Taking inspiration from the first modern cabarets in the Latin Quarter of Paris and American Prohibition, Bordel has quickly become one Chicago's most buzzed about hidden gems. While Bordel's unmarked doors might be hard to explain to your taxi driver, everyone already knows the secret entrance to Bordel.
Bordel isn't your typical speakeasy; with master mixologist Brian Sturgulewski as its beverage director, and intriguing, unexpected performances four nights a week, Bordel has become a hot spot for all the artful and daring souls in Chicago.
Bordel's Boston Club Punch
Bordel's new winter cocktail menu is nothing short of spectacular. Its already popular punch service list has just expanded with three new punch options on the menu such the
18th District Station, named after a local police station with outstanding whiskey and mulling spice flavors. "Punch is a staple at Bordel because it draws people together and it is meant to be shared," explains Sturgulewski. Punch served in tea pots is a must-have drink on Wednesday nights at Bordel, when the venue hosts a Prohibition-inspired Speakeasy night with live jazz music. Wondering why they chose to serve a punch in a teacup? There's a good reason behind it: "Like Bordel, the punch is hidden in plain sight. America has a unique drinking history because of prohibition, and there are legends from that period that are fun to reference-- one of them being booze served instead of tea in high-end hotels and speakeasies," explains Sturgulewski.
The newest addition to Bordel's cocktail menu is the Porron-- a traditional Spanish glass wine
pitcher. Since its opening back in late August of last year, Bordel has hosted many groups who love to have a good time. In the interest of that, Bordel has decided to experiment with large format cocktails to serve an entire group. What's the difference between a punch and a porron? "Large cocktails are different than punches as they are full on drinks that haven't been stretched with any element," explains Sturgulewski. These Spanish decanters take some practice, but it's definitely worth a try, especially on the hot Saturdays nights at Bordel when enjoying the best Flamenco performance outside of Sevilla.
In addition to punch and porron service, Bordel has become known for its pioneering cocktail menu that speaks for itself. One that caught our eye right away is the
Some Come Running cocktail with Scotch Whisky, Blanco Tequila, Cocchi Americano, Lemon, Salted Rim, and… Horseradish Honey! When asked about this ingredient, Sturgulewski notes, "Horseradish is a close relative of ginger, however it's usually used in savory meals. We wanted to change that, so we mixed it with honey which compliments the spice of the horseradish, and then we add two spirits with bright, salty flavors: tequila and scotch." While this cocktail sounds daring and intriguing, it's certainly worth a try on a Thursday night at Bordel when the space hosts an evening of fetish, mystique, and submission called "Yes, Mistress". We wish we could tell you more about it, but all we know is that it's an intimate yet raucous evening.
For those feeling less adventurous, there's also a choice of wines, bubbles and beer.
Taking inspiration from the first modern cabarets in the Latin Quarter of Paris and American Prohibition, Bordel has quickly become one Chicago's most buzzed about hidden gems. While Bordel's unmarked doors might be hard to explain to your taxi driver, everyone already knows the secret entrance to Bordel.
Bordel isn't your typical speakeasy; with master mixologist Brian Sturgulewski as its beverage director, and intriguing, unexpected performances four nights a week, Bordel has become a hot spot for all the artful and daring souls in Chicago.
Bordel's new winter cocktail menu is nothing short of spectacular. Its already popular punch service list has just expanded with three new punch options on the menu such the 18th District Station, named after a local police station with outstanding whiskey and mulling spice flavors. "Punch is a staple at Bordel because it draws people together and it is meant to be shared," explains Sturgulewski. Punch served in tea pots is a must-have drink on Wednesday nights at Bordel, when the venue hosts a Prohibition-inspired Speakeasy night with live jazz music. Wondering why they chose to serve a punch in a teacup? There's a good reason behind it: "Like Bordel, the punch is hidden in plain sight. America has a unique drinking history because of prohibition, and there are legends from that period that are fun to reference-- one of them being booze served instead of tea in high-end hotels and speakeasies," explains Sturgulewski.
The newest addition to Bordel's cocktail menu is the Porron-- a traditional Spanish glass wine pitcher. Since its opening back in late August of last year, Bordel has hosted many groups who love to have a good time. In the interest of that, Bordel has decided to experiment with large format cocktails to serve an entire group. What's the difference between a punch and a porron? "Large cocktails are different than punches as they are full on drinks that haven't been stretched with any element," explains Sturgulewski. These Spanish decanters take some practice, but it's definitely worth a try, especially on the hot Saturdays nights at Bordel when enjoying the best Flamenco performance outside of Sevilla.
In addition to punch and porron service, Bordel has become known for its pioneering cocktail menu that speaks for itself. One that caught our eye right away is the Some Come Running cocktail with Scotch Whisky, Blanco Tequila, Cocchi Americano, Lemon, Salted Rim, and… Horseradish Honey! When asked about this ingredient, Sturgulewski notes, "Horseradish is a close relative of ginger, however it's usually used in savory meals. We wanted to change that, so we mixed it with honey which compliments the spice of the horseradish, and then we add two spirits with bright, salty flavors: tequila and scotch." While this cocktail sounds daring and intriguing, it's certainly worth a try on a Thursday night at Bordel when the space hosts an evening of fetish, mystique, and submission called "Yes, Mistress". We wish we could tell you more about it, but all we know is that it's an intimate yet raucous evening.
For those feeling less adventurous, there's also a choice of wines, bubbles and beer.
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