Summer has arrived in Chicago – and with it outdoor seating. After months of cold and wind, there’s an almost inexorable draw to be outside, especially in the evening when the temperature is just right.
The Aviary makes good use of their patio, shaded by cypress trees strung with fairy lights. Rather than tables and chairs, there are long couches with lots of pillows – perfect for lounging with a cocktail.
On a warm evening, my favorite by far is the Aviary’s strawberry daiquiri.
It might look like a typical blended drink, complete with cocktail umbrella, but of course, it’s not. Made with just strawberries, rum, and lime, and then frozen with liquid nitrogen so there’s no ice to dilute the flavors, it’s like drinking the cold, sweet essence of strawberries.
To complete the theme, we also had the Tiki, a sandy box with three miniature rum cocktails – a mai tai, a knickerbocker, and a zombie – and another cocktail umbrella. Definitely fun, but no competition for the daiquiri.
I’ll be back soon for another. Or two.
White sangria in suspension, elBulli at the Aviary
Dark & Stormy à la the Aviary
Touring the Left Bank, Bordeaux
The Office, at the Aviary