Summer in Lake County brings a bounty of beverages to explore, with countless options along the Lake County Libation Trail. From craft creations brewed right here to relaxing spots like the Beer Garden at Independence Grove Forest Preserve, where you can enjoy a wide selection of local libations. So kick back, unwind and indulge in the flavors of summer with Lake County's finest drinks.
Cheers to a season well spent!
Five Eyes Honey Ale
Did you know that bees have five eyes? Well, that is how this 6.5% ABV honey ale from Wright’s Brew and Bistro located inside Lincolnshire Marriott Resort got its name. This cream ale is brewed in collaboration with Tighthead Brewing Co. in Mundelein. The award-winning brew house utilizes the honey that is produced in the beehives on-site at the Lincolnshire resort. One sip and you will see what all the buzz is about.
Nashville Nights
Nashville Nights by Wild Onion Brewery is a unique beer featuring Mosaic hops, which impart flavors of pine, mango, and blueberry. The Kolsch yeast combined with pale malt results in a crisp, golden brew, finishing with subtle cereal notes.
Summer Shanty
A smooth sweet white wine made from Sommerset table grape. Strawberry aroma and flavor are prevalent with a hint of grapefruit. The tasty tropical beverage and other vinos are 25% off when you buy four or more bottles.
Seyval Blanc 2020
The Seyval Blanc 2020 will satisfy that palette preference. Valentino Vineyards barrel-ages this 13.2% ABV white wine for one year to ensure a crisp flavor with a floral bouquet with hints of honey, oak and gentle touch of sweetness. This white wine is delectable with creamy dishes, and you can slowly sip on it when dining on shellfish, seafood, poultry and other light-colored proteins like tofu or pork. Valentino Vineyards produces its wines on its 20-acre estate in Long Grove with 20 different grapevines and ages in American and French barrels.
Salty Dog
The Salty Dog at 28 Mile Distilling is crafted with fresh grapefruit juice, 28 Mile's own Handmade American Vodka and sparkling water, enhanced with a touch of lime. 28 Mile Distilling's Handmade American vodka, made from malted Midwest wheat, barley and rye, offers a creamy texture that shines through on the palate. Ideal when paired with citrus!
Blue Note
Blue Note by Tonality Brewing Co. in Mundelein is a refreshing Blueberry Hefeweizen fruited wheat beer. With a 4.3% ABV, this brew offers a delightful blend of wheat beer's smoothness and the sweet, tart flavor of fresh blueberries. Perfect for a light, flavorful drinking experience.
Fruited Blonde Ale
Tighthead Brewing Co.'s Fruited Blonde Ale is a vibrant twist on their core Comfortably Blonde Ale. Enhanced with fresh apricot puree, this easy-drinking ale boasts a tangy, bright apricot flavor, making it an ideal refreshment for any summer afternoon.
Beats Working
Beats Working by Roaring Table Brewing Co. is a creamy Summer Wheat Ale with a 5.5% ABV. This delightful brew is dry-hopped with Citra and Motueka, adding a lively touch. The inclusion of honey-malted oats gives it a smooth texture, perfectly embodying a carefree midsummer vibe. It's the perfect excuse to take a day off and relax.
Steep Ravine IPA
Steep Ravine IPA by Ravinia Brewing Co. is an adventurous brew brimming with citrus zest and aromatic pine. This hop-forward IPA offers a smooth drinking experience, inviting you to savor each sip while enjoying the ride.
Bananna Pancake
Banana Pancake by Pips Meadery is a delightful banana mead infused with cinnamon, vanilla beans, and maple syrup, then aged in bourbon barrels. This unique combination creates a rich and flavorful beverage reminiscent of a decadent breakfast treat..
Rosa Brille
Rosa Brille by Phase Three Brewing Co. is a vibrant Hefeweizen infused with raspberries, offering a delightful twist on the classic style. This ruby-red beer, first brewed last summer, combines fresh, lightly tart raspberry notes with the traditional flavors of banana and light clove. It's easy to drink and absolutely delicious, making life a bit brighter with each sip.
Twisted Citrus Vodka
Twisted Citrus Vodka by North Shore Distillery is the ideal choice for a summer BBQ drink. This citrusy twist on a Negroni brings bright citrus flavors to the forefront while dialing down the bitterness, all topped with a sparkling fizz. Perfect for a refreshing and delightful companion at your next cookout or poolside gathering, this drink ensures your summer festivities are full of vibrant flavor and easy enjoyment.
That Veronica Vaughn
That Veronica Vaughn from 9th Hour Brewing Co. is a Blonde Golden Ale infused with vanilla. This brew offers a smooth and flavorful experience, blending the lightness of a blonde ale with the sweet, aromatic notes of vanilla. Perfect for those seeking a balanced and enjoyable beer with a touch of indulgence.
