Chicago, a city known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture, is also a hub for craft beverages. From classic cocktails to innovative brews, the Windy City is home to a diverse range of drinks that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Chicago-made drinks, exploring the city’s most iconic beverages and the stories behind them.
A Brief History of Chicago’s Drinking Culture
Chicago’s drinking culture dates back to the 19th century, when the city was a major hub for the brewing industry. The city’s first brewery, the Chicago Brewery, was established in 1833, and by the early 20th century, Chicago was home to over 100 breweries. However, with the onset of Prohibition in 1920, the city’s brewing industry came to a grinding halt. It wasn’t until the 1980s, with the rise of craft brewing, that Chicago’s drinking culture began to flourish once again.
The Craft Beer Revolution
Chicago’s craft beer scene is one of the most vibrant in the country, with over 70 breweries operating within the city limits. Some of the most notable breweries include:
- Lagunitas Brewing Company: Founded in 1993, Lagunitas is one of the largest craft breweries in the country. Their Chicago taproom offers a wide range of beers, including their famous IPA and Pale Ale.
- Half Acre Beer Company: With two locations in Chicago, Half Acre is known for its creative beer names and labels. Their beers range from classic styles like IPA and Stout to more experimental brews like their “Big Hugs” Imperial Stout.
- Off Color Brewing: This Logan Square-based brewery is known for its unique and often unconventional beers. Their “Troublesome” Gose is a fan favorite, with its tart and slightly salty flavor profile.
Chicago-Style Beer
Chicago-style beer is a unique and delicious style that’s perfect for sipping on a hot summer day. Characterized by its crisp, refreshing flavor and golden color, Chicago-style beer is typically brewed with a combination of wheat and barley malts. Some popular examples of Chicago-style beer include:
- Old Style: This classic Chicago beer has been brewed since 1902 and is known for its crisp, refreshing flavor and iconic packaging.
- Old Chicago Lager: This beer is brewed by the Chicago Brewing Company and is a classic example of a Chicago-style lager.
Cocktails and Spirits
Chicago is also home to a thriving cocktail scene, with many bars and restaurants serving up creative and delicious drinks. Some popular cocktails that originated in Chicago include:
- The Old Fashioned: This classic cocktail is a staple of Chicago’s drinking culture and is typically made with bourbon or rye whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus.
- The Pimm’s Cup: This refreshing summer cocktail is made with Pimm’s No. 1, a gin-based liqueur, and is typically served with lemonade and garnished with cucumber and mint.
Chicago’s Distilling Scene
Chicago is home to a number of craft distilleries, producing everything from gin and vodka to whiskey and rum. Some popular distilleries include:
- Koval Distillery: This Ravenswood-based distillery is known for its organic and sustainable spirits, including its popular gin and vodka.
- CH Distillery: This West Loop-based distillery produces a range of spirits, including its popular CH Vodka and CH Gin.
Chicago-Style Spirits
Chicago-style spirits are known for their bold and innovative flavor profiles. Some popular examples of Chicago-style spirits include:
- Jeppson’s Malört: This infamous Chicago spirit is known for its bitter and herbal flavor profile and is typically served as a shot.
- CH Distillery’s CH Vodka: This vodka is made with a combination of wheat and rye grains and is known for its smooth and creamy flavor profile.
Other Chicago-Made Drinks
In addition to beer, cocktails, and spirits, Chicago is also home to a number of other delicious drinks. Some popular examples include:
- Italian Beef Soda: This sweet and savory soda is a staple of Chicago’s Italian beef culture and is typically served with a side of giardiniera.
- Chicago-Style Root Beer: This creamy and sweet root beer is a classic Chicago drink and is typically served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Chicago’s Coffee Culture
Chicago is also home to a thriving coffee culture, with many independent coffee shops serving up delicious and expertly brewed coffee. Some popular coffee shops include:
- Intelligentsia Coffee: This Chicago-based coffee roaster is known for its high-quality and expertly brewed coffee.
- La Colombe Coffee Roasters: This Philadelphia-based coffee roaster has a number of locations in Chicago and is known for its delicious and expertly brewed coffee.
Chicago-Style Coffee
Chicago-style coffee is known for its bold and rich flavor profile. Some popular examples of Chicago-style coffee include:
- Intelligentsia’s Black Cat Espresso: This espresso is made with a blend of Ethiopian and Brazilian beans and is known for its bold and rich flavor profile.
- La Colombe’s Corsica Blend: This blend is made with a combination of Ethiopian and Colombian beans and is known for its smooth and balanced flavor profile.
In conclusion, Chicago is a city with a rich and diverse drinking culture, offering everything from classic cocktails to innovative brews. Whether you’re a fan of beer, spirits, or coffee, there’s something for everyone in the Windy City. So next time you’re in Chicago, be sure to check out some of the city’s best drinks and experience the city’s vibrant drinking culture for yourself.
What types of drinks are made in Chicago?
Chicago is known for its diverse range of drinks, from craft beers to artisanal cocktails and specialty sodas. The city is home to numerous breweries, distilleries, and beverage companies that produce a wide variety of drinks using locally sourced ingredients and innovative techniques. Some popular drinks made in Chicago include IPAs, stouts, and pale ales, as well as handcrafted cocktails featuring house-made mixers and infusions.
