Kitty’s Cosmopolitan Club, which opened in March beneath the restaurant Crying Tiger in River North, channels an unabashedly posh vibe. There are martinis stirred on carts, bartenders in green velvet jackets, fancy plates, and even caviar service. “It’s a place that’s really intentional for you to go out for cocktails,” says beverage director Kevin Beary. “There are times when you want to be reassured that things are going to be at a very high level.”
That elevated experience comes in such touches as a warm towel and welcome cocktail while you peruse the menu, fresh bar snacks delivered with each drink, and bespoke glassware. Kitty’s is from the same team behind Gus’ Sip & Dip. The drinks here are pricier — most are in the low $20s — but the theme is similar: classics refined. Kitty’s puts its cocktails into three distinct categories: From the Cold Room (stored at minus 16 degrees), From the Bar (made to order), and From the Trolley (made on the tableside cart). Start with the following standouts.
Three Cocktails to Try
From the Cold Room: Rob Roy
“This is a great example of why you do freezer drinks,” says Beary. “By not having to stir the drink with ice to chill it, we’re not introducing dilution via water, so we’re able to use greater proportions of things at a lower ABV. It’s nearly equal parts Scotch and a blend of vermouths and amaros.”
From the Bar: Pisco Sour
“We’re starting with a floral pisco and bringing in Salers for depth of flavor. Green grapes need to be done fresh, so we’re muddling them into the cocktail, then shaking that with egg white, so you get a thick, foamy consistency.”
From the Trolley: Kitty’s Gin Martini
“The gin is Old Raj 55 percent, which has an infusion of saffron. It’s mixed with French blanc vermouth, Italian bianco vermouth, and dry Spanish vermouth. We’re presenting it tableside — building it in a mixing glass, stirring over ice, chilling the glass with liquid nitrogen, adding orange bitters, and then offering a lemon twist and Castelvetrano or gordal olives.”