Chicago Theatre’s Latest Trend: Specialty Cocktails!!

A few years ago– I think it was opening night for the soon to be a Broadway Show SIX at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre– I noticed something new in the line to get a little adult beverage to take into the show:  a show related specially designed cocktail.  As I recall the SIX cocktail had some bright colors and was tasty just like the musical.  The trend caught on: soon I would see specialized, play related themed  beverages at Writer’s Theatre, the Lyric Opera, the Goodman, Steppenwolf and this “tradition” caught on at smaller theatres. It adds to the sensory experience of going out for a night of theatre with ideas you can taste, and having a lovely cocktail with your fellow patrons is a way to extend your viewing experience. With the ability now at most theatres to pre order intermission beverages you don’t even have to wait in line.  And you can take the flavors home: several theatres have produced videos to get you started on your home mixology.  Share your theatre memories and delight your friends!

So a round up of some of what is out there: Writer’s Theatre in suburban Glencoe recently featured thid https://www.writerstheatre.org/posts/hershey-felders-rachmaninoff-and-the-tsar-signature-cocktails  and they are also doing mocktails.

Paranormal the wildly popular spooky show at Chicago Shakes Yard Theatre on Navy Pier  has two unusual offerings this month–the Paranormal Spritz, a Midori and Prosecco bright green drink, and the unusual whiskey and raspberry lemonade Scream Queen which is finished off with a blood red pinot noir float.  Watch here :https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQUvYAekh-V/?igsh=Zjhqbjh1d3ZlaTB3

I caught up with Chicago Shakes concessionaire Patty Roache who has been instrumental in developing the most recent cocktail menu.  They like to look at what the energy of the show is, and what they have on hand to create a signature offering. They came to CST having designed cocktails at other venues and kicked off at CST with a treat for Lord of the Rings last season: Arwen’s Promise, a lovely concoction of 2 parts vodka, 2 parts elderflower liquor, 1 part lemon juice, 1 part simple syrup shaken and served over ice with a prosecco topper. 

Over at Steppenwolf Theatre, all specialty offerings are designed by Director of Food and Beverage, Daniel Rowe. His creations of the moment: Mr. SteppenWolf- smoky mezcal paired with fall vibes and include Mezcal, Amaro Ninino, Lemon, and Spiced Maple Syrup. I have sampled this and think its a perfect autumn mix. 

Daniel noted that coming up with the production of Amadeus there will be Taste of Venus- a play on a Brandy Alexander that features Baileys, Brandy, Creme de Cacao, Black Walnut Bitters, topped with sprinkle of Cayenne and Cocoa powder and because its a longer show with a decent intermission they are adding a play related wine flight: The EnFLIGHTenment- a wine flight highlighting European wine techniques.  3- 4oz pours including . Sparkling Rose'- Gratien & Meyer Crement de Loire, Loire Valley, FranceWhite- Stadt Krems Riesling Kremstal, Niederoterreich, AustriaRed- Azienda Agricola Rio Fava Barolo, Barolo, Italy!

I asked Daniel what his creative process is for designing cocktails. He says he starts about a month before the show, and looks at holes in their menu, what the food offerings will be (YES the Steppenwolf bar has food!) and what the vibe of the show is.  He tries to switch up bases– if there was a whiskey cocktail he might design a vodka one next. The point he feels is to innovate and offer something a little funkier to set the tone for your experience when you walk in to start your evening.  

Not to be outdone, over at Oil Lamp Theatre Rose Leisner, company manager has concocted The Plot Twist for the show Gaslight:

Just when you think you know where the story’s headed, this cocktail takes a delightful turn. Featuring Oil Lamp Theater’s signature barrel Koval whiskey, spiced apple cider, and a splash of ginger beer, the Plot Twist perfectly balances warmth and effervescence. Smooth, spicy, and just a little unexpected.

The Lyric Opera also features opera related bar offerings– I recently tried the Medea Bad Mom,which combined King Crimson Tea Gin with Italian Amaro, St Germain and sparkling wind.  For Cav/Pag there’s the Two Timer. 

So head to the theatre early or stay late and enhance your experience with a play related cocktail!

 No part of this article was created using AI