With the return of Chicago Style, the mixology world once again turns its focus to the Windy City.
Photo by Jackie Rivas/courtesy of Chicago Style
After a successful launch last spring, Chicago Style, the city’s own cocktail industry conference, returns May 6 to 9 for a second year of workshops, seminars, competitions and parties. Sorting through the multievent, four-day schedule can be overwhelming, so we’ve pared it down to four can’t-miss events.
1. Bar Fight Club
This fight club you can talk about. Six of the country’s best bars face off in one venue, delivering one-night-only, pop-up versions of themselves. Both a Judge’s Pick and People’s Choice will be named. Last year’s winner, Starline Social Club, from Oakland, Calif., will be returning for a pop-up on May 8. May 6, 10PM, Fulton Market Kitchen, 311 N. Sangamon St.
2. Speed Rack national finals
Speed Rack—a long-running charitable enterprise that pits star female bartenders against one another in a test of speed and accuracy—found a permanent home for its finals when Chicago Style formed last year. The event, always fun and rather raucous, has so far raised more than $700,000 for charities supporting breast cancer research. May 7, 6:30PM, Morgan MFG, 401 N. Morgan St.
3. Women of Mexico’s spirits panel
The role of women in the fast-growing world of Mexican spirits such as tequila and mezcal is examined in this panel, which will be conducted in Spanish, with English translation via headsets. May 8, 1:15PM, Ace Hotel Chicago, 311 N. Morgan St.
4. Sustainability seminar
Sustainability behind the bar has become a hot topic in recent years. Bar owner Claire Sprouse, a leader in the movement, will discuss how any bar can become a greener place. May 9, 2:45PM, Ace Hotel Chicago, 311 N. Morgan St.
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