For many, the month of May means college graduation; to those of you experiencing this rite of passage, congratulations.
Now’s the ideal time to move on from cheap, keg-fueled frat parties to adult-friendly drinks that actually taste good.
In college you drank: keg beer
Graduate to: international drafts
We know; change can be hard. Ease out of the frat-party scene with a trip to Chicago Brauhaus (4732 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-784-4444), where the sloshing ale, rowdy music and enormous tables will make you feel right at home–but where the imported beer selection requires a more mature palate. Try the golden Spaten Lager, Bitburger Pils or Stiegl Pils drafts ($5.50 each). Or order a bottle of the Spaten Optimator Dark ($4.75) and watch your chest hair grow.
In college you drank: frat-party punch
Graduate to: sangria
It’s time to know what’s actually in that glass of fruity stuff someone just poured you. If, however, you’re not ready to order top-shelf drinks by brand, make your selection simple at Twist (3412 N. Sheffield Ave. 773-388-2727), where your choice is red sangria or red sangria ($21 a pitcher, $6 a glass). Then settle in to the loungelike window seating, where you can sup on tapas.
In college you drank: wine coolers
Graduate to: wine flights
Here’s a tip: Real wine doesn’t include artificial fruit flavors. Lose those imitation-strawberry coolers and head to the Stained Glass Wine Bar, Bistro & Cellar in Evanston (1735 Benson Ave. 847-864-8600)–especially good for recent grads of far North Side schools–for a quick lesson in wine appreciation. Try the traditional red wine flight ($18.25 for three half-glasses): a sampling of merlot, pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon. Or, order the Globetrotters wine flight ($13.75 for three half-glasses), and try wines from New Zealand, Italy and Oregon.
In college you drank: cafeteria coffee
Graduate to: coffee liqueurs
Coffee drinking isn’t limited to Folgers-fueled midnight cram sessions any more. Say hello to coffee liqueur at Martini Ranch (311 W. Chicago Ave. 312-335-9500) with the Monsoon ($10), a divine blend of Starbucks Coffee Liqueur, Baileys, Frangelico and vodka. The number of martini-swilling, twenty-something hipsters at this River North hot spot will make you forget you ever hung out at keg parties.
In college you drank: cheap tequila shots
Graduate to: boutique tequilas
You say your favorite slammer is tequila? Put the body shots behind you and move on to smoother sippers. The menu at Ixcapuzalco (2165 N. Western Ave. 773-486-7340) features more than 100 tequila varieties, and the staff has plenty of advice on what to drink. An anejo (starting at $9) goes well with good conversation, or sniff and savor a reposado (starting at $8) like a glass of fine wine. If you’re still looking for salt and lime, order the Don Julio Silver ($7).
