Cheers: Relax with unique cocktails at suburban establishments

Now that the rush of the holidays are over, sit back and relax with a unique cocktail being mixed up at a suburban establishment. There’s something bound to intrigue most tastes, including classic cocktails and an array of new and modern blends and mixes.

Jude’s Crystal Lake

19 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 575-8337, judescocktails.com

A lively, modern hot spot, Jude’s Cocktails & Nosh is not to be missed. Choose from a variety of martinis, handcrafted cocktails, unique classics, wine and beer. The Blueberry Cucumber cocktail features Jude’s gin mixed with blueberry puree, cucumber tonic, fresh blueberries and cucumber. Sip on a Sidecar cocktail, Smoke on the Water or Singapore Sling, which combines cherry, pineapple and gin flavorings. Hungry? Dive into menu items inspired by regions around the world such as orange chicken, Moroccan beef skewer, pierogis, scallops and fried Wisconsin cheese curds.

Ye Olde Corner Tap

3901 Main St., McHenry, (779) 704-2137, yeoldecornertap.com

A continuation of a family legacy, Ye Olde Corner Tap is located in a building rich with history and generational memories. Enjoy weekday specials including Mixology Monday, Tequila Tuesday, Whiskey and Wine Wednesday, Thirsty Thursday, Freedom Friday, Shot & Bomb Saturday and Shameless Sunday, with Happy Hour throughout the week. Who doesn’t like an old fashioned? Try their post-Prohibition Ye Olde Fashioned on for size. Their Yoct Margarita, a signature and crowd-favorite recipe, is always on the menu. And who could pass up their Giggle Juice, a combination of absinthe and bourbon.

Alchemist

477 S. Third St., Geneva, (630) 338-9446, alchemistgeneva.com

With a talented team of “alchemists,” this unique cocktail haven has something for any particular taste. Try out a sip from their carefully curated craft cocktail menu like the Grapes and Grain, featuring orange and cinnamon blended with mulled Rioja and bourbon. The East India Trading Co. is a magical mixture of star anise, curry leaves, orange, gin and Mediterranean Tonic. Or perhaps you like more complicated tastes? The Samurai Sour offers an inventive combination of egg white, Toki Japanese Whisky Lime, Togarashi, Shiranami Shochu, horseradish, lemon, wasabi and Mirin. With names like Allmost Amoxicillin, Snowbird, Pirates Dilemma and more, the Alchemist menu is a tribute to artistic mixology and libation science. Hungry? Nosh on specialty cheeses, small plates like oyster mushrooms and citrus burrata, or a full-sized entrée selection including Butcher’s Cut Steak and grilled octopus.

Mockingbird Bar + Garden

217 Barrington Ave., East Dundee, (847) 551-5614, mockingbirdbarandgarden.com

Open Wednesday through Sunday, Mockingbird Bar + Garden is a fresh and bright take on artisanal cocktails and eats. Featuring a cocktail lounge, espresso bar and wood-fired kitchen, Mockingbird serves healthy items and seasonal menus. Try out the Lotus Moon cocktail with flavors including lavender, egg white, gin and lemon. Sip on a Basil Blossom with peach liqueur, basil and bourbon or a Night Owl with cinnamon, espresso, dark rums and Amargo de Chili. With vegetarian options, jars and salads, wood-fired pizzas, desserts and shared plates, there is no shortage of options to match your cocktail.

Carnivore + the Queen

2241 Maple Ave., Downers Grove, (630) 541-9951, carnivoreandthequeen.com

This “contemporary revival of a classic Prohibition-era supper club” is a rustically elegant restaurant and bar featuring seasonal menus and local ingredients when possible. Their specialty crafted cocktails are just as appetizing as their menu. Try out the indulgent Grasshopper with ice cream, crème de menthe and white crème de cocoa. Feel mysterious with the Midnight Manhattan, an impressive concoction featuring vermut, cherry, bitters and rye. The Hong Kong blends maraschino cherry liqueur, vermouth, lemon and scotch.

French 75

56 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, (630) 340-5675, french75gallery.com

Elegant and nostalgic, French 75 Gallery & Lounge highlights gorgeous fine art amid a richly appointed salon. With a constantly updated menu and a delightful cocktail list, French 75 is a perfect place to lounge and appreciate artistry from around the country. Taste the Rosé, a sweet blend of rosé, grenadine, brandy and lemon juice. Or try one of their seasonal cocktails like Strawberry Fields, Dill Intentions or Open Sesame. While enjoying a cocktail, indulge in a variety of small plates, assorted chocolates and cheese boards.

Ballydoyle

5157 Main St., Downers Grove, (630) 969-0600, ballydoylepub.com

Perhaps a bit of a deviation from the usual cocktail bar, Ballydoyle is nevertheless a hearty contender for cocktails and delectable fare. Their specialty cocktail menu features titles like the Pink Drink, a blend of rum, strawberry puree, pineapple juice, frozen strawberries and coconut cream, or the Hugo, a combination of soda water, elderflower liqueur, fresh mint and prosecco. Try out something refreshing and unique with their Guava Ranch Water cocktail, a blend of tequila, lime, guava juice and soda water.