We’ve been so inspired by the myriad of ways in which businesses have pivoted over the past year. Many of our favorite bars and restaurants have come up with creative, seasonally-rotating cocktail kits for their patrons to bring home with them, and it’s become one of our favorite ways to show continued support for the local establishments we love.
Be sure to check out our favorite cocktail kits from area distilleries as well as our list of unexpected places to find home bartending inspiration! As always, Top Note Tonic reminds you to please drink responsibly.
Manhattan cocktail kit from Boone & Crockett (serves 4): Templeton Rye, Carpano Classico, Angostura Bitters, served with Amarena cherries (Image credit: Boone & Crockett)
Boone & Crockett, Milwaukee, WI
Pioneers of both classic cocktails and creative seasonal cocktails and mocktails, offering cocktail kits for pickup in Harbor View.
Visible Light cocktail kit from Community Tavern (serves 2): vodka, yellow chartreuse, honey, orange bitters, Top Note Club Soda No. 1, lime juice (Image credit: Community Tavern)
Community Tavern, Chicago, IL
A self-proclaimed “elevated mom & pop restaurant” in Portage Park offering dinner, meal kits, non-alcoholic creations, to-go cocktails, and single bottles of Top Note sparkling mixers for pickup and delivery. Bonus: kids eat free every Tues-Thurs & Sun.!
Negroni Spritz from Lost Whale (serves 6-8): Bombay Sapphire London Dry & Roku Japanese Gin, Lillet Rose, Campari, house-made Strawberry Water, Orange Oleo Citrate, carbonation (Image credit: Lost Whale)
Lost Whale, Milwaukee, WI
One of the first in the city to offer cocktail kits, they continue to offer a curated selection of kits for pickup in Bay View. Bonus: add a bag of fancy pebble ice to your order for $3!
The Remedy (spirit-free) from Bar Kumiko (serves 2): Kinmokusei, Fennel Seed, Angelica, and choice of Top Note Mixer (Image credit: Bar Kumiko)
Bar Kumiko, Chicago, IL
One of our favorite spots in Chicago, this West Loop bar & restaurant continues to serve up some of the most uniquely inspired food and drinks we’ve seen. In addition to pre-batched cocktails and spirit-free options, they also have an impressive selection of bottled spirits, bitters, garnishes and fancy ice all available for pickup and delivery.