Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic21.8% ABV6 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Advancedstirred drink
Why: 6 ingredients, stirred drink, requires rimmed glass, requires mixing glass, bar spoon
Best for: Desserts, Cheese, Seafood Dinner
Ingredients & Tools
BaseModifierCitrusSweetenerGarnish
- For glassLemon WedgeGarnish
- 1.0 ozSuperfine SugarSweetener
- 2.0 ozBrandyBase
- 0.75 ozFresh Lemon JuiceCitrus
- 0.75 ozOrange CuracaoModifier
- to tasteMaraschino LiqueurModifier
Tools:mixing glassbar spoon
How to Make It
StirChill
- Rim chilled old-fashioned glass with lemon and sugar.ChillChilling improves texture and keeps dilution under control.
- Stir remaining ingredients with ice and strain into glass.StirStirring chills and dilutes while keeping the drink clear and smooth.
Best For
Food Pairings
DessertsCheese
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Try alcohol-freeBrowse mocktails and zero-ABV alternatives.Make it lighterTry a longer serve style, more ice, soda, tonic or a lower-ABV alternative.Lower the sugarCompare with drinks that use less estimated sugar per serve.Lower the caloriesCompare with drinks that sit lower on estimated calories per serve.
Swap notes
Base spiritCognac is smooth and refined; armagnac is earthier and more rustic; calvados brings apple notes. Swapping within these still changes the flavour profile — cognac is the safest neutral choice.CitrusCitrus juice changes acidity, while citrus peel or twist mainly changes aroma. Lemon is sharp and bright, lime is sharper and more aromatic, orange is sweeter, and grapefruit adds bitterness. If you swap citrus, adjust sweetness slowly.SweetenerSimple syrup is neutral; honey adds floral warmth; agave is lighter and less cloying; grenadine adds pomegranate colour and fruit sweetness. Sweeteners vary in intensity — start with less than you think you need, then taste. Always rebalance with a little citrus if the drink feels flat after swapping.
GarnishA maraschino or cocktail cherry adds a sweet, fruity finish and a visual anchor. A fresh cherry is less sweet and more tart. An orange twist or peel swap will change the aroma but remove the fruit sweetness — the drink will feel drier as a result.
Rate this recipe
Frequently asked questions
- What is a Chicago Cocktail?
- The Chicago Cocktail is a cocktail made with 6 ingredients, traditionally served in a Old-Fashioned Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 21.8%. A standard serving contains approximately 373 calories.
- What does a Chicago Cocktail taste like?
- Chicago Cocktail has a flavour profile featuring Citrus, Sweet, Lemon, Sugar. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Chicago Cocktail?
- Chicago Cocktail pairs well with Desserts, Cheese. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Chicago Cocktail?
- The Chicago Cocktail has an ABV of approximately 21.8%. That's approximately 1.95 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 373 calories, 39.4g sugar, 44.2g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Chicago Cocktail typically served?
- Chicago Cocktail is a popular choice for Seafood Dinner. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Chicago Cocktail?
- If you enjoy Chicago Cocktail, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a Chicago Cocktail at home?
- Yes. The Chicago Cocktail uses 6 ingredients, making it more involved to prepare at home. You will need a Old-Fashioned Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Chicago Cocktail with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.