A new twist on the traditional boilermaker

Ask a bartender what their favorite drink is and you’re likely to get boilermaker as the answer. This simple order — a shot of liquor, like whiskey, paired with a pint of beer — has a much disputed origin story, but it’s widely agreed to have been adopted by blue collar workers as a post-shift pick-me-up. Simple and fuss-free, boilermakers are an easy-to-order balm to a long day. These days, some bartenders play with the pairing. At Henry’s in River North, a special menu goes beyond just brown spirits for more esoteric choices, like Fernet-Branca with Founder’s All Day IPA or Exotico Blanco Tequila with Shiner Bock. The best way to consume a boilermaker? Shoot the spirit, nurse the beer.