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Bar Wed Oct 06 2010
Fall Cocktails at The Southern
I can summarize my sophomore year of college by saying this: I haven't drunk bourbon since then. So last night when I went to The Southern for the unveiling of their new fall cocktails, a wave of nervous excitement ran through me as I saw that several of their drinks contained bourbon. Like any good champion of drinking, I felt it was time to get back on the bourbon wagon and confront my greatest demon.
To start I ordered the most intimidating of bourbon drinks: Southern Apple Pie. Sure the name is adorable, but this drink is anything but cute. Served neat in a snifter glass, this was definitely the right drink to start back on the bourbon train. The infused bourbon was sweet with hints of Moroccan vanilla and obviously apple. While I wouldn't say it tasted like a pie, it was just as comforting.
Next I ordered the Sasparilla (pictured). Much like it's name this drink is sassy. A cross between a rum and coke and a really good root beer, I could easily make this my daily libation. A combination of Galliano, Kahlua, cola, soda water, lime and rhubarb bitters, the Sas was unanimously voted as the best drink among our table.
To top off the night we went with the Mississippi Milk: a pecan infused vodka combined with cream. Wow. The drink was surprising light, and full of pecan flavor. The vodka still had a strong bite, but was nicely balanced by the sweetness in the cream.
Throughout the evening, appetizers like shrimp with andouille sausage and remoulade sauce, beef skewers with djion aioli, and pimento cheese on toast were passed around by the manager, Evan, who was incredibly nice and helpful in making our drink decisions. Being a Southern I can attest that the food was pretty on point and Chef Cary Taylor has done well with this menu.
This fall you should make an effort to try one or any of the drinks listed (I sampled them all and they're all good). On Saturdays the bar shows SEC or ACC football games with $5 Jack Daniel's cocktails and $3 SoCo lime shots - although I don't know if I am ready to head back to sophomore year just yet...
The Southern
1840 West North
Chicago, IL 60622