Velvet Crowbar
Velvet Crowbar by Nightshade and Dark Pandemonium Brewing is a luxurious Chocolate Rum Old Fashioned that showcases SelvaRey Cocoa Rum. With just a touch of Orgeat syrup for a subtle almond note and a dash of Vanilla Cherry Bark bitters for an exotic finish, this cocktail exudes sophistication. Served with a cherry and an orange slice for added indulgence, Velvet Crowbar is a decadent choice for those seeking a rich and flavorful sipping experience.
Pineapple Express
The Pineapple Express is a West Coast-style double IPA brewed with Citra, Idaho 7 and Michigan-grown Chinook hops. These hops give the beer intense flavors and aromas of citrus, pineapple, and dank resin. Despite its higher ABV (8%), The Pineapple Express is still quaffable, making it a perfect beer to enjoy on a hot day. The beer's name is a reference to the 2008 stoner comedy film of the same name starring Seth Rogen. The film's title character, a strain of marijuana, is known for its potent effects, which are similar to the effects of The Pineapple Express beer.
Fred's White
Fred's White by Lynfred Winery is a tribute to founder Fred Koehler, blending Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Riesling in harmonious proportions. This house-blend features a composition of 65% Chardonnay, 22% Sauvignon Blanc and 13% Riesling, crafted in stainless steel to preserve its vibrant character. From the Columbia Valley, Washington, it boasts a residual sugar content of 0.4%. This wine presents a yellow straw hue and offers aromas of lemon, lime, peach, melon and green apple. On the palate, flavors of lemon, white peach, grapefruit, pear and green grass unfold with a light-bodied profile and a refreshing, citric finish.
Jet Boat
Jet Boat by Harbor Brewing Co. is a New England IPA boasting a 6.5% ABV. Crafted exclusively with Citra hops, this hazy IPA promises a soft, pillowy base complemented by vibrant notes of citrus, stone fruit and candy-like sweetness. Ideal for summer boat cruises, Jet Boat ensures a refreshing and flavorful experience that's sure to please any IPA enthusiast.
Cherry Vanilla Sour - Fruited
Cherry Vanilla Sour boasts a 5.5% ABV and bursts with fruit-forward flavors, balancing tartness with the sweetness of cherry pit and the aromatic richness of vanilla beans. From the first whiff to the last sip, it delivers bold aromas and a harmonious blend that leaves a refreshing and enticing impression, making it a delightful choice for those seeking a flavorful and balanced brew.
De la Costa Sangria
Glunz Family Winery & Cellars produces a trio of seasonal Sangria flavors: red, white and rosé. The intense citrus, berry flavors complemented by a dash of sweetnes, makes for a refreshing treat during hot summer days. The Grayslake, 11% ABV vino can be enjoyed by the glass or by can!
Midnight Rye-der
Midnight Rye-der at Copper Fiddle Distillery is a standout in rye whiskey craftsmanship, blending Illinois Yellow Corn and Minnesota Rye in a unique Limited Rye Release. Aged in Bourbon Whiskey barrels and finished on Toasted Oak, this whiskey offers a robust flavor profile and complexity that's sure to captivate any rye enthusiast. Aged for three months on charred and toasted Bourbon Wood, it's a must-have for those seeking a rich, nuanced whiskey experience.
Long Grove Lager
Long Grove Lager is a Vienna Lager with a 5.0% ABV and 27 IBU. This malt-forward brew achieves a crisp and clean taste, skillfully balanced with noble hops to impart a subtle malt sweetness. Brewed in a Historic Village, it honors tradition with its classic profile and offers a refreshing choice for those seeking a well-rounded and approachable lager experience.
Bierantoni Italian Pilsner
Bierantoni Italian Pilsner is a delightful and easy-drinking beer with a 5.2% ABV. Dry-hopped with German Saphir Hops, it offers a subtle hint of lemon that enhances its crisp and refreshing character. Versatile and approachable, this Pilsner is crafted to complement any occasion with its balanced flavors and smooth finish.
Emerging Cicada Coffee Ale
What's the buzz? Bosacki's Brewery in Mundelein presents the Emerging Cicada Coffee Ale, celebrating the arrival of the 17 and 13-year cicadas. This American Coffee Ale, brewed with premium coffee from Libertyville Coffee Company, features a medium amber hue, a rich coffee aroma, and a smooth character. With an ABV of 5.6% and an IBU of 18, this limited-time release is a must-try!
Cymatics - Maltshake IPA
Cymatics Maltshake IPA from Black Lung Brewing Co. is a standout in their Maltshake series, featuring a blend of Nectaron, Mosaic and Strata hops, complemented by real Madagascar bourbon vanilla beans. This 6.5% ABV IPA delivers vibrant orange and citrus flavors, creating a unique and refreshing brew. With a moderate 20 IBU, it strikes a perfect balance of hoppy bitterness and smooth, creamy vanilla sweetness, making it a must-try for IPA enthusiasts looking for something distinctively flavorful.
For more ways to let your hair down with Lake County summer libations, continue here. If you're searching for more things to do this weekend, click here. Also, continue here, to see some of our Libations of the Month features.
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