Though we haven’t felt the pains of winter just yet, any good Chicagoan understands that we have a long season ahead of us. You know what they say: Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. And if the worst involves subzero temperatures and icy terrain, you’ll want to prep your apartment for hibernation mode. We suggest starting with your bar cart. After all, there’s no shortage of boozy goodies in this city. Here are our favorite local libations and treats—most available in a liquor store near you—to keep your glasses full and faces flushed in the comfy confines of your home this winter. We included a few spots where you can find each selection, but please keep in mind that prices and availability may vary depending on the retailer. Before we get started, you’ll want to make some room on your bar cart.
CH Distillery vodka ($28)
Find it at: Mariano’s, Whole Foods and Binny’s locations
Visit the maker: 564 W. Randolph St. 312-707-8780
Smooth drinking vodka made from Illinois grains at the West Loop distillery is fit to be sipped solo or used in a stiff cocktail. Look out for other spirits from CH, such as London dry gin, key lime gin and a dark, bitter amaro.
Letherbee Distillers gin ($12-$30)
Find it at: Whole Foods and Binny’s locations
Juniper, coriander, cardamom and cinnamon meet you up front, and a peppery finish from cubeb berries and ginger spanks you on the way out. This gin is excellent in a cocktail or on the rocks with a fresh lemon or orange peel. The North Center distiller also makes Besk (a bitter Swedish liqueur similar to Malort), fernet and a charred oak absinthe.
Weatherby’s Bolivian cola and orange saffron bitters ($18 each)
Find it at: Sportsman’s Club (948 N. Western Ave. 872-206-8054) and West Loop Salumi (1111 W. Randolph St. 312-255-7004)
Chicago bartender vet Greg Buttera (The Barrelhouse Flat, The Aviary) produces these all-natural bitters with mostly organic ingredients, and they’re some of the highest proof on the market, really making those aromatics pop.
Whiskey Acres Distilling Co. apple-flavored corn whiskey ($34.99)
Find it at: Whole Foods and Binny’s locations
Visit the maker: 11504 Keslinger Road, DeKalb 844-494-4753 (reopening March 2016)
We couldn’t ignore this limited release sweet apple treat from the family-owned farm that grows and distills its own grains in DeKalb, Ill. Jonamac Orchard apples are soaked in whiskey for two weeks and stirred with a canoe paddle twice daily. Look for bourbon coming this spring or try the vodka and corn whiskey in the meantime.
Few Spirits bourbon ($49.99)
Find it at: Binny’s, Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s locations
Visit the maker: 918 Chicago Ave., Evanston 847-920-8628
Rich caramel, a hint of wood, cloves and cinnamon are the flavor highlights of this young, spicy bourbon. The small-batch Evanston distillery also makes a rye whiskey and a series of gins, including a barrel aged option ($39.99).
Rare Tea Cellar syrups and shrubs (prices vary)
More Top Picks Bike Rack
Find it at: Publican Quality Meats (825 W. Fulton Market 312-445-8977)
This local tea supplier is a mecca of unique blends, syrups, shrubs and more. Bourbon-vanilla chai or cinnamon syrups will spice up a winter cocktail, while tangy huckleberry yuzo or Southern Decadence magnolia shrubs will add a sweet vinegary kick to any glass. We can’t get enough of these concoctions, but you can find them at rareteacellar.com.
Jeppson’s Malort ($17.99)
Find it at: Binny’s locations
Why the hell not? Though it’s not made in Chicago anymore, we had to give a shoutout to this brand. We like Letherbee’s and Few’s iterations (Besk and Anguish and Regret, respectively), but no bar is complete without Jeppson’s. So be a sport, stock your bar with malort.
Rhine Hall oaked apple brandy ($34.99)
Find it at: Binny’s, Whole Foods and Mariano’s locations
Visit the maker: 2010 W. Fulton St. 312-243-4313
For your sidecar-mixing needs and beyond, this West Town distillery has the ultimate companion. Their best-selling apple brandy is aged for three months in American Oak to create a smooth, vanilla-hinted blend that can be used in a variety of cocktails. (Psst! Go to rhinehall.com/apple-brandy for tons of unique recipes.)
Koval dry gin ($35)
Find it at: Binny’s, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods and Mariano’s locations
Visit the maker: 5121 N. Ravenswood Ave. 312-878-7988
There’s no doubt that this gorgeous bottle will be the crown jewel of your bar cart. But back to the booze: The small-batch gin is made with a blend of woodland spices, making it ideal for negroni or a classic G & T. Juniper and wildflower notes make it crisp, vibrant and perfectly sippable.
Koval jasmine liqueur ($24)
Find it at: Binny’s, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods and Mariano’s locations
Visit the maker: 5121 N. Ravenswood Ave. 312-878-7988
Like a big bouquet of flowers to the nose, this tasty liqueur is packed with floral power. Koval uses a white whiskey base, which gives the spirit a bit more depth. Play bartender at home and whip up a floral-focused cocktail when you need a break from old fashioneds.
Wansas silver tequila ($30)
Find it at: Mariano’s and Pete’s Fresh Market locations
Because a good margarita can make you forget about what’s happening outside. Produced by 312 Spirits, a Chicago-based beverage company that crafts Mexican spirits and beers, this artisan tequila is smooth enough for a round of shots or a dreamy paloma.
Mess Hall Cocktail Co. cocktail cherries ($18)
Find it at: messhallcocktail.com
Preserved by hand with sugar and bourbon—plus notes of star anise, cinnamon bark, peppercorn and rose petals—these sweet and sour cherries are light-years better than those syrupy maraschinos you’re used to. Available in 9- and 32-ounce jars ($18 and $46, respectively), Mess Hall cocktail cherries make a great housewarming gift or home bar accessory. Drop them in a manhattan or old fashioned, or just eat ’em straight from the jar.
Crafthouse Cocktails mini bottles ($19.99 for four pack)
Find it at: Binny’s locations
When you don’t have the time or energy to craft your own cocktail, these new mini bottles from Aviary vet Charles Joly will come in handy. Available in three flavors—Southside (gin, sugar and lime), moscow mule and paloma—they’re perfect in a pinch.
Vintage glassware (prices vary)
More Top Picks Best Walking Sandals With Arch Support Women
Find it at: Store B Vintage (1472 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-772-4296)
This Wicker Park shop has a carefully curated collection of vintage goods, including shelves and shelves of gorgeous glassware. We love these ’60s king and queen tumblers ($75) and vintage cocktail shaker with built-in recipes ($45).