Nothing is quite as celebratory as champagne, but sometimes you want something more interesting than a simple fizzy flute. Fight bubbly boredom with one of these top champagne-infused drinks.
Shirley Temple Black
At hot Andersonville bistro La Tache, diners skip the Bloody Marys at brunch and instead get naughty with the Shirley Temple Black. It’s a blend of champagne, Black Cherry Effen vodka and amarena cherry syrup, with a cherry resting at the bottom of the glass. You’ll feel like a kid again–until the Effen hits. $10. 1475 W. Balmoral Ave. 773-334-7168.
Pelznickel and St. Nicoulai
Popular club Narcisse has recently entered the fine dining fray, but it hasn’t forgotten its roots: Clubgoers still clutch specialty drinks late into the night. A couple of holiday-themed champagne cocktails have made the list this year. Pelznickel (it’s German for “Nicolas with furs” and refers to a dwarf from a Christmas legend) is a blend of Stoli Vanil, creme de menthe and champagne, with little flecks of edible gold leaf floating in the glass. If dark and sweet is your thing, try the St. Nicoulai: champagne with amaretto, Frangelico, black raspberry liqueur and, of course, gold leaf flecks. $14 each. 710 N. Clark St. 312-787-2675.
Raspberry Kiss
Randolph Row restaurant Marche has circuslike dcor and fun cocktails to match. We love the Raspberry Kiss–champagne mixed with lemon-flavored rum, raspberry liqueur and a splash of sweet and sour. Seal the deal with someone special for $8.50. 833 W. Randolph St. 312-226-8399.
Passion and Ghost
Surprisingly low-key Ghost Bar, the trendy hang above Nine restaurant, is ideal for after-dinner drinks. Try the Passion champagne cocktail, sparkling wine doctored with Alize red, Alize orange and fresh orange juice. Or go for the Ghost–melon liqueur and champagne, garnished with a cherry and a glow-in-the-dark, ghost-shaped swizzle stick. No excuses for losing your drink. $10 each. 440 W. Randolph St. 312-575-9900.
Champorto
Sometimes you wanna go where nobody knows your name. Play like an out-of-towner and escape to The Bar at the Peninsula Chicago for a classy take on the champagne cocktail. The Champorto is four parts champagne (of your choice) and one part Dow’s LBV Port. Complement your mysterious new persona with a thick accent and long cigarette holder and pray your boss doesn’t walk in and blow the gig. $14. 108 E. Superior St. 312-573-6766.
Bellini Martini
If you can’t decide between champagne and a martini, head to Bistro 110 for a Bellini Martini. A splash of Absolut Mandarin is added to white peach puree and champagne for a potent, citrus-flavored drink that’s light-years away from the standard up-with-two-olives. $8.50. 110 E. Pearson St. 312-266-3110.
