Cocktailing with friends is a welcome way to while away a summer evening. But sometimes that familiar round of vodka-sodas seems a little tired. How to up the ante? In a word: pitchers. Whether it’s made-to-order sangria or something a little more sinister, nothing injects fun into a night out like the arrival of that first towering vessel … although the second is pretty darn good too. Here’s where to fill up.
Roscoe’s
3356 N. Halsted St. 773-281-3355
This Boystown standby is a good place for newbies to the pitcher thing to start chugging — the options seem endless, and the price is right. The specials change daily, from potent Absolut Mandarin cosmo pitchers on Tuesdays to weekend favorites such as fresh pink lemonade spiked with Stoli. On Sundays, boozy Long Island iced tea pitchers fly from the bar in astounding numbers. Best yet: All pitchers are $12.
Haro
2436 S. Oakley St. 773-847-2400
Ever feel like your sangria is missing a little something? Kalimotxo is the pepped-up remedy. The recipe at Haro, a Spanish gem in the Heart of Italy neighborhood, starts with light-bodied red wine, adds a dash of mango-citrus liqueur and finishes with Coca-Cola — just enough to lend crisp effervescence and a little sweetness, but not too much to kill the fruity wine taste. The concoction is refreshing enough on its own, but kalimotxo works equally well with Haro’s Basque-style tapas. Bonus: live flamenco Friday and Saturday nights. Pitchers are $18-$21.
Mambo Grill
412 N. Clark St. 312-467-9797
This River North grill and bar entices nine-to-fivers for afterwork cocktails with dozens of takes on colorful Latin drinks. Take cocktail hour a step further by skipping the wimpy single servings; most specialty cocktails are available by the pitcher, arriving in a festively painted ceramic jug. Our vote? Order off menu: Ask for a Momo, a mojito that swaps orange wedges for limes and fresh OJ for soda water. The result is bracing, sort of like brushing your teeth and having your morning juice at once — in a very happy, rum-soaked way. Pitchers are $25-$31.
Coobah
3423 N. Southport Ave. 773-528-2220
The convenient Southport location, the punchy pan-Latin food and a hip but neighborly vibe are all sensible reasons to rely on Coobah for drinks. But here’s the best reason of all: On Thursdays, for just nine bucks, you and your friends can gather around a pitcher of caipirissimas. Caipirissimas are made with white rum rather than the rougher cachaca favored in the traditional caipirinha, resulting in a dangerously smooth mixture. Brimming with muddled limes, sugar, rum and ice, these pitchers are so refreshing you’ll think you’re in Rio. Careful, though: They might be priced to move, but they pack a wicked punch. Pitchers regularly are $18.
Bravo Tapas and Lounge
2047 W. Division St. 773-278-2727
When Bravo opened last summer, it hyped its outdoor bar and creative mojitos, such as the popular melon-laced version, and so the sangria went somewhat overlooked — a shame, because it’s authentic, surprisingly complex and ideal alongside any of the loaded paellas. The recipe is deceptively simple, calling for inexpensive Spanish red wine, a dose of brandy and fresh citrus fruit. A pitcher or two with friends on the sidewalk patio is pretty close to perfection — and when the live flamenco band is performing on the last Sunday of each month, closer still. Pitchers are $20.
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metromix@tribune.com
