Shamrock Shakedown: The Minty Leprechaun from M Burger

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BY MARIS CALLAHAN Several years ago I found myself stuck in an airport in the middle of March. Delayed two hours and feeling especially self-piteous, I decided to treat myself to the billion-calorie McDonald's Shamrock Shake that I'd heard so much … [Read more...]

Thanksgiving Martini Recipes: CranTini, Pumpkin Martini and Apple Pie Martini

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BY GWEN KENNEALLY One of my dear mixoligist friends actually makes a “Turkytini” by blending Thanksgiving leftovers and shaking it with vodka and garnishing with cranberry sauce! In case that sounds unappetizing -- and it sounds kind of crazy … [Read more...]

Painless Entertaining: Spanish Sangria and Tapas

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BY GWEN KENNEALLY Here are some easy fall or back to school entertaining recipes. A light cocktail and some tapas or small bites of food are perfect for a tailgate party or just having some friends over.    While on occasion I enjoy traditional … [Read more...]

Weekend Cocktail: Bridge Bar’s Draft Dodger

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BY MARIS CALLAHAN With August winding down, there is no such thing as spending too many evenings drinking cocktails on an outdoor patio, especially if said outdoor patio just so happens to be in the direct proximity of the Chicago River. Bridge … [Read more...]

Weekend Cocktails: White Wine Strawberry Sangria

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BY MARIS CALLAHAN Sangria is right up there with tequila as one of those alcoholic beverages that it seems everyone has a story about. It’s always either a “I’ll never drink that again” story or a “well last time I had that things got a … [Read more...]

Weekend Cocktail Recipes: Vanilla-Rose Sangria, Mango Mimosa, Red Flower Punch Bowl

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BY MARIS CALLAHAN The Fourth of July might be behind us but there is still plenty of summer left...which means that there are plenty of parties to be had. Whether you're entertaining on your rooftop deck, high-rise balcony or grassy backyard, … [Read more...]

In-Room Cocktail Experience at The James Brings the Bartender to You [Recipes: Corpse Reviver #2 and Old Havana Cocktails]

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BY MARIS CALLAHAN Have you ever stayed in a hotel and wished there was something to drink in your minibar besides hideously overpriced beer and run-of-the-mill wine? Whether you're planning a quick downtown staycation or putting up your … [Read more...]

Weekend Cocktail Recipes: Agave Margarita & Elate’s Mint Julep

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BY MARIS CALLAHAN If you're in the mood to celebrate something, then you're in luck, because today is the Kentucky Derby Day and Cinco de Mayo. If you're not heading out on the town, you can make a delicious margarita or mint julep at home with a … [Read more...]

Peanut Butter and Jelly Martini at Blue Line for National Peanut Butter & Jelly Day [Recipe: Copycat Peanut Butter & Jelly Martini]

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Monday, April 2 is National Peanut Butter + Jelly Day and we have a better way for you to celebrate than packing a soggy sandwich in your lunch bag to take to school or work. Throughout Chicago, it's not hard to find impressive sandwiches. It's also … [Read more...]