Infusing spirits with flavors is not only fun, it's also a practical option for bartenders and discerning at-home cocktail-crafters who are looking to experiment a bit. An infused spirit can completely change the taste of a traditional drink, and even add some flair to seasonal options. For those interested in tasting the difference, here are 13 spots around Chicago infusing some extra oomph into their cocktails.
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13 Spots Stepping Up Their Cocktail Game with House-Infused Spirits

Fish Bar
The cheekily named "Smokeshow" cocktail at Fish Bar offers a nice kick thanks to its jalapeno-infused Lunazul Tequila, which is mixed with Vida Mezcal, hibiscus, and lime.
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GreenRiver
Opened by the team behind NYC’s praise-baiting Dead Rabbit, GreenRiver became one of Chicago’s most-polished cocktail spots even before it got time to hit its stride. Come for the great bites and head-turning views, but stay for the "Tommy Gun," which is made with pineapple-infused Kappa Pisco, Garam Masala, lime juice, and aromatic bitters.
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Rec Room
Rec Room is the place to go if you’re in River North but don’t want to feel like you’re in River North. The hard-partying basement bar features a variety of fun, simple cocktails, as well as house-infused vodka of the day. Also try the "Snake ‘Em on Down" cocktail, made with basil-infused vodka, house-made strawberry-basil soda, and lime.
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Bordel
This secret-ish Ukrainian Village cocktail lounge has no problem letting its hair down and having some fun—as evidenced by its Banana Foster Old Fashioned. It’s made with banana-infused Irish whiskey, brown sugar, cinnamon, and bitters.
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River Roast
Stunning views, picturesque entrees, and inventive vegetarian-dishes are all great reasons to visit River Roast. The "Hemingway’s Muse" cocktail is just added incentive, and it’s made with mint-and-lime infused Brugal Rum, Demerara sugar, and club soda.
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Adamus
The stunning Silversmith Hotel lounge may look like a million bucks, but it also offers a great weekday happy-hour menu that’s easy on the wallet. You can also stop in for brunch and order up the "Monster of the Midway Bloody Mary," which is made with bacon-infused Grey Goose, a house-made bloody mix, and fourteen different garnishes.
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Bread & Wine
A play on the dark and stormy, Bread & Wine’s "Second City Storm" is made with rum that’s infused with toasted pecans, cinnamon, and vanilla bean. The complex spirit is buttressed with sassafras simple-syrup, lime, Jamaican-jerk bitters, and ginger beer.
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Presidio
A fun, exotic mix of equator-hugging flavors, Presidio’s "Pisco Punch #1" mixes Thai-chili-infused Pisco with mango, lime, and coconut.
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Southport & Irving
It can be easy to get lost among the shuffle of cocktail-hotspot openings. Nevertheless, the underrated SIP (Southport & Irving) is quietly crafting some interesting drinks, including the "One More Please." It’s made with mushroom-infused Plantation Original Dark Rum, Skadi Aquavit, carrot-beet shrubs, lemon, egg-white, absinthe, and club soda.
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Cantina Laredo
Available in citrus and strawberry flavors, Cantina Laredo’s Hatch margaritas feature Avión Silver Tequila infused with Hatch chile peppers.
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Barley & Brass
Hey, we’re not going to sweat you for downing a shot of Fireball once in a while. However, like some other bars, Barley & Brass makes its own cinnamon-infused whiskey in-house, which serves as a tastier, more-respectable option.
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Jake Melnick's Corner Tap
At Jake Melnick’s, beverage director Emilie Sharboneau gets hands-on by infusing Modest Vodka with vanilla beans in-house. The spirit is featured in the "Get Toasted" cocktail, which is also made with Vander Mill Cider and a splash of cranberry.
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Tavern on Rush
Simple but packing a serious punch, Tavern on Rush’s pineapple-infused Absolut Vodka is popular among patrons who either order it shaken up in a martini glass or on the rocks.
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