These Drumbar Cocktails Have Us Craving Ice In The Dead Of Winter

No doubt about it, the temps have been too cruel for school lately. But after stopping by Drumbar last week, we’ve got a strange hankering for flavored ice cubes. Under the helm of new beverage director Craig Schoettler, formerly the executive chef at the Aviary, the Gold Coast bar brings a new cocktail list to Drumbar Tuesday, February 5.

Schoettler’s drinks are divided up into three categories: progressive (available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays), specialty, and classic. One of our favorites is the “Smoke,” $15, which — shocker — has an awesome, smoky taste. We can’t quite describe the magic trick our waitress performed when presenting the drink, but it involved smoke, an upside-down glass, and a very impressed audience. And, that’s not all we tried.

The Flask, $16, holds lavender and tequila in an actual flask; the Pineapple, $13, is a frothy, minty mix-up that’ll slay those of you with a sweet tooth. The Cranberry, $13, has bourbon, ginger syrup, and those crave-worthy cranberry ice cubes. If staying warm is what you’re after, Schoettler’s got you covered there, too. To knock out the January chill, grab a seat by the fireplace and order up a Hot Chocolate, $15. The rich blend of reserve bourbon, Valrhona chocolate, and vanilla foam will have you feeling toasty (and maybe a little toasted) in no time.

A little tip: The Hot Chocolate and the Smoke are only available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. So, go ahead and make that Evite for a little hump-day soirée.

Drumbar, 201 East Delaware Street (at Mies van der Rohe Way); 312-924-2531.