Nov. 01--River North kitchen and cocktail bar Bottlefork divides its abundance of drinks into categories -- Fruit Forward + Fun, Dark + Boozy, Warm + Cozy and Smokey + Dried + Spiced -- in addition to a handful of brunch cocktails and a Dessert in a Glass section that includes a maple-flavored, cold-brew coffee spiked with bourbon, sherry, salt and egg.
All very inviting. However, one stunner in the Fruit Forward + Fun group that should not be missed is the Look Out Below ($14), named for the submarine jargon that calls for seamen lookouts to descend from their topside stations in preparation for submersion. The tall and handsome beverage harbors two rums, the high-strength Wray Nephew Overproof and the softer Clement, with spritzes of lime, passion fruit, pineapple, China-China Amer Liqueur and an unusual topping that makes falling below the surface taste a bit bittersweet.
"I think the most memorable part of it is the coconut Angostura foam," says Bottlefork bartender and cocktail creator Adam Kamin of the fluffy garnish, which eddies a milky sweetness and a touch of spice down into the fruitier undercurrents of the glass when sipped through a straw.
For an extra thrill, try pairing this cool libation with the contrast of one of Bottlefork's signature hot and gooey cheesecakes; somehow, it works.
441 N. Clark St., 312-955-1900, www.bottlefork.com.
Leah Pickett is a freelance writer.
