Feb. 25--Beer's fine, but sometimes you want more of a buzz before you take selfies with Benny the Bull.
I kid. Kind of. But it is nice to know that United Center has upped its cocktail game this Bulls season. Everyone (including us) has been making a fuss about the venue's new food offerings from Big Star, Leghorn Chicken, Lillie's Q and more. There's also an extensive new cocktail selection, pulled straight from the menu at Big Star, Lottie's and The Pony.
The bars partnered with United Center food operator Levy Restaurants to bring in the drinks. For Mark Domitrovich, co-owner of Lottie's and The Pony, it was a matter of finding a cocktail that tasted good but could be made quickly. "For these guys, it's all about speed."
I tried all 10 of the cocktails on offer throughout the arena (then inhaled two Leghorn sandwiches) to tell you what's best. My top three:
Cherry Orchard Sour
Made with whiskey, apple cider, lemon and black cherry, this drink is sweet but not cloying, and refreshingly tart. I'd drink a lot of these.
Find it at: Crown Royal Whiskey Bar, section 103
Big Star Margarita
This is kind of a given to make the list, considering how many of these I've downed on Big Star's patio over the years. But I was impressed that the quality of this margarita, made with blanco tequila, curacao and lime juice, remained relatively the same at a sporting venue serving thousands of people. They squeeze the juice on-site, which helps a lot.
Find it at: Big Star, sections 114 and 230
Chocolate Adult Milkshake
Kudos to anyone who can finish the entire serving of this sugar monster, but if you're a fan of boozy milkshakes, it's a good one -- just whiskey and chocolate ice cream, blended until thick and creamy, and topped with whipped cream.
Find it at: Legacy Burger, sections 108 and 213
To see these drinks and the rest of the cocktail offerings, scroll through the slideshow above.
mconrad@tribpub.com
Twitter @marissa_conrad
