Seductive Sips and Lustful Libations

Whether you’re wallowing in unrequited love or getting ready to drop to one knee, Chicago is home to world-class restaurants and bars that are serving up cutting-edge concoctions to celebrate Valentines Day. From Parisian chic romance to skyscraping views, we’ve uncovered the best of the bunch.

Steve McDonagh, the cocktail mastermind and co-owner of Hearty (aka the Hearty Boys) in Boystown has dubbed their Valentine’s Day offerings as “stimulating sensations in a glass.” He’s introducing  Champagne, honey, and rose water to their signature dinner menu. The “Tuscan French 75” combines Champagne with fennel-infused gin and fresh lemon, while the “Bee’s Kiss” features local honey from Chicago Co-Op in a rich cocktail of gold rum and cream. The “Rose Water Sparkler” is a refreshing blend of White Flowers sparkling Riesling, rose water, and Peychaud’s bitters. Each cocktail is $10 and is available February 13-14 at dinner.

For a witty take on a classic cocktail, head to NAHA for the “Cheeky French Kiss.” Effen Black Cherry, DeKuyper Crème de Cassis, and sweet pineapple juice are shaken together with a dash of soda to produce a seriously sophisticated and oh-so-chic cocktail. The “Pucker-Up, Girl” is a Windy City version of the Lynchburg Lemonade made with Jim Beam, lemonade, DeKuyper Triple Sec and a splash of soda. Served up in a classic rocks glass, this is a drink that guys and girls will go gaga over.  Try both cheeky cocktails at their Valentine’s Day dinner next Saturday, Feb. 13^th at NAHA.

C-View at the Affinia Hotel is celebrating love over Valentine’s weekend by offering an exclusive three-day drink special, aptly named: Love Potion 29. While perched on the 29^th floor with the Chicago skyline as the glittering backdrop, couples can indulge in a bottle of Santome Prosecco (an extra-dry sparkling wine that’s just a bit sweeter than a Brut and incredibly refreshing) plus a choice of one “Potion,” a divine combination of house made syrups and fruits created to pair perfectly with the prosecco. The Potion #1 is a sweet but balanced raspberry–thyme, the Potion #2 is a light and springy ginger-lemongrass and Potion #3 is classic strawberry. In addition to the bubbly, an assortment of C-House Pastry Chef Toni’s chocolates, cookies, and confections will be available for lovebirds to share. The Love Potion 29 is available February 12-14 from 5-11 pm.

And it wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without the bubbly. Bistro Bordeaux on the city’s North shore (Evanston) knows that nothing says romance quite like a dimly lit French restaurant. From February 13-20, the bistro will be turning down the lights and turning up the romance with the help of 200 suspended candles, flickering above the dining tables. The restaurant will also offer a rare 1988 Veuve Clicquot. Similarly, at Prairie Grass Café in Northbrook, diners can get in the mood with a glass of Dampierre Rosé Champagne ($20) and Bistro 110 off the Mag Mile is offering a Moet and Chandon Imperial Champagne Cocktail Trio ($16) that’s paired with three delicious petit desserts. The Atwood Café at the beautiful Hotel Burnham will serve up flutes of Veuve for a mere $10; plus the Montparnasse, made with Calvados tequila, St. Germain, vin blanc, and a touch of candied apple, and the Bittersweet, a melody of Godiva dark chocolate, vanilla-infused vodka, and bittersweet chocolate sauce served in a chocolate rimmed glass.

Love is in the air.