Shaking up Chicago martinis
DRINK | Chicago mixologists give new meaning to martini
"A martini. Shaken, not stirred."
That cinematic catchphrase, delivered by a very suave Sean Connery as super spy James Bond in the 1964 film "Goldfinger," catapulted the martini to iconic status.
(Richard A. Chapman/Dom Najolia/
The drink -- traditionally, gin with vermouth and a green olive garnish -- is timeless.
But lately, Chicago mixologists have been stirring, make that, shaking up versions that bear little resemblance to the classic.
Here's a dozen to whet your whistle:
Cloudgate
Tavern at the Park, 130 E. Randolph
What it is: Grey Goose La Poire and Champagne rimmed with edible silver. Comes with a sterling silver Elsa Peretti necklace
Price: $199
Taste: Effervescent, aromatic and potent. And how many opportunities do you have to shop while having a drink?
Perfect for: The affluent.
Nicotini
Viet Bistro, 1346 W. Devon
What it is: Tobacco steeped in sugar cane, with gin, vodka or rum and aromatics, including lemongrass and tamarind.
Price: $10
Taste: Amazingly refreshing, aromatic and light. All 27 martinis on the drink list can be made into a Nicotini.
Perfect for: Creative types, trying-to-quit smokers.
Decadent Chocolate
Martini Park, 151 W. Erie
What it is: Absolut Vanilla, Godiva white and dark chocolate liqueur, chocolate drizzle and a cherry at the bottom.
Price: $12
Taste: Smooth and creamy. Try this as an after-dinner drink.
Perfect for: Sweet tooths.
Pink Panther
Timothy O'Toole's Pub Chicago, 622 N. Fairbanks Ct.
What it is: SV Vodka, X Rated Fusion Liqueur, watermelon schnapps and peach schnapps.
Price: $9
Taste: Pretty in pink and sweet, but like the cat it's named for, it will creep up on you.
Perfect for: Fun seekers.
Original Hawaiian
Roy's Chicago, 720 N. State
What it is: Maui pineapple steeped in SKYY Vodka, Stoli Vanil and Malibu Coconut Rum, shaken and served with fresh pineapple.
Price: $9
Taste: Vacation in a glass. Goes down easy, but has a volcanic aftershock.
Perfect for: Beach lovers.
Rootbeertini
Berghoff, 17 W. Adams
What it is: Berghoff root beer, Bailey's Irish Cream, vodka.
Price: $9
Taste: A smooth and creamy root beer float -- for adults.
Perfect for: When nostalgia hits.
Tony Miu's Zentini
Cityscape Bar, 350 Holiday Plaza Mart
What it is: Skyy Citrus Vodka, Zen Green Tea Liqueur, lime juice.
Price: $9
Taste: Crisp and clean. Gives the illusion of doing something good for your body.
Perfect for: After yoga.
Patini
200 East Supper Club, 200 E. Chestnut
What it is: Vodka, Champagne and pineapple juice.
Price: $10
Taste: Bubbly with a little kick, like the sassy diva it's named for, Pat Brickhouse.
Perfect for: A-listers.
Lava Lamp
Kit Kat Club, 3700 N. Halsted
What it is: Vodka, Sprite and a floating Jell-O shot.
Price: $10
Taste: A tad sweet but awesome presentation. It really looks like the liquid in a Lava Lamp.
Perfect for: Getting in the groove.
Love Potion
Citizen Bar, 364 W. Erie
What it is: Mezzaluna vodka, Serena dessert wine, Deviation orange muscat dessert wine and Damiana.
Price: $9
Taste: Like true love, this delicate, blushing rose-colored drink grows on you.
Perfect for: Romantic interludes.
Sex in the South Loop
Room21, 2110 S. Wabash
What it is: Malibu, pomegranate liqueur, framboise, Champagne and pineapple juice, garnished with star fruit.
Price: $11
Taste: Sweet and seductive, but still classy.
Perfect for: Urban gals.
Jalapenotini
Carnivale, 702 W. Fulton
What it is: Gran Centenarui Repsado Tequila, Agavero liquor, Midori, lime and jalapeno slices.
Price: $9
Taste: Sweet yet savory, it captures the spirit of the Latin culture.
Perfect for: Spicing up your life.