Concierges reveal their summer drink of choice and where to get it
Gloria Leverence
Concierge, Nordstrom
On a recent visit to Ella Elli in Lakeview, Leverence raves about the Pink Squirrel cocktail. Her new go-to for summer, it features Bulleit Bourbon, Crème De Noyaux, white crème de cacao, and vanilla bean ice cream.
Ricardo Lemus
Concierge, Blackstone Hotel
Waydown, the rooftop lounge atop the Ace Hotel, tops Lemus’ list of places for a refreshing libation. He loves their They Oughta cocktail with La Luna mezcal, Bruto Americano, Alessio Bianco, grapefruit, and lime.
John Dillon
Concierge, Ritz-Carlton Chicago
Dillon’s drink of choice is Leña Brava’s Leña Ice, a refreshing concoction of mezcal with yellow Chartreuse, lime, cucumber, and serrano. Served in a Collins glass, the serrano “packs a punch,” he says, “but the cucumber leaves you cool and refreshed.”
Jonathan Rettemnier
Concierge Manager, 900 North Michigan Shops
Red sangria enjoyed on the spacious sidewalk patio at Quartino Ristorante is Rettemnier’s favorite. “Sit outside with a carafe of their amazing sangria and people watch for a perfect summer afternoon,” he says.
Kyle Francsis
Concierge, Ritz-Carlton Chicago
For Francsis, nothing says summer quite like a pilsner-style beer at Ph.D Pub. “They have an outdoor patio with a grill, where you can bring your own food and use it for free, and they have a bags set where you can play a pick up game with other patrons,” he says.
Shannon Boland
Concierge, LondonHouse Chicago
For Boland, it’s rosé all day! She loves the happy hour at River North’s Hampton Social for its cool, East Coast vibe and half off pizzas and rosé every Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.