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Here’s where to find the best to-go cocktails in Chicago

Bottoms up, Chicago!

Morgan Olsen
Written by
Morgan Olsen
Global Food & Drink Editor
il porcellino, negroni, to-go cocktail
Photograph: Courtesy Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises
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In case you missed the booziest news of the month, to-go cocktails are now legal in Chicago, which means you can sip pre-mixed drinks crafted by some of the city's best bartenders from the comfort of your home. When you crack open your Negroni, martini or margarita, be sure to raise your bottle to the good folks at Cocktails for Hope, who made this temporary law possible. Without further ado, take a look at some of the Chicago bars and restaurants that are offering to-go cocktails now.

Kumiko: This West Loop bar's Omochi-Kaeri (pick up and take home) virtual shop has plenty of beautiful pre-mixed beverages to choose from, including the Cherry Blossom Milk Punch with cognac, Japanese whiskey, cherry heering liqueur, sweet vermouth and orange.

Virtue: Erick Williams's Hyde Park restaurant offers four adult beverages to go: Old Fashioned, margarita, Red Punch and Patience is a Virtue. The latter is a beautiful blend of vodka, creme yvette and lime—the perfect summertime sipper.

Lost Lake: Nothing compares to sipping a banana daiquiri inside this tropical oasis, but for now, we'll happily settle for Lost Lake's to-go offerings, which you can snag at at their walk-up window (just be sure to check their hours on Instagram before you head over).

Chef's Special Cocktail Bar: Upgrade your takeout order with a cocktail or two—the chili-oil–soaked wontons are a perfect match for the Blue Moon, a blue-hued, tequila-infused sipper with notes of elderflower.

Vajra: Juanjo Pulgarin mixes some of the most intriguing drinks in all of Chicago, and now you can sip his creations on the go. Start with the Vajra House Cocktail, with whiskey, sherry, earl grey crema, lime and raw honey shrub.

Mi Tocaya Antojería: Some of chef Diana Dávila's most iconic dishes are available for takeout, and there's no better upgrade than a round of pre-mixed cocktail. Choose from mezcal or tequila margs or the Chicana, with tequila, hibiscus tea, bergamot liqueur and grapefruit bitters.

Nine Bar: This Chinatown newcomer specializes in Instagram-ready katsu and egg salad sandos as well as bottled cocktails like the Spicy Paloma, with mezcal, Sichuan-raspberry syrup, lime and a splash of Squirt.

Il Porcellino: Negroni fanatics, this one's for you! Lettuce Entertain You's Italian spot in River North is offering a trio of the bitter sipper to go—choose from classic, Mr. White (with kina and suze) or Jamaican (with rum).

Wherewithall: This Avondale restaurant takes the guesswork out of dinner with its ready-to-serve family meals, and now you can toss in ready-to-pour cocktails, including a smoky Old Fashioned or a refreshing Mezcal Last Word.

Arbella: Bottled in cute-as-a-button honey bear jars, Arbella's selection of carryout beverages range from classic to complex. You can't go wrong with the Old School, which includes peanut butter and jelly vodka and grape jelly-flavored ice cubes.

The Loyalist: You can recreate the Loyalist's famous "Dirty Burg" at home with a kit that includes patties, buns and all the fixings. While you're playing chef, sip a craft cocktail like the grapefruit spritz or the Violet Crimes, with mezcal, lavender, lemongrass honey, sherry and herbal liqueur. 

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