These days, it’s not hard to find a place where bartenders handcraft cocktails from luxury spirits and fresh ingredients. But let’s admit it: On occasion, all we really want to drink is electric blue punch — out of a fishbowl. Don’t be ashamed. Order up one of these wacky drinks and enjoy in an appropriate setting — like a sprawling summer patio — before the urge wears off.
Schoolyard Tavern
3258 N. Southport Ave. 773-528-8226
The drink: Don’t be surprised if the electric blue Fishbowl ($25) draws stares when it arrives tableside. It’s jealousy. This thing is loaded with 16 ounces of vodka, dashes of lemonade, Sprite and PowerAde. It gets about 30 multicolored straws and, when available, a garnish of Swedish Fish. The result: a gallon and a quarter of pure spring break bliss.
The scene: Lakeview’s Schoolyard Tavern is a favorite of young professionals with fond memories of Cancun ’99, so it’s no surprise that people regularly order fishbowls. And with a patio like this, who can blame them? Shaded and spacious, this sidewalk cafe is about as good as it gets on a sunny day.
Orbit Room
2959 N. California Ave. 773-588-8540
The drink: Margaritas are sacred stuff when it comes to summer drinks, so tinkering isn’t always welcome. But that’s not the case with Orbit Room’s Watermelon Margarita Pitcher ($25). This pitcher of summer goodness — big enough for four — starts life as a regular margarita; watermelon liqueur and fresh watermelon garnish help it achieve greatness.
The scene: The bar’s vintage vibe and friendly staff were a real draw throughout the dismal winter months, but now that spring has sprung we see a new side — a peerless wood deck, tricked out with classic patio furniture, and for smokers, room to puff.
Moonshine
1824 W. Division St. 773-862-8686
The drink: Mojitos — big deal, right? Reserve judgment until you try a pitcher of strawberry-basil mojitos ($25, $15 on Wednesdays) at Moonshine. Mashed strawberries replace limes, and pummeled basil stands in for the usual mint. Don Julio effectively replaces rum. The cumulative effect is a real zinger: fragrant, sweet and darn potent.
The scene: The sidewalk patio fills up lightning-fast on a nice day. It’s no wonder, with attractive bistro tables, umbrellas, planters and lighting setting an idyllic outdoor scene. Hovering might work, but your best bet is to make friends with a few of the squatters — not difficult with this fun-loving crowd.
Waterhouse
3407 N. Paulina St. 773-871-1200
The drink: Punch bowls usually get spiked with whatever’s handy. Not the icy Waterhouse Punch ($15), which gets a generous kick from amaretto, rum, vodka and triple sec, plus plenty of flavor from grenadine, and pineapple, lime and orange juices. It’s 64 ounces, so you’ll need backup.
The scene: This place is a full-service stop, offering bar food standards, plenty of sports action, DJs and a weekend scene. When the sun’s out, add to the list 30-plus sidewalk seats perfect for drinking some of that punch.
Uncle Fatty’s Rum Resort
2833 N. Sheffield Ave. 773-477-3661
The drink: The chunky, 22-ounce “fishtank” glasses are your first hint that the Ocean Potion ($12) isn’t a mild-mannered island cooler. Then consider the numbers: 3 ounces each of Hpnotiq and Whaler’s Coconut Rum, topped with a secret blend of tropical juices.
The scene: OK, so there’s no outdoor space at this new Lakeview bar. But it hardly matters: tiki detail, a sand box, tons of games and a dance floor add up to a wild beach party, attended almost exclusively by tipsy college kids.
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metromix@tribune.com
