Sickly sweet in love this Valentine’s Day? Or perhaps you’d like to drown your singleton sorrow in something bitter-tasting? Here’s where to find the cocktails to match your mood.
SWEET SIPPERS
Lover’s Edge, $16
Aria is whipping up this Middle Eastern-tinged sipper. It’s a blend of Moet & Chandon rose champagne and fresh pomegranate juice, served with rose-flavored Turkish delight. Try it at the bar or as part of the special aphrodisiac menu. Available Friday-Sunday. 200 N. Columbus Drive, 312-444-9494.
Forbidden Passion, $14
Decadent champagne lounge Narcisse is rolling out some characteristically lush drinks in honor of the day, including this mix of passion-fruit nectar, Heidsieck Monopole champagne, bitters and raspberries, garnished with an orange. Available through Sunday. 710 N. Clark St. 312-787-2675.
The Sexualitini, $5
Bucktown’s Cans promises to lay it on thick at its Velveeta Valentine’s Party on Saturday. There’ll be a kissing booth, cheesy movies, bad love songs and this super-sweet concoction: a blend of Stoli Razberi, Godiva Liqueur and a splash of Chambord, served in a chilled martini glass with raspberry glaze and chocolate shavings. 1640 N. Damen Ave. 773-227-2277.
Amour a Deux, $8.50
One of Bistro 110’s romantic cocktails, this one’s a blend of Absolut Mandrin and Lillet White, topped off with champagne and garnished with an orange slice. Available Saturday-Feb. 29. 110 E. Pearson St. 312-266-3110.
LOVESICK LIBATIONS
The Ex, $5.25
Like Bar Louies citywide, Bar Louie Wrigleyville is hosting its own Screw Cupid celebration on Saturday, with plenty of tear-in-your-beer specials. This one’s a mix of Woodford Reserve bourbon, soda water, sour mix and bitters with a lemon twist. 3545 N. Clark St. 773-296-2500.
Black Heart martini, $5
For its Anti-Valentine’s Day Party on Saturday, Bacchus is touting this blend of Vox Raspberry vodka and Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur. Bring your ex (or someone you’re not dating) and get in for free. 2242 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-477-5238.
Fuller’s Extra Special Bitter, $4.50
If you’re a beer drinker, this sud’s for you. Popular in England, bitter is a sharp-tasting brew with a dry, hoppy finish. Just the thing to give you a stiff upper lip when you’ve got no one to kiss anyway. Try it at British pub Duke of Perth. 2913 N. Clark St. 773-477-1741.
Negroni, $6.50
This medicinal French drink is just what the doctor ordered for the groaning and broken-hearted. Retro-styled Bistro Zinc whips it up with Tanqueray gin and Campari, with your choice of sweet or dry vermouth, served in a martini glass. 1131 N. State St. 312-337-1131.
