Chicago Recipe + Ingredients & Tips

📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Brandy
Alcohol 20%
Calories 150 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 0g
Carbohydrates 7g
Prep time 4 minutes

Ever dreamt of sipping on the perfect Chicago cocktail, a drink that not just quenches your thirst but takes you on a flavorful journey? Today, we’ll dive into the essence of this iconic drink, exploring its rich history, tantalizing taste, and how it mirrors the vibrant culture of its namesake city. From the ingredients that make it unique to the best food pairings and professional tips for crafting your own, we’re here to guide you through. Ready to embark on this delicious adventure? Let’s get started. ⬇️

History

The Chicago cocktail is a venerable concoction, believed to have originated in the early 20th century. It was a symbol of the city’s resilience and elegance during times of change and challenge. This drink captures the essence of Chicago’s spirit, blending tradition with innovation.

• The name “Chicago” reflects not just the city’s robust character but also the cocktail’s deep roots in American cocktail culture.
• It gained popularity during Prohibition, a testament to Chicago’s notorious love for libations, legal or not.
• The cocktail was a favorite among the city’s elite, often enjoyed in the clandestine speakeasies that dotted the landscape.

The taste of a Chicago

Imagine a sip that’s both bold and refreshing, with a complexity that dances on the palate. The Chicago cocktail offers a harmonious blend of sweetness, bitterness, and aromatic spices, creating a unique taste experience.

I personally love sipping on Chicagos because they encapsulate the city’s boldness and zest in every gulp.

Interesting facts about Chicago

• The Chicago cocktail was once served in a souvenir glass shaped like the iconic Chicago Water Tower.
• Its recipe has evolved over the years, incorporating new ingredients while maintaining its classic core.
• This drink inspired numerous variations, each telling a different story of the city’s rich cultural tapestry.

Ingredients 📃

• Brandy: 2 oz (60ml)
• Triple sec: 1 oz (30ml)
• Bitters: A dash
• Orange juice: 1 oz (30ml)
• Champagne: A splash

A martini glass is typically used for serving a Chicago, enhancing the drink’s elegant aesthetics. As an alternative, a coupe glass can also offer a similarly chic experience, though with a slightly different hand feel.

Recipe. How to make Chicago 🍹

1. Add brandy, 1 oz of triple sec, and a dash of bitters into a shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.
3. Top with a splash of champagne and garnish with an orange slice.

While the Chicago cocktail is undoubtedly a treat, it’s also wise to consider its sugar and calorie content. Opting for natural sweeteners or reducing the amount of triple sec can make for a healthier version. Brandy and champagne, the drink’s primary ingredients, offer a delightful taste but should be enjoyed in moderation.

Food Pairings

Certain dishes beautifully complement the flavors of a Chicago, elevating your dining experience to new heights. Let’s explore three perfect pairings.

Charcuterie

The savory and salty flavors of a charcuterie board contrast wonderfully with the sweet and spicy notes of a Chicago, creating a delightful balance on the palate.

Spicy Asian Cuisine

The bold spices in dishes like Thai curry or Szechuan chicken are tempered by the cocktail’s sweetness, offering a refreshing counterpoint to fiery flavors.

Chocolate Desserts

The rich, velvety textures of chocolate desserts find a spirited companion in the complex layers of a Chicago, making for an indulgent finale to any meal.

I adore the taste of Chicagos—the cool fizz and the sweet-and-spicy mix make it the perfect drink for cheering up a dull evening.

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Bartender Advice

• Chill your glass beforehand to keep the drink refreshing.
• Using fresh orange juice makes a significant difference in taste.
• A gentle pour of champagne is crucial for the perfect finish.

Now that you’ve mastered the classic Chicago, in the sections below we’ll shake things up by showing the customizable elements you can alter and introducing a range of exciting variations to try in your next concoction.

What you could change in Chicago

• Brandy can be replaced with whiskey for a more robust flavor profile.
• Consider using a flavored bitters for an additional layer of complexity.
• For a less sweet version, reduce the triple sec by half.

Chicago Variations

Winter Chicago

• Ingredients: Add cinnamon-infused brandy and a dash of maple syrup.
• Recipe: Follow the classic recipe, substituting the regular brandy with the cinnamon-infused version and adding maple syrup before shaking.

Summer Breeze Chicago

• Ingredients: Use peach brandy and add a splash of soda water.
• Recipe: Mix as usual, but top with soda water for a refreshing summer twist.

Non-Alcoholic Chicago

• Ingredients: Substitute brandy with non-alcoholic spirit and champagne with sparkling grape juice.
• Recipe: Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice and proceed as with the alcoholic version.

For those preferring a non-alcoholic variant, a Virgin Chicago can be just as delightful. Simply replace the brandy with a non-alcoholic alternative and the champagne with sparkling water, garnishing as usual.

Q&A

Can I make a Chicago cocktail without champagne?

Absolutely! While champagne adds a unique effervescence, you can omit it or substitute it with a splash of sparkling water for a non-alcoholic version.

Is there a specific type of bitters preferred for a Chicago?

While traditional recipes often call for aromatic bitters, feel free to experiment with orange or even chocolate bitters for a unique twist.

What’s the best way to serve a Chicago at a party?

Serve it in chilled martini glasses for an elegant touch. Preparing a large batch without the champagne and adding it just before serving can save time.

Can I use bottled orange juice in a Chicago?

While fresh orange juice is preferable for its vibrant flavor, high-quality bottled juice can be a convenient alternative.

How can I make my Chicago cocktail healthier?

Reduce the amount of triple sec or opt for natural sweeteners. Also, consider using a lighter champagne or sparkling water.

Are there any food items I should avoid when enjoying a Chicago?

Given its versatile flavor profile, a Chicago pairs well with a wide range of dishes. However, overly sweet or creamy desserts might overshadow the cocktail’s complexity.