Here’s a look at Memorial Day Weekend Chicago 2023 happenings and summer cocktails to check out.
Sugar Junkie
Sugar Junkie walk-up dessert window is reopening for the season on Saturday, May 27 at 2 p.m., just in time for Memorial Day weekend.
Using only the finest and freshest ingredients to create hand-crafted gelato, sorbet, gelato-cookie sandwiches, and take-and-bake cookie dough, Sugar Junkie has become one of the best dessert shops in the city.
This summer, Sugar Junkie fans are in for a special treat with the introduction of exciting new flavors like Lemon Blueberry Gelato (lemon gelato with swirls of blueberry sauce), Butterfinger Gelato (vanilla gelato with Butterfinger candy bar pieces), Raspberry-Mango Sorbet (raspberry and mango sorbets swirled together), and Monster Cookie Dough (oatmeal cookie dough with mini chocolate chips and mini M&M’s) to choose from in addition to the dessert window’s classic menu.
Kirkwood
Celebrate Memorial Day at Kirkwood with great food, drinks, and a spacious beer garden that can accommodate any size group, from small gatherings to large groups, bring the whole squad to hangout.
Pre-Memorial Day Party
Saturday, May 28 at 11 a.m.
- $6 Bud Light/Miller Lite Stadium Cups
$8 Vegas Bombs - DJ starts at 9 p.m. for all night dancing
Memorial Day
Doors Open on Monday, May 29th at 3pm
- $6 Bud Light/Miller Lite Stadium Cups
- Make a reservation for Memorial Day at Kirkwood here
Summer Cocktail Highlights
- Aperol Blood Orange Spritz: aperol, blood orange, prosecco, sparkling water
- Watermelon Mojito: bacardi superior, mint, demerara, lime juice, watermelon juice, sparkling water
- Cucumber Cooler: effen cucumber, lemon, demerara syrup, ginger ale
- White Tea Crusher: svedka, combier peach, lemon, simple syrup, sparkling water
Porter Kitchen & Deck
Porter’s Punch Stand is now open. Enjoy a vibrant al fresco experience on the deck at Porter Kitchen, featuring a selection of summer punch cocktails and a delicious food menu.
Offering breathtaking views of the city, Punch Stand is a unique and sought-after destination conveniently located along the Chicago River.
Punch Stand Summer Cocktail Highlights
- Cucumber Collins: effen cucumber, demerara syrup, lemon juice, ginger ale
- Rosé The Riveter: lillet rosé, svedka, st. elder, lemon, simple syrup
- Pomegranate Margarita: pueblo viejo, clase azul pomegranate liqueur agave, lime
- Watermelon Mojito: bacardi superior, watermelon, lime, mint demerara, sparkling water
- Strawberry Basil Smash: the botanist gin, strawberries, basil, lemon, simple syrup
- Porter Signature Manhattan:sazerac rye, carpano antica, tempus fugit kina l’aéro, angostura, plum bitters
Gaslight
Gaslight is a lively neighborhood bar in Lincoln Park that features three full bars, a delicious menu, and a spacious patio that is open seven days a week for brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Summer Cocktail Highlights
- Tequila Frose: a frozen mix of blanco tequila, rose wine, citrus and a pinch of sugar
- Summer Brew: deep eddy lemon, deep eddy sweet tea, lemon, simple syrup, allagash white
- Cruel Summer: svedka, bacardi superior, bombay, pueblo viejo, cointreau, pineapple. lemon, lindemans framboise
- Pina Colada: bacardi superior, pineapple juice, coconut nectar
Ranalli’s Lincoln Park
Longstanding favorite neighborhood bar, Ranalli’s offers guests delicious pizzas, iconic apps and great drinks in a comfortable and communal setting.
The space is lively, featuring televisions at every glance, an outdoor patio and is the perfect place to celebrate Memorial Day and summer with family and friends.
Summer Cocktail Highlights
- Aperol Spritz: prosecco, aperol, sparkling water
- Rosé Frose: our frozen mix of sugar, citrus, vodka and everyone’s favorite, pink water! (aka rosé)
- Check out these summer cocktails on Ranalli’s outdoor patio!
- Make reservations this summer for Ranalli’s Lincoln Park here
Highline
A staple for lunch, happy hour and dinner throughout the week, Highline offers upscale bar fare and a FREE arcade with classic games perfect for anyone looking for a fun place to celebrate the start of summer.
Summer Cocktail Highlights
- Georgia on My Mind: svedka peach, deep eddy sweet tea, lemon, simple syrup, allagash white
- Loose Goose: grey goose watermelon basil, blackberries, lemon, agave syrup, topo chico sparkling water
- Aperol Spritz: aperol, scarpetta prosecco, sparkling water, orange slice
- Jalapeño Gimlet: tanteo jalapeño infused blanco, simple syrup, lime
- Classic Margarita: pueblo viejo, cointreau, agave, lime