Drink to the Moment!

“Here’s to you!” “Raise your glass to toast the bride and groom!” “TGIF!” Whatever the reason you grab a drink, enjoy the moment! It is often advised by drink aficionados when tasting a craft beer, bourbon or wine to slow down, pay attention to your senses and enjoy the moment. The same can be said about travel. When you walk into a Chicago Southland brewery, distillery or winery, the warm Midwest atmosphere makes it easy for you to sit down, relax, reconnect and be in great spirits.

Breweries

There are 14 unique Chicago Southland craft breweries to greet you with a delicious beer. Give a toast to the railroad history at Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery in Flossmoor with “Station Master American Wheat” or a “Gandy Dancer Honey Lager!” Enjoy a pint or two at Rock Bottom Orland Park, where you’ll feel “Peachy Keen” after their strawberry and peach fruit beer. Visit one of Chicago Southland's newest breweries, Evil Horse Brewing Co. in downtown Crete. Evil Horse Brewing Co. is housed in a revived 103-year-old Seggebruch Building that was originally constructed to house William Seggebruch’s grain, flour and feed business, as well as Fred Rohe’s insurance office. It was also the home for dances, roller skating, theater, an auto repair shop, barbershop as well as a bowling alley. Now Evil Horse is brewing amazing craft beer and has plans for even more uses in the building’s future. Hop on your horse and ride over to One Trick Pony Brewery for a “Spotted Saddle” APA in Lansing. Then experience the historic setting in Blue Island while you drink “Kellsch, not Coalsch” at Blue Island Beer Company, where they have darn good beer to enjoy in a cool and historic setting along Olde Western Avenue. Wherever you choose to sample your brew, the artisans behind the beer will make certain you enjoy every sip and moment! 

Distilleries

Take a tour of Thornton Distilling and Brewing Co. located inside a building dating backt to the 1800s, to experience the super smooth Dead Drop Pecan Whiskey. Or fill your senses with aromas of ruby red grapefruits, hibiscus and juniper berries by sampling their Dead Drop Gin. Tours are available weekly and food is served daily, including brunch. 

Wineries

Now it’s time to “Wine” down at Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant in Orland Park. Since opening in late 2005, Cooper’s Hawk has received over 300 wine awards from various local, national and international wine competitions. The type of wines they offer include sparkling, red, white, sweet red, blush, sangria, fruit, dessert and mulled. Start off the meal with the Crab & Lobster Bisque paired with a glass of Lux Chardonnay white wine. Try the Cabernet Zinfandel red wine with the Red Wine Braised Short Ribs. They also offer a Live Balance menu that helps you watch your calories while still enjoying your wine. Save room for a Cooper’s Hawk dessert favorite, Chocolate Pretzel Bread Pudding paired with an Ice Wine