Drinking the Heat Away

Can you feel that?

Humidity you can chew on. A thousand straight hours of cloud cover. A complete lack of this city’s famous wind.

Feels like summertime in Chicago. And that means two things: Winter clothes belong on the shelf. And so do winter drinks.

I know alcohol makes you sweat. And hit on your boss’s daughter. But some drinks beat the heat better than others. 

Sure, you can still order the 10% alcohol meal-in-a-glass stouts, or sip the heavy dessert wines, or take your whiskey neat. I get that, I love them, too. But I got two words for you: pit stains.

Here’s my advice for beer drinkers: Go German. Lagers, Kolschs, Hefeweizens. The styles are classic, and, more importantly, refreshing. Those beer mongers nailed the light, crisp, but still flavorful session beers. And the good news is that many American craft breweries have taken on a summer beer in those traditions. Try Anchor Summer Beer. Or if you’re really into this muggy, sun-filled season, try beer infused with a light fruit. Dogfish Head Festina Peche is a beer that lets you embrace fruit this summer and still feel like a man. 

The cocktails have a simple formula: Keep it fruity, keep it carbonated, or do both. And when it comes to mixers, don’t venture too far away from the color white. (Color generally comes from aging, which adds a multitude of flavor, which often clashes with mixers and is generally more alcoholic.) It’s hard to go wrong with a margarita or a standard mojito.

And for the vinos: Prosecco. Just like that. It was once a relatively obscure grape that rarely got out of Italy. Now it’s booming popularity has put it on the shelf in every liquor store in the world. And if you don’t do bubbly, there’s always a Sauvignon Blanc. Ask your shop owner for a bottle that’s grassy in flavor. Sounds bad, tastes great.

Stay thirsty.

KM Montgomery