Where To Find The Prettiest Cocktails In Chicago

In life, I’m a sucker for making anything normal more beautiful or over the top. Glass of champagne, yes please. But glass of champagne with pink powder on top and a flower in it? So. Much. Better. I’ve had some great cocktails since moving to Chicago, so I decided to compile a list of restaurants and bars to find the prettiest cocktails in Chicago.

6 Spots to Find The Prettiest Cocktails in Chicago

(In no particular order)

1. Beatnik, West Town

It’s not just the cocktails that are pretty at Beatnik – it’s the atmosphere too. Big cushion-laden benches, chandeliers, candles, and all the greenery you can imagine.

The Cava Cobbler was the clear “prettiest” winner here and while it has all the things I love – elderflower, bergamot, bitters, and brut, it wasn’t my favorite drink on the menu …

Kenny’s Redemption Sour won my heart and came with maybe the most creative cocktail garnish I found in my search. A beautiful wafer topper with the bar’s design / logo on it. In the drink: pisco, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, lemon, lime, and aquafaba – which I learned is vegan egg whites which gave it the fizz on top.

2. AMK Kitchen Bar, Bucktown

 

AMK Kitchen Bar was a random find while waiting for a friend to get ready for dinner that has now turned into a go-to spot. My fav drink there is called Garter Girl #2 because it has a black tea base, lots of fruity flavors, and egg white fizz on top.

Recently, I was talked into trying the Slow Smoke and I was blown away. Not only was it delicious with spiced pear, but the bartender torches a spring of rosemary to give it a nice smoke flavor.

Other solid choices from AMK – their Gin and Juice which is topped with lychee and Comin In Hot which is mega spicy, but really good!

3. Raised, The Loop

Raised is a gorgeous rooftop bar in the Renaissance Hotel in the loop. It’s across the street from my office, so it quickly became my favorite spot when I moved. So many botanical drinks that look even better with the backdrop of flower boxes and city lights.

To be honest, I’ve had so many of the drinks on their menu, I don’t even remember which ones these are. No matter what you pick, you’re sure to get a beautiful drink!

4. Apogee, River North

Apogee in River North was recommended by an Instagram friend and absolutely did not disappoint. In fact, if there were a “winner” this might be it. This stunner is vodka, elderflower, sparkling rosé, and topped with raspberry powder. It tasted as good as it looked, which is always a plus.

Then there was this magical creation. Maybe one of the most unique drinks I’ve ever had, it was fruity and tart but with a heavy smoke flavor that was surprisingly pleasant. Our waitress told us that the longer you leave the stopper on the “pitcher” (HAHA), the more smoke flavor the drink will have. Once you’re ready to drink, you pour over a low ball with a giant square ice cube and a citrus slice with some more of the raspberry powder.

The best part was even in a prime location, gorgeous décor inside and on the connecting rooftop area, and with how creative the drinks were, the prices were totally reasonable and the place wasn’t overly crowded.

5. Proxi, West Loop

If you’ve been following me for long, you know my love of Proxi. The food, the drinks, the atmosphere. They have a number of creative and beautiful cocktails on their menu, but my favorites are their Spanish style Gin and Tonics. Like this one above that’s rose water and cucumber.

 

Okay, not quite as show-stopping, but drink features beet infused tequila (yum!) and a smoked salt garnish. Someone reminded me the blog is “prettiest cocktails in Chicago” not “best cocktails in Chicago” but what the heck, it’s my blog, I’ll include what I want!

6. The Dearborn, The Loop

 

The Dearborn was a surprise addition to the list as my friend and I stumbled in here for a nightcap after a play one night. It was funny because before the play we had gone to another bar to do “research” for this post but were disappointed in the lack of cocktail creativity. Not at The Dearborn!

First, let’s talk about the gorgeous etched copper mule glasses they have! Sometimes what makes the drink pretty isn’t the drink itself, rather the glass it’s served in. And you can’t find a much prettier glass than this! Second, while not technically billed as a cocktail, this prickly pear soda is just the perfect shade of pink, and I had the bartender add a shot of gin to mine.

 

There were a few other spots I was hoping to make it to but didn’t have the time – or liver function. What are your favorite spots for the prettiest cocktails in Chicago? What about elsewhere for next time I go on a trip?