Hope everyone had a relaxing weekend! In true Chicago fashion it decides to beautiful on Monday after a cold- ass chilly weekend. However, the weather aside, I was able to enjoy the city (with absolutely no plans). We grilled out, tried some restaurants in our neighborhood, hit up the LP Farmer’s Market, and got some good ole shopping in. Overall, my favorite adventure of the weekend was: pop up bar at the Loew’s hotel.
If you are in Chicago, I really hope you had the opportunity to visit The Traveller Bar. It is a pop-up bar that is currently making its way around the United States. Saturday was the last day in the city, but it is out at Chicago O’Hare for a few days. Disclaimer: iPhone photos only (oops).
What makes The Traveller Bar unique? The menu consists of some of the “original cocktails” as they have access to the oldest cocktail book library in the world. They actually have most of the original books on display, which date pre-1900s. The bar itself in down in a 1930’s speakeasy style, and let me tell you, most drinks are pure alcohol.
Here are some of our favorites (recipes included):
The Gin Fix. This was my absolute favorite. It is from the first cocktail book ever published in 1862, Bartender’s Guide on How to Mix Drinks.
2 oz The Botantist Gin
.76 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
.76 oz Simple Syrup
3 Raspberries
Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice. Strain into a Rock Glass and pack with
crushed ice. Garnish with raspberries.
The Picador. I had this one for my Dad, the first ever Margarita. The interesting part is that it predates the American Margarita story by 11 years.
1.6 oz Roca Patron Reposado
.75 oz Cointreau
.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange twist.
The Fedora. This was my husband’s favorite. He is a hugeeee Manhattan drinker, and thought this one was most similar.
1 oz Remy Martin 1738
1 oz Cointreau
.50 oz Mount Gay Black Barrel
.50 oz Basil Hayden’s
Stir all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass,. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Our waiter, Mike, also rocked.
I would definitely recommend visiting this pop up shop if it comes to a city near you! Especially if you are a history nerd like me and you enjoy a cocktail (or two). Interested? Check out the itinerary here.
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