From classic Chicago-style root beer to small-batch kombucha, the city’s drink scene has something for everyone. Many local companies are experimenting with unique flavors and ingredients, such as botanicals, spices, and fresh fruits, to create one-of-a-kind drinks that showcase the city’s culinary creativity. Whether you’re a beer aficionado, a cocktail connoisseur, or just looking for a refreshing soda, Chicago’s drink scene has plenty to offer.
What are some popular Chicago-made drinks?
Some popular Chicago-made drinks include Half Acre Beer Company’s Daisy Cutter Pale Ale, Lagunitas Brewing Company’s IPA, and Koval Distillery’s Lion’s Pride Whiskey. The city is also home to a number of craft soda companies, such as Fentimans and Gosling’s, which produce a range of unique flavors using natural ingredients. For those looking for something a little different, Chicago’s many distilleries offer a variety of handcrafted spirits, including gin, vodka, and rum.
In addition to these well-known brands, Chicago is also home to a number of smaller, artisanal producers who are making a name for themselves with innovative and delicious drinks. From small-batch coffee liqueurs to handcrafted meads, there’s no shortage of exciting new drinks to try in Chicago. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, be sure to check out some of the city’s many drink-related events and festivals to sample some of these great drinks for yourself.
Where can I find Chicago-made drinks?
Chicago-made drinks can be found in a variety of locations throughout the city, including local bars, restaurants, and liquor stores. Many of the city’s breweries and distilleries also offer tours and tastings, where visitors can sample a range of drinks and learn about the production process. Some popular destinations for Chicago-made drinks include the West Loop, Logan Square, and Wicker Park, which are home to a number of craft breweries and cocktail bars.
In addition to these neighborhoods, many local grocery stores and specialty food shops also carry a selection of Chicago-made drinks. Some popular retailers include Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Binny’s Beverage Depot, which offer a wide range of local beers, spirits, and sodas. Online retailers such as Drizly and The Beer Temple also carry a selection of Chicago-made drinks, making it easy to try new brands and flavors from the comfort of your own home.
Can I take a tour of a Chicago brewery or distillery?
Yes, many of Chicago’s breweries and distilleries offer tours and tastings, which provide a behind-the-scenes look at the production process and the opportunity to sample a range of drinks. Some popular tours include Lagunitas Brewing Company’s brewery tour, which takes visitors through the company’s massive brewery and offers samples of their latest beers. Koval Distillery also offers a tour and tasting, which includes a visit to their on-site distillery and a sampling of their handcrafted spirits.
Tours and tastings are a great way to learn about the production process and meet the people behind some of Chicago’s best drinks. Many tours also offer the opportunity to purchase merchandise and take home a few bottles of your favorite drinks. Be sure to check the website of the brewery or distillery you’re interested in visiting to learn more about their tour and tasting options and to book your spot in advance.
Are Chicago-made drinks available outside of the city?
Yes, many Chicago-made drinks are available outside of the city, both in the United States and internationally. A number of local breweries and distilleries have expanded their distribution to include other states and countries, making it possible to try Chicago-made drinks even if you’re not in the city. Some popular Chicago-made drinks, such as Half Acre Beer Company’s Daisy Cutter Pale Ale, are widely available in stores and bars across the country.
In addition to traditional distribution channels, many Chicago-made drinks are also available online through retailers such as Drizly and The Beer Temple. These online retailers offer a wide range of local beers, spirits, and sodas, making it easy to try new brands and flavors from the comfort of your own home. Some local companies also offer direct shipping to customers, making it possible to purchase Chicago-made drinks directly from the source.
Can I purchase Chicago-made drinks online?
Yes, many Chicago-made drinks are available for purchase online through a variety of retailers. Some popular online retailers include Drizly, The Beer Temple, and Binny’s Beverage Depot, which offer a wide range of local beers, spirits, and sodas. Many local breweries and distilleries also offer direct shipping to customers, making it possible to purchase Chicago-made drinks directly from the source.
When purchasing Chicago-made drinks online, be sure to check the website’s shipping policies and availability in your area. Some online retailers may not ship to certain states or countries, so it’s a good idea to check ahead of time to make sure you can receive your purchase. Additionally, be sure to check the website’s return and refund policies in case you’re not satisfied with your purchase.
Are Chicago-made drinks sustainable and eco-friendly?
Many Chicago-made drinks are produced using sustainable and eco-friendly practices, such as using locally sourced ingredients, reducing water waste, and implementing energy-efficient production methods. Some local breweries and distilleries have also implemented recycling programs and composting initiatives to reduce their environmental impact.
In addition to these efforts, many Chicago-made drinks are also made using organic and natural ingredients, which can be a more sustainable option for consumers. Some local companies are also experimenting with new and innovative packaging options, such as cans and kegs, which can be more eco-friendly than traditional glass bottles. When shopping for Chicago-made drinks, look for companies that prioritize sustainability and eco-friendliness to support environmentally responsible practices.