Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Cheers! Today Is National Daiquiri Day . . .

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A picture perfect Daiquiri via BeingLatino.wordpress.com.

It's been rumored that the Daiquiri originated in the small town of Daiquiri on the east coast of Cuba.

Oak Park native Ernest Hemingway brought the cocktail to infamy during his travels there in the 1930s, and on some classic menus you'll even find the Hemingway Daiquiri. It's made of White Rum, Lime, Grapefruit, Maraschino Liqueur and Cane Syrup.

Most spots around town serve the frozen variety, but there are a few establishments serving the Daiquiri in the classic tradition. And as July 19 is observed as National Daiquiri Day, here's where to go to celebrate:

Bar DeVille: Ukrainian Village's best corner bar is full of hipsters and very loud rock music, but don't let that discourage you from going. Bartenders here know their cocktails and are obsessed with the classics. Here you'll find the Hemingway Daiquiri in its purest form.

Double A: Mercadito's sexy lower-level lounge puts its own spin on the Hemingway Daiquiri with four-year-old Flor De Cana rum, maraschino liqueur, grapefruit and fresh lime.

Frontera Grill: The iconic River North resto specializes in Mexican fare, but that doesn't mean you won't get a great Daiquiri here. Just belly up to the bar and let the bartenders work their magic.

Roka Akor: Just across the street from Frontera Grill is a sushi and steak newcomer offering an Asian-focused version of the cocktail. The Ginger Daiquiri is well balanced with Novo Fogo Cachaça, house-made ginger syrup, fresh squeezed lime juice, a crushed brown sugar cube and finished with lemon essence.

The Violet Hour: And if you've got 20 to 25 minutes to spare, they're always willing to whip one up for you in Wicker Park's most buzzed-about cocktail lounge. It might take a while, but it will definitely be worth the wait.

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