Craft Work

By The Editors
November 8, 2013 9:00 am

Every man has his favorite drink.

Every man has his favorite bartender.

This is their meeting, in bottle form.

Introducing Crafthouse Cocktails, serving now.

Crafted by Charles Joly, award-winning Chicago mixologist at The Aviary and this year’s Bartender of the Year at Tales of the Cocktail (AKA the Oscars of booze), Crafthouse drinks are ready-to-serve, alcoholic versions of three favorite tipples.

All you need to enjoy: ice, a glass and maybe a sprig of mint.

Crafthouse

For your edification (and ours), we tested them out.

Moscow Mule: A mix of ginger juice/beer, lime, pure cane sugar and vodka. We liked its subtle kick of ginger (pour on ice and wait 2-3 mins for optimal sipping).

Southside: This Chicago-inspired gin cocktail roused our Windy City editor to provide this endorsement: “This is a vision of summer. Faint scent of sugar cane. Surprisingly balanced. Gin doesn’t overpower. The mint rounds out at the end.”

Paloma: Coming in a few weeks. Mexico’s drink of choice. Handmade grapefruit soda with blanco tequila.

Outside of Chicago, these drinks are currently available via mail order. They’re wonderful for parties in lieu of wine, and they make great gifts.

For you or someone else. Your choice.

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