A closer look: Local Author and Tonic Expert Celebrates Gin & Tonic Day at Belmont Tavern in Chicago, April 9th
With National Gin & Tonic Day just around the corner on Thursday, April 9, Nick Kokonas, Owner/Operator of the newly restored Belmont Tavern feels that this holiday isn’t just another drink-special day. It’s an extension of his deeper exploration of tonic itself, as captured in his book, Something & Tonic: A History of the World's Most Iconic Mixer. Kokonas’ exploration follows the history of tonic from its origins as a medical necessity to the highball.
What Kokonas describes as one of the world’s first versions of amaro, tonic is now a modern cocktail staple. The book includes original tonic cocktail recipes that riff on the nostalgic classic G&T. At Belmont Tavern, the narrative comes full circle, with each G&T order continuing the evolution Kokonas has been reinterpreting.
Belmont Tavern is a reincarnation of the Avondale bar that quietly closed in the 1990’s, Belmont Tavern re-opens its doors after 25 years of dormancy. Spearheading this project, bartender and author of the book, Something & Tonic, Nick Kokonas (Queen Mary, Longman & Eagle, and GreenRiver), serves as the new owner/operator and steward of Belmont Tavern. Kokonas’ love of history is what has shaped the new iteration of this tavern, which served the community for 60 years. The restoration of the building and its interior pays homage to as many details as possible of the 1882 building, as well as its industrial neighborhood. Built around house-made syrups, infusions, and bitters, the hyper-conceptual, seasonal menu delivers spins on classic cocktails in a community-driven atmosphere.
A closer look: Local Author and Tonic Expert Celebrates Gin & Tonic Day at Belmont Tavern in Chicago, April 9th
With National Gin & Tonic Day just around the corner on Thursday, April 9, Nick Kokonas, Owner/Operator of the newly restored Belmont Tavern feels that this holiday isn’t just another drink-special day. It’s an extension of his deeper exploration of tonic itself, as captured in his book, Something & Tonic: A History of the World's Most Iconic Mixer. Kokonas’ exploration follows the history of tonic from its origins as a medical necessity to the highball.
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In celebration on Thursday, April 9, Belmont Tavern will partner with Condesa Gin for an all-day “Hoppy Hour + Beyond” featuring:
What Kokonas describes as one of the world’s first versions of amaro, tonic is now a modern cocktail staple. The book includes original tonic cocktail recipes that riff on the nostalgic classic G&T. At Belmont Tavern, the narrative comes full circle, with each G&T order continuing the evolution Kokonas has been reinterpreting.
Belmont Tavern is a reincarnation of the Avondale bar that quietly closed in the 1990’s, Belmont Tavern re-opens its doors after 25 years of dormancy. Spearheading this project, bartender and author of the book, Something & Tonic, Nick Kokonas (Queen Mary, Longman & Eagle, and GreenRiver), serves as the new owner/operator and steward of Belmont Tavern. Kokonas’ love of history is what has shaped the new iteration of this tavern, which served the community for 60 years. The restoration of the building and its interior pays homage to as many details as possible of the 1882 building, as well as its industrial neighborhood. Built around house-made syrups, infusions, and bitters, the hyper-conceptual, seasonal menu delivers spins on classic cocktails in a community-driven atmosphere.
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