Here’s a cocktail that’s stood the test of time-smooth, citrusy, and just the right touch of sparkle. The Chicago cocktail is a bold, classy drink that brings a little old-school elegance to any occasion. It’s got a bit of sweetness, a splash of fizz, and enough depth to keep things interesting.
Chicago
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights when I want something that feels a little special without being fussy. Let’s walk through how to make it, how to tweak it, and what to serve it with.
What You’ll Need
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1 cocktail
Glass: Martini glass or coupe
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) brandy
– 1 oz (30 ml) triple sec
– 1 oz (30 ml) fresh orange juice
– 1 dash aromatic bitters
– Splash of champagne (about 1 oz / 30 ml)
– Orange slice or twist, for garnish
Method
- Chill your glass. Pop your martini or coupe glass in the freezer while you prep the drink. A cold glass keeps everything crisp and refreshing.
- Shake the base. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, pour in the brandy, triple sec, orange juice, and bitters. Shake it well-about 15 seconds-until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Strain and top. Strain the mixture into your chilled glass. Gently pour in a splash of champagne. Don’t stir-just let the bubbles do their thing.
- Garnish and serve. Add a slice of orange or a twist of peel for a little extra aroma and color.
Tips for the Best Chicago
– Use fresh orange juice-it really lifts the drink. Bottled juice will work in a pinch, but the flavor won’t pop the same way.
– Go easy when pouring the champagne. A gentle hand keeps the fizz and avoids overflowing.
– If you’re making this for a party, batch the base (everything except the champagne) ahead of time. Chill it well and just add the bubbly when serving.
I’ve made this drink countless times, and here’s a tip I learned while perfecting the recipe: the brandy matters. A smooth, mid-range brandy works best. Too cheap and it turns harsh, too fancy and it overpowers the balance.
Storage & Make-Ahead Notes
– You can mix the brandy, triple sec, orange juice, and bitters ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
– Don’t add the champagne until just before serving-it’ll lose its bubbles if it sits.
Substitutions & Variations
Ingredient Swaps
– No brandy? Try whiskey for a deeper, smokier twist.
– Want it less sweet? Cut the triple sec to ½ oz (15 ml).
– Swap bitters-orange or chocolate bitters can add a fun spin.
– No champagne? Sparkling water or club soda gives the same fizz without the alcohol.
Seasonal Twists
Winter Chicago
– Use cinnamon-infused brandy and a touch of maple syrup.
– Adds warmth and a cozy, spiced edge.
Summer Breeze Chicago
– Swap brandy for peach brandy, and top with a splash of soda water instead of champagne.
– Super refreshing and light.
Non-Alcoholic Chicago
– Use a non-alcoholic spirit and sparkling grape juice.
– Still festive, still flavorful.
What It Tastes Like
The Chicago cocktail hits a lovely balance: rich and warming from the brandy, zesty from the orange, a little sweet, and just a hint bitter from the dash of bitters. The champagne adds a light sparkle and lifts the whole drink. It’s the kind of cocktail that feels classic but still exciting.
Food Pairings
This cocktail plays well with both savory and sweet. Here are a few of my favorite pairings:
Charcuterie Board
Salty meats and rich cheeses contrast beautifully with the drink’s citrusy sweetness.
Spicy Asian Dishes
Think Thai curry or Szechuan noodles-the cocktail cools the heat and balances bold flavors.
Chocolate Desserts
The bitters and brandy hold their own against deep chocolate. It’s indulgent and totally worth it.
Common Questions
Can I skip the champagne?
Yes! Use sparkling water for a lighter, non-alcoholic version. It still gives a nice fizz.
What type of bitters should I use?
Aromatic bitters are traditional, but orange bitters add a bright citrus note. Chocolate bitters work well with dessert pairings.
Can I use bottled orange juice?
You can, but fresh is definitely better. If you do use bottled, choose one without added sugar.
How can I make this cocktail healthier?
Use less triple sec, or swap it for a lower-sugar orange liqueur. You can also switch the champagne for sparkling water to cut calories.
Best way to serve at a party?
Mix the base ahead of time and keep it chilled. Pour individual servings into glasses and top with champagne right before handing them out.
Final Thoughts
The Chicago cocktail is one of those drinks that feels both timeless and totally adaptable. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party, winding down after a long day, or just want to feel a little fancy on a Tuesday, it’s a solid choice.
Try it out, make it your own, and see what variations you fall in love with. And if you’re looking for something to nibble on while sipping, a sharp cheese or dark chocolate square will never steer you wrong.
