In a city where beer can be equated to the gold standard, it is tempting to follow that true Milwaukee instinct and order up another round of tall cold ones. And after say, four years of drinking nothing but Miller Lite when out on the town, one might be intimidated by the wide assortment of colors and extravagantly named concoctions filling the glasses of those nearb.
So, to make it easier for you, OnMilwaukee has assembled a list of some of the most creative specialty drinks Milwaukee bars and clubs have to offer!
Over on the East Side, the BBC Bar and Grill, 2022 E. North Ave., prides its "Anti Freeze" as its most celebrated crowd-pleasing specialty. Mixing Blue Curacao, triple-sec, Peach Schnapps, pineapple juice, and 7-Up, this $5 beverage is served up cold in a traditional pint glass adding a nice accent to any televised sporting event.
For a very special martini menu and an evening of classic elegance, turn to the Hi Hat Lounge, 1701 N. Arlington Pl., where drinks such as "The Awake" and "The Heaven" make a nice accessory to any empty hand. For $11 "The Awake" is made with Skyy Vodka, Kahlua, a shot of espresso and Godiva Cappuccino liqueur shaken together and garnished with espresso beans. At a dollar less, "The Heaven" is a chocolate martini composed of rich Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Vodka, Frangelico, Godiva Chocolate and Cappuccino liqueurs, topped with a swirl of chocolate syrup and rimmed with cocoa powder. Along with "The Crimson," a martini made with Hendrick's Gin, lime juice, Grenadine, and a splash of Zinfandel Port, these specialties are just a few from the rich selection of specialties offered.
For a slight change of pace, you might try the "Happy Bowl," the alcoholic pride and joy of Have a Nice Day Café, 1103 N. Old World 3rd St. Served in a 32-oz. fish bowl with the bar's moniker emblazoned on the side and long colorful straws, this mix of vodka, Kool-Aid and various Pucker flavorings can be refilled for $9 and sets the tone for fun at the city's premier disco ball-illuminated, retro dance club.
The recently remodeled Fluid, 819 S. 2nd St., is another great place to kick back and relax with friends; and, its white chocolate "Coco Chanel"($7.50) martini (made with Skyy Vodka, Crème de Cocoa, Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur all in a glass rimmed with cocoa), is just the drink to accompany the jazz, pop and dance music lilting gently throughout the lounge.
South Side patrons can take a step back in time at the Landmark 1850 Inn, 5905 S. Howell Ave. Serving over 40 martinis, this Victorian retreat is decorated with hardwood floors, a tin ceiling, ornate bars and old elegant fixtures. If you're in the mood for a good, stiff drink, "The Sandy Penis" ($4.50) is a staff favorite and take-off of the classic "Sex on the Beach." It is made with Midori Sour, Jack Daniels, Southern Comfort, Captain Morgan's Rum, pineapple and cranberry juices and Peach Schnapps. And Landmark's equally popular "Purple Haze"($7) consists of Bacardi O, Blue Curacao, lemonade and Grenadine.
Read about some other unique bars in Milwaukee, including Bay View's legendary At Random lounge, here.
