Guide: Where to Find Boozy Punches

by Daniel Gerzina Oct 30, 2013, 10:18am CDT

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by Daniel Gerzina Oct 30, 2013, 10:18am CDT

While not a fruit punch or a punch bowl common in sports bars, craft punches are appearing on more and more menus these days. Originally made with a mix of strong liquor, weak liquor, bitter, sour, and sweet ingredients, bartenders in town are taking more liberties in putting their spin on the eighteenth century libation. Check out the map to see their punch creations and where to sip on them in Chicago.

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Eater Chicago intern Aimee Gasior contributed to this story.

Punch House

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From the creators of Longman and Eagle and The Empty Bottle, this libation-serving offspring has been transformed from old Pilsen opera house into a punch-focused cocktail lounge. Eight house-crafted punches can be enjoyed daily from 6 p.m.-2 a.m.

1227 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608

(312) 526-3851

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The Drawing Room

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Why settle for just one when you can have three of former head bartender Charles Joly's hand-crafted punch creations at this Gold Coast hideaway? Choose from a grenadine, whiskey, or a wine-based punch utilizing local flavors that include "forever nuts" by David's Tea.

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937 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611

(312) 266-2694

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Tortoise Club

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A slow and steady tortoise wins the race, but just try to drink this take on the classic "planter's punch" slowly.

350 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654

(312) 755-1700

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Three Dots and a Dash

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Lead by twinkling tiki lights, this island-themed bar serves up a trio of dangerously tenacious punchbowls.

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435 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

(312) 610-4220

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The Drinkingbird

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The real surprise of this 60s-inspired den are the punches on the weekend brunch menu: the sweet and creamy "brandy milk" and the hibiscus-flavored "sake punch."

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2201 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

(773) 472-9920

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Carriage House

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Located on the Division Street strip in Wicker Park, this modern day carriage house offers two contemporary Southern-inspired punches: the sweet and spiced tea-based "chucktown punch" and the aromatic, bubbly "tequila mockingbird."

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1700 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622

(773) 384-9700

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Maude's Liquor Bar

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Mixed with red wine, Smith and Cross rum, and allspice liqueur, "maude's punch" is a favorite at this trendy Parisian lounge.

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840 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

(312) 243-9712

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City Tavern

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Inspired by an 18th century colonial tavern, City Tavern has created two punches to represent their modern day spin on the classics. The options are a traditional black tea and rum punch, and a sweet and spiced milk intoxicant.

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1416 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605

(312) 663-1278

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The Barrelhouse Flat

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Whether its served in a crystal punch bowl, an antique pitcher or a glass, these craft punches certainly are picturesque. Choices include a classic tart "house punch" or a spiced Banks 7 Rum-based "joseph banks explorer."