Illinois’ Drink of Summer Can Be Found at These 3 Iconic Places

For the past few years, I've watched as Aperol Spritz became the it cocktail of the moment and then faded away—only to resurge. Back and forth, the spritz gets batted around like one too many volleyballs at Oak Street Beach. Even so, bars across Illinois are finding ways to add their own touches to the summertime favorite. From bottomless spritzes at Bar Siena to seasonal variations at Bar Bella to spritzy happy hours at Happy Camper, Illinoisans are not letting the spritz get away. Light and refreshing, these cocktails are summer staples for a reason—especially in a short Midwestern patio season. Here is where you can find seasonal spritzes in Illinois.

1. Bar Bella - Springfield, Illinois

Bar Bella is as effervescent as a spritz itself. Colorful and vibrant, this spot is the epitome of a day of bubbly relaxation; you can even rent a spot in the greenhouse area to get the patio day feel. It's like glamping, but bar style. You can be outside without actually being outside, which is ideal for summer drinks in Illinois where the weather is fickle even in July and August. Restaurants with patio views are simply the best. Plus, Bar Bella features seasonal spritzes to keep your palate vibing as the weather changes. This summer, that vibe is to the tune of the Pomegranate Limoncello Spritz with prosecco, club soda, PAMA, and lemon.

2. Happy Camper - Chicago, Illinois

Happy Camper has a few locations in the Prairie State, and my personal favorite is in Old Town. You can't really go wrong with any of their spots, which are among the best bar spots in Illinois for vibes alone, especially during Happy Camper Happy Hour when spritzes are on special. The atmosphere at a Happy Camper is immaculate, with space to meet and mingle, a patio space, and tire swings at the bar; spritzes taste good in a place like this. Check out their seasonal menu, where you'll find concoctions like a Strawberry Spritz with tequila, prosecco, strawberry puree, and triple sec. Don't worry, you can still get a typical Aperol Spritz, Paradise Spritz (Aperol, prosecco, and grapefruit), or the iconic Trailer Park Queen (St. Germain, prosecco, and lemon).

3. Bar Siena - Chicago, IL

Spritz aficionados, those with summertime beverage bravado, need to pay special attention to Bar Siena in the West Loop. Not only do they serve up seasonal spritzes or even frozen ones, but they offer a brunchtime Bottomless Spritz experience. For $38.99 per person (plus tax and gratuity) for 2 hours, you can enjoy spritzes to your heart's content. Sip your way through Frozen Italian Spritzes (apervita aperitif, prosecco, and citrus) until those midsummer temps aren't getting you down anymore. Honestly, a frozen spritz could bring me back from the brink of melting.

As much as some of my Chicagoland friends would love to say that Malört is the cocktail of summer, that's just not true. (The Chicago Handshake is not getting a participation trophy here.) What is, and what you'll see on menus throughout Illinois, is an imaginative spritz. Pretty, colorful, or chilled from frost, these drinks define many a Midwestern patio season. We don't get many hours outdoors in reasonable weather, so we know how to make the most of them. Hanging outside with a drink in my hand is one of my favorite things to do in Illinois in the summer. Raise a glass to another day exploring Chicago, Springfield, or the Prairie State at large. We know spritzes.