The New Kids In Town...Three New Liquor Brands You Need To Know Now

In every business, there are always a couple name brands that dominate the industry.  For pop (or soda as those outside the Midwest tend to call it) it's Coke and Pepsi, in the airline industry it's American and United and for the beer biz it's Miller and Bud.  Competitors of these powerhouse name brands barely stand a chance at reaching the same level of success and notoriety.  

In the liquor business, Grey Goose, Bacardi and Absolut have operated on an entirely different level than other vodkas and rums manufactured by smaller distilleries.  Unlike other industries where the top brands remain at the top in large part due to providing a superior product or service to the consumer, the liquor industry is flush with delicious, quality product from relatively unknown brands.  Lucky for us, Chicago establishments (including liquor stores) have become more and more receptive to these emerging brands.  

If you can pull yourself away from your usual drink of choice, try one of these new liquors in your next cocktail.  Trust us, your taste buds will thank you.

KROME Vodka

                        Born of Cascade Mountain Spring Water, this gluten-free vodka is filtered 5 times through charcoal ad volcanic rock.  The award-winning spirit is manufactured in Oregon and comes in an edgy jet black bottle that oozes sex appeal.  Enjoy Krome in any and all of your favorite vodka-based cocktails or mixed drinks.

                      www.kromevodka.com 

                        Where to try before you buy…

·        Francesca’s Restaurants (locations citywide)

·        Il Mulino - 1150 N. Dearborn

·        Scoozi - 410 W. Huron

·        Volare - 201 E. Grand

·        Vain Nightclub - 2354 N. Clyborn

·        Circuit Nightclub - 3641 N. Halsted

·        Butch McGuire’s - 20 W. Division

Dragon Bleu Vodka

Distilled and bottled in the Grande Champagne area of France, Dragon Bleu is produced by master distiller Patrick Brisset (former President of the International Centre for Spirits and Liqueurs.) Dragon Bleu is the only ultra-premium vodka created from three grains: wheat, barley and rye.     

                 

                     www.dragonbleuusa.com 

                        Where to buy & where to try…

·        Expected to be available in bars, nightclubs and liquor stores throughout Chicago in early Fall 2010.

Hum Botanical Spirit

The collaborative product of Chicago’s most celebrated mixologist, Adam Seger, and London’s Joe McCanta, Hum is an organic rum infused with hibiscus, ginger, green cardamom and kaffir lime.  The 70 proof liquor has a smooth finish and utterly unique taste.  This beautifully balanced rum is best enjoyed by itself over ice with a splash of lime and soda.

                      http://www.humspirits.com/ 

                        Where to try before you buy…

·        Drinks Over Dearborn – 650 N. Dearborn

·        In Fine Spirits – 5418 N. Clark

New & Notable in the Windy City

One of the best things about a city like Chicago is that there is always something new to try.  Each season brings an exciting new crop of bars, nightclubs and lounges from established proprietors opening tried-and-true nightlife concepts and newcomers who are looking to shake up the social scene with something entirely different and unique.

So far, Fall 2010 has proven to be no exception.  With so many hot new haunts out there, it's hard to know which ones are worthy of your attention.  Luckily, we've compiled a list to guide you towards Chicago's newest nightlife destinations you won't want to miss.

Check it out now......

Watershed (River North) 

Located in the newly-remodeled basement of Pops for Champagne, this vintage-inspired drinking parlor offers an old-school feel and unique drinking experience. Focusing on craft beers and liquors from the Great Lakes region, Watershed features an array of brews, vodkas, rums and ryes from Illinois, Michigan, Ohio and Indiana.  Master mixologist Daniel de Oliviera (formerly of Mercadito) has created a number of must-try signature cocktails.  Watershed is located at 601 N. State St.

What to Try: Eight-Seven and a Half: Death's Door vodka, yellow chartreuse, tropical green tea syrup, peach bitters)

Declan's Irish Pub (Old Town)  

Owned and operated by a Belfast-native, Declan's is the closest you can get to a real Irish pub without leaving the country.  In addition to over 20 flat screen TV's, a private second floor party room and large menu of Irish brews and whiskies, the authentic Irish bar boasts the largest sidewalk cafe in all of Chicago.  Live music and Monday night football are just a few things to look forward to at Declan's this fall.  Declan's Irish Pub is located at 1240 N. Wells St.

What to Try: Irish Whiskey (Declan's offers a wide array of the very best Irish whiskeys available; the very knowledgeable staff can point you in the right direction)

Vintage Lounge (Little Italy) 

Located in the heart of Little Italy on bustling Taylor Street, Vintage Lounge is a sexy addition to the otherwise casual area.  The 1920's-inspired decor features a dark mahogany bar, red velvet drapery and wrought iron chandeliers.  During the week, spacious bar caters to a more mellow crowd looking to play pool and relax with a good drink.  If you're headed there on a weekend evening, expect DJs, bottle service and lots of dancing.  Vintage Lounge is located at 1449 Taylor St.

What to Try: The Sinatra Manhattan (an updated twist on an old classic.)

The Pitch (Lincoln Park)  

A breath of fresh air in the sea of cookie-cutter sports bars that consume the Lincoln Park/Lakeview area, The Pitch is a soccer-focused bar that will not only showcase American games but will offer extensive European coverage as well.  The three-story locale boasts 30 TV's and tons of Chicago Fire memorabilia including photos and jerseys courtesy of the technical director of the Chicago soccer team who is also a partner in the project.  The Pitch is located at 2142 N. Clybourn Ave.

What to Try: Chimay Bleue (a Belgian beer from the Chimay brewery.)

Check it out later......

Blokes & Birds (Lakeview) - slated to open late September or Early October

Paradise Cantina (Gold Coast/Old Town) - official opening date has yet to be announced

Crossing (Lakeview) - slated to open first week of October

Public House (River North) - slated to open late October or Early November

Are You Ready To Get Your Drink On?

My Drink On is a revolutionary kind of online community that not only offers incredible drink discounts at local watering holes throughout Chicago, but serves as an up-to-the-minute guide of what's hot and happening from an insider's perspective.

Offering incredible drink discounts at local bars, nightclubs and other social venues throughout Chicago, My Drink On is a revolutionary kind of online community that goes one step further than any other deal-of-the-day type websites out there.  My Drink On subscribers gain access to special happy hours, drink packages and other private promotions at the top bars, nightclubs and lounges around the city for up to 60% off the regular price.

In addition to unbeatable drink deals sent to subscribers on a weekly basis, My Drink On also offers access to exclusive events including entrance into networking and charity events with the top not-for-profit, civic and business organizations in Chicago.

Visit www.MyDrinkOn.com today and be among the first to sign up for the biggest thing to hit Chicago's social scene. 

Follow My Drink On at Facebook and Twitter for up-to-date information about My Drink On's official launch party and other news.

Welcome to My Drink On Chicago!

Coming Fall 2010: My Drink On Chicago

Sign up today at www.mydrinkon.com