The Art of the Cocktail…Literally

Seeing that this is my Cheeky column debut, I wanted to first say how excited I am to share weekly tips and tidbits with you about the latest and greatest on Chicago’s social scene. As the Drink Editor of Chicago Scene, I receive a ton of requests from friends, family, clients and readers, looking for recommendations on the best places to eat, drink and be merry in the city. And that’s exactly what this section will do.

Want to hear from renowned mixologists and sommeliers? I’ve got it.

Looking for a low-key lounge with organic cocktails? You bet.

How about a place that applies culinary practices to the art of mixology? Oh yeah.

So, here’s to my first article.

Andy Warhol’s Factory Parties Are Back

And let me tell you, it’s hard to channel the legendary Edie Sedgwick, let alone mimic the goddess-like good looks of Sienna Miller, circa 2006’s Factory Girl. Despite these impossible odds, I donned a peacock head band, threw on a pair of black, woven Stuart Weiztman platform heels and headed to the W Lake Shore for the launch of the new collection of Warhol-inspired Martini & Rossi cocktails.

Before I get into the good stuff, quick art history lesson: did you know that before he pioneered the Pop Art movement and before he became one of the most famous artists of all time, Andy Warhol was a highly sought after artist in the advertising industry? (Hey, art snobs, stop rolling your eyes. Some of us still don’t know the difference between Monet and Mane.) Martini & Rossi was just one of the many brands who commissioned him to develop an ad campaign, which ran in the U.S. from 1956-1963.
And now, Martini & Rossi is collaborating with The Andy Warhol Foundation to bring to life the work of one of the most influential artists of the 20th century via cocktails, of course. The cocktails take Martini & Rossi Vermouth in an untraditional direction. Vermouth is usually the co-star of a cocktail, used to complement the other spirits, like a vodka or gin.

But nobody put’s Baby, er, vermouth, in the corner.

Instead, the distinct flavors of each type of Martini & Rossi Vermouth – Extra Dry, Rosso and Bianco, are the main ingredient and are complemented with a variety of unexpected elements.
Each drink has been developed and carefully named to juxtapose the creative possibilities of vermouth with the progressive style of Andy Warhol. Take the Factory Martini made with three parts Martini & Rossi Extra Dry, muddled lemon, mint, simple syrup and a dash of club soda. It’s like a Mojito, sans rum. And picking up on the great ‘assembly line’ method of the Warhol factory, this cocktail should be made in stages by multiple mixologists.
The Velvet Edie was created in honor of Warhol’s two favorite muses: Edie Sedgwick and the Velvet Underground. This libation takes three parts of Martini & Rossi Bianco Vermouth, fresh raspberries and mint leaves to create the sweet drink. My favorite was the Pop Art ‘Tini because it blended Dry Vermouth with cranberry and pineapple juice and then topped it off with Martini & Rossi Prosecco. Perfect.

From now until December 19, the W Lake Shore will be the exclusive home to the legendary 1960’s Martini & Rossi print ads. Swing by, grab a Warhol-inspired cocktail and peruse the iconic artwork of the man who truly brought sexy back.