Drinker's Diary #22ο½The Aviary β Chicago πΊπΈ
Happy Friday β it's drinking time again π₯. Snuck out for a quick after-work drink at a highly-rated bar near the hotel. Summer in Mallorca πππ About $20 of the $30 price tag goes into the fancy presentation. Tastes like melted fruit candy β subtle prosciutto aroma but no taste. Base is sangria, so it's mild with a slightly tangy finish. Melon & pineapple notes were faint β could pass as a berry cocktail. A safe, sweet sip. Jungle Bird ππ Starts sweet, turns sour, then hits like smoky cough syrup π―π₯, followed by a lingering bitterness (kinda like life π₯²). Rum pearls inside add an extra boozy punch β as if they worried the drink wasnβt strong enough. That drink in the circle thing ππ Saw it on almost every table, so had to join the hype. When the server brought it over, he asked, βYou know what this is?β I thought heβd name some fancy vesselβ¦ but he said, βItβs a circle thing.β π Bartender mentioned each cup tastes slightly different due to varying infusion times. First cup: a burst of spiced lavender β like all the herbs from roast chicken soaked in lavender booze, with a hidden orange note. Second cup: more sour and bitter (blood orange peel steeped too long). Third cup: similar to the second. Orange aftertaste throughout. Smoked Papaya πππ Smoky sweetie π§‘. Served under a cloche β lifting it released a campfire smokiness like Iβd just burned my house down π π₯. Texture was thick, almost pulpy β could sense the papaya fibers. Final take: Not sure how they earned those high ratings β every drink was loaded with sugar π¬. Maybe lifeβs too bitter and the owner wants us all to have more sweetness? If youβre nearby after dinner, itβs a fine stop. But donβt make a special trip just for the drinks. Heard their speakeasy The Office (same location) is better β maybe try that instead. If you do go, consider the 3-course cocktail tasting ($75) β since single drinks run $27+. π The Aviary 955 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607, United States #ChicagoLife #TheAviary #CocktailReview #DrinkerDiary #ChicagoBars #OverlySweet
