Dearly Beloved

isabellejkendrick
May 20
1 min read

One of my favorite weekend activities is finding a new cocktail bar—and Dearly Beloved in Chicago made for a great weekend stop. This cocktail lounge is known for its daring drinks, moody ambiance, and a menu that pushes creative boundaries (including one cocktail made with tarantula tincture.

While I skipped the arachnid-inspired concoction, the cocktails I did try were both inventive and delicious. First up was The Sandman, a mezcal-based drink made with lime soda, honey, and diamond grapes. It struck the perfect balance between smoky and sweet, and the frozen grapes were a refreshing, fun touch I hadn’t seen before. It was unlike any mezcal drink I’ve had—and a new favorite.

Mezcal cocktail "The Sandman" garnished with frozen diamond grapes

To end the night, I went for a classic with a twist: an Espresso Martini featuring Chicagoland Spirit espresso vodka, fresh espresso, demerara, and a touch of mascarpone. This made for a creamy, smooth cocktail with bold espresso notes that made for the perfect nightcap.

Espresso martini with mascarpone and Chicagoland Spirit vodka

Dearly Beloved is a must-visit cocktail bar if you’re into bold flavor combinations, moody vibes, and daring drinks. From the smoky-sweet mezcal to the smooth espresso martini, it’s a fun, elevated stop for any cocktail lover in Chicago.