Anywhere; Yahara Bay V Bourbon, DeMuth Vermouth, Montmorency Cherry and Angostura bitters. 2523 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-904-8567
This Lincoln Park spot pays homage to classic cocktails, but with a few twists. The Piano Necktie heats you up inside with a mix of a few aged rums, maple syrup and vanilla. Not a stiff cocktail fan? Their bowls runneth over with fruit punches like the Joseph Banks Explorer, spiked with pineapple, honey-chai syrup and Banks 7 rum. That’s a punch that’s packs one. 2624 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-857-0421
Chicago welcomes its first distillery that doubles as a cocktail bar, with a focus on vodka and gin. Tea-lovers will rejoice over the Cease and Desist; smoky Lapsang Souchong-infused London Dry Gin, ginger, honey and lemon. 564 W. Randolph St., 312-707-8780
Billy Lawless’ (The Gage, Henri) drink-focused restaurant has officially landed on the mixology map with Beverage Director Annmarie Sagoi’s impressive cocktail menu. I could just stick with the Carillon Cup; Death’s Door gin, Applejack, housemade vanilla-pear shrub, lemon, soda and the extraordinary black-walnut bitters. Wow, is all I can say. 730 W. Grand Ave., 312-243-8955
At last, a TV-free space on the restaurant row stretch of West Randolph that’s great for pre- and post-dinner drinks. The cocktail menu’s divided into two parts: those on the lighter, sweeter side and those on the Amaro-based side, which are a tad heavier and more bitter. Combat the winter doldrums with the Seven Sisters; three Amaros—fernet blanca, amaro lucano and amaro Montenegro—blended with yellow chartreuse. Bar nibbles from Pleasant House Bakery support the triple hit of bitters. 806 W. Randolph St., 312-600-9391
Salone Nico at Nico Osteria Restaurant
What’s not to like about a Gold Coast meld of Blackbird, Avec and Publican? Proprietors Donnie Madia and Paul Kahan have made us fall in love with Italian again. Warm up and start off the evening with an aperitif like the Villa Carpano; a balanced blend of Bianco Vermouth, Maraska Kirsch and a touch of Myrtle. Thompson Hotel, 1015 N. Rush St., 312-994-7100
Photo: Fogelson/Jetel
Paul McGee’s bar, named after the classic tiki cocktail, transports from the chilly ice and snow into the tropics of Polynesian paradise. Imagine a sandy beach with a classic Mai Tai or a modern take on a Painkiller No. 3 (Jamaican and Bajan rums, pineapple, coconut liqueur, passion fruit and cream) served in a souvenir mug. Fun in the imagined sun. 435 N. Clark St., 312-610-4220
EVANSTON
The Cellar at the Stained Glass
It’s always an easy stop into this casual cafe around the corner from the mothership. A versatile year-round drink here is the sprightly Honeysuckle Rose; a herbaceous and mildly sweet mash up of Chopin Vodka, rosemary-honey infusion, orange juice, and Prosecco. You just float away after a few and forget about any impending storm in the forecast. 820 N. Clark St., 847-864-8678
Local food and drink is the motto here, and that goes for spirits as well. Check out the Urban Gardener (left); Few gin, jalapeño simple syrup, fresh dill and cucumber, served on the rocks. Have it for brunch, which is a must-try here, or even as a savory-fresh starter before dinner.703 Church St., 847-492-9700
The warm, inviting Homestead lobby area is home to this cozy spot, perfect for a quiet drink or light supper ordered from the eclectic bar menu (or from Quince’s dinner menu). The wintry Pumpkin-Spiced Martini with vanilla vodka, Bailey’s, pumpkin, cinnamon and nutmeg, is like a glorious slice of pumpkin pie in a martini glass. 1625 Hinman Ave., 847-570-8400
GLENVIEW
This venerable watering hole, founded circa 1873, added an upstairs whiskey bar for comfier sipping. A seasonal favorite cocktail here is the Caramel Chata; Salted-Caramel Stoli Vodka mixed with creamy Rumchata served straight up Martini-style with a dash of cinnamon. 1843 Glenview Road, 847-724-0692
HIGHLAND PARK
Cozy into this comfortable neighborhood spot where lovely handcrafted cuisine is complemented by a list of barrel-aged and home-bottled cocktails. The Walking Dead is a sweet but sprightly combo of pomegranate juice, white whiskey, and whiskey-soaked golden raisins for body. It’s refreshing and has a magical after effect once you bite into the chewy marinated raisins. 493 Roger Williams Ave., 847-780-4862
LIBERTYVILLE
While imported beers and local microbrews dominate here (28 on draft and more than 50 by the bottle), you can also belly up to the bar for the Broadway Gypsy; vodka, fresh lime juice and raspberries with a zingy ginger liqueur. 515 N. Milwaukee Ave., 847-367-6168
SKOKIE
Armando Gonzales doesn’t miss a detail at his darling neighborhood small-plate, Nuevo-Latin eatery. Ambitious takes on classic Latin cocktails, such as the winter warming Spice & Ice (rum, lime, house-made ginger-habanero syrup and passion fruit), will thaw you out in a hurry. 7931 Lincoln Ave., 847-674-8100
WILMETTE
Wilmette has never looked so good, with its bustling little downtown dotted with quaint places like this one. The Blood Orange Margarita meets all of your vitamin C needs, with a combo of blood orange and ruby-red grapefruit juices, Milagro tequila and a squeeze of lime. It’s the perfect foil for the very simple-yet-sophisticated cuisine of chef Derek Dwyer. 1168 Wilmette Ave., 847-251-3262
WINNETKA
Modern regional Greek food is the call here at this sunny-feeling spot. Sip on the Skinos Sour: Skinos Mastiha, the classic Greek liqueur, shaken with fresh orange and lemon juices, and finished with bitters. It’s got hints of resin, anise and fresh herbs, set off by the citrus; unique flavors balanced between sweet and savory. Opa! 566 Chestnut St., 847-446-9300
Top photo: Salone Nico, Derek Richmond
