Chicago Cocktail Recipe

The Chicago Cocktail is a classic drink that dates back to the 19th century. It's believed to have been created in the Windy City, hence its name. This cocktail is a delightful blend of brandy, triple sec, and a dash of bitters, topped off with champagne. It's a sophisticated drink that's perfect for those who appreciate a well-balanced, slightly sweet, and bubbly cocktail.

• Who would like it?

  If you're a fan of brandy and champagne, this cocktail is a must-try. It's also a great choice for those who enjoy classic cocktails with a twist.

The Chicago Cocktail is a well-balanced blend of flavors. The brandy provides a warm, rich base, while the triple sec adds a hint of citrusy sweetness. The bitters bring a subtle complexity, and the champagne gives it a light, bubbly finish. It's slightly sweet, a bit tangy, and wonderfully effervescent.

• The Chicago Cocktail is often served in a champagne flute, which helps to preserve its bubbles.
• Despite its name, the cocktail isn't as well-known in Chicago as you might expect.
• The drink is sometimes garnished with a lemon twist, adding a pop of color and a hint of citrus aroma.

1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add the brandy, triple sec, and bitters.
3. Shake well until chilled.
4. Strain into a champagne flute.
5. Top off with champagne.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist.

• Make sure to chill your champagne flute before serving to keep your cocktail cold longer.
• Don't shake the cocktail after adding the champagne to avoid losing the bubbles.

Appetizers

• Cheese Plates: A selection of creamy brie, sharp cheddar, and funky gorgonzola will complement the fruity and nutty notes from the brandy and triple sec.
• Seafood: Opt for light seafood dishes like shrimp cocktail or oysters to balance the rich tones of the cocktail.

Main Courses

• Poultry: Try roasted chicken or turkey, as their savory flavors will pair nicely with the citrus notes of the cocktail.

Desserts

• Citrus-based Desserts: Lemon tart or orange panna cotta would be a delightful companion, echoing the citrus from the triple sec and lemon twist.

Non-Alcoholic Beverages

• Sparkling Water: To cleanse the palate between sips of the Chicago cocktail.

• If you don't have brandy, you can use cognac or bourbon instead.
• Triple sec can be replaced with any other orange liqueur, like Grand Marnier or Cointreau.

Windy City Sparkler

• Ingredients: 1.5 oz apple brandy, 0.5 oz triple sec, 2 dashes of green apple bitters, top off with Prosecco, apple slice for garnish
• Recipe: Follow the original recipe, but use apple brandy and apple bitters for a fruity twist. Garnish with an apple slice instead of a lemon twist.
• Flavor: This spin on the Chicago will have a crisp, autumnal taste that's affable and uninhibited, like a jazz night in the city.

The Al Capone

• Ingredients: 1.5 oz bourbon, 0.5 oz amaretto, 2 dashes of chocolate bitters, top off with Champagne, orange twist for garnish
• Recipe: Shake the bourbon, amaretto, and bitters with ice, strain, top off with Champagne, and accessorize with an orange twist.
• Flavor: A richer, deeper version of Chicago, smuggling in hazelnut and chocolate undercurrents like a speakeasy secret.

Lake Michigan Chiller

• Ingredients: 1.5 oz gin, 1 oz blue curaçao, 2 dashes of lemon bitters, top off with sparkling water, lemon spiral for garnish
• Recipe: Shake the gin and blue curaçao with ice, strain, top off with sparkling water, and garnish with a lemon spiral.
• Flavor: This twist introduces a cool, serene sip that reflects the tranquil beauty of Lake Michigan, with a crisp citrus horizon.