Chicago has four very real seasons, and your drink menu should celebrate each one. Here are our favorite seasonal cocktail ideas for events all year round.
Spring: fresh and floral
As the city thaws, drinks get lighter and brighter.
- Elderflower gin spritz: gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon and prosecco
- Strawberry basil smash: muddled strawberries, basil, lemon and vodka
- Lavender lemon drop: a floral twist on a classic
Summer: bright and refreshing
Chicago summers are for patios, rooftops and the lakefront.
- Classic margarita: tequila, lime and agave, with a spicy version for the bold
- Aperol spritz: the ultimate low-proof patio drink
- Watermelon mojito: rum, fresh watermelon, mint and lime
Fall: warm and spiced
When the leaves turn, cocktails turn cozy.
- Apple cider mule: vodka or bourbon, cider, ginger beer and lime
- Maple old fashioned: bourbon, maple syrup and orange bitters
- Spiced pear sour: pear, lemon, cinnamon and whiskey
Winter: rich and comforting
Chicago winters call for drinks that warm you from the inside.
- Espresso martini: perfect for holiday parties
- Cranberry rosemary spritz: festive and bright
- Hot toddy: whiskey, honey, lemon and hot water
Every season has a mocktail
Some of these adapt to a non-alcoholic version with a simple swap; others need genuine recipe development to taste right, so we don't promise an identical substitution. Menu development and mocktail adaptations are quoted with your event.
Let's build your seasonal menu
Shake & Gather's Craft package includes seasonal menus and custom recipes built around your event date — recipe ideas become part of your quoted menu, developed with you in advance rather than improvised at the bar. Contact us at info.shakeandgather@gmail.com or 217-374-9985.
