Nightlife

Spirits of Innovation

4 Cocktail Inventions You Need to Know About

When the going gets tough, the tough get drinking. In that spirit, here are four cocktails we've discovered during our tireless investigations/weekend benders that may just pack the daringness needed to heal this city. As always, we trust you'll do your part to help them succeed.

Bacon Manhattan at the Bristol
Innovation: Pork

Bacon Manhattan at the Bristol

Just when you were ready to roll your eyes at another offering of pork belly, the Bristol unveils a Scotch Manhattan with bacon-infused Dewar's, a dash of bitters and a drop or two of maple syrup. All that's missing is a waffle—but you'll get that later.

$9, 2152 N. Damen Ave (between Webster and Shakespeare), 773-862-5555

Tang Cube Mimosa at HBTV
Innovation: Tang

Tang Cube Mimosa at HBTV

You've thrown back a few Tang Martinis at Kitsch'n in your day. Now the Tang Cube Mimosa comes along to satisfy your need for nostalgia and tart booze in one fell swoop. Drop a few of the orange sugar cubes into your champagne glass and get set for orbit.

$7, Sundays 9am-2pm, 3819 N. Broadway (between Grace and Sheridan), 773-244-9866

Banana Split 7 Inch at the Publican
Innovation: Banana Split Brew

Banana Split 7 Inch at the Publican

Music-loving chef Paul Kahan (Blackbird) teamed up with Three Floyds for this ultra-micro brew with a name riffing as much on his penchant for old Sub Pop 7-inch vinyl as the notes of banana and malty chocolate. Think of it as a mix tape of beer.

$6, available now until supplies last, 837 W. Fulton Market (at Green), 312-733-9555

Bedford Falls Punch at the Violet Hour
Innovation: Earl Grey/Secret Spices

Bedford Falls Punch at the Violet Hour

Like the Capra film for which it was named, there's a heartwarming spirit alive and kicking in this hot punch, which blends aged rum, Earl Grey tea and "Grandma's Spices." Plus, we hear every time four people team up to conquer it (it's big), an angel gets his wings…

$30, 1520 N. Damen Ave (near Pierce), 773-252-1500

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