Mango drinks aren’t just for sipping in the tropics anymore. Rejuvenate your taste buds with fruity cocktails at these local watering holes.
Mang-O, $10
After the first sip, you might be calling it the “Mang-Ohhh!” All right, maybe that’s a little much, but you’ll definitely be riding high with this deliciously sweet mixture of Parrot Bay mango rum and smooth mango puree at Sugar. The dessert-themed bar ups the fruity flavor of this martini by garnishing it with an orange slice. 108 W. Kinzie St. 312-822-9999.
Mango margarita, $5.75
It’s not uncommon to find the standard margarita a little too pucker-inducing. Rather than shift to strawberry or banana flavors, give the mango marg at Mi Tierra a whirl. The best little Mexican restaurant on Belmont Avenue serves a fruity version of the classic that has the lip-licking flavor of a mango and all of the mule-kick of good tequila. Order it frozen or on the rocks. 1039 W. Belmont Ave. 773-929-7955.
Pre-Nup, $9
Gold Coast gold diggers might cringe at the thought of a pre-nup, but after a few of these cocktails at Elm Street Liquors, most would gladly sign on the dotted line. A mix of vodka, mango nectar and champagne, the Pre-Nup has a fantastic bubbly texture that’s rounded out by the fresh fruit flavor. The drink comes garnished with a fresh slice of mango. 12 W. Elm St. 312-337-3200.
Mango Sunrise, $8
Although tequila is probably the last thing you’d want at the crack of dawn, you’d likely make an exception for this mango cocktail at Salud. Bartenders mix Ora Azul tequila, mango nectar and Chambord for a sweet alternative to the more traditional Tequila Sunrise, even coating the rim of the tall glass with sugar. The mango version makes for a refreshing drink that goes down extra smooth. 1471 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-235-5577.
Mango martini, $10
Purists might scoff at the thought of a rum “martini,” but after a couple of these fruity concoctions at Iggy’s, they’ll be hooked. Bartenders mix Parrot Bay mango rum and OJ for a drink that blends the mango’s syrupy sweetness with the tartness of orange citrus. The sugar-coated glass rim adds a candied flavor to the tasty drink. 1840 W. North Ave. 773-227-4449.
Golden Lakshmi, $9
The bittersweet burn of cognac combines with the saccharin flavors of mango juice for a rich cocktail with a distinct taste that would definitely be approved by Lakshmi herself, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity. Served in a martini glass at the popular Indian restaurant Monsoon, the Golden Lakshmi is a popular mainstay with regulars and newbies alike. 2813 N. Broadway, 773-665-9463.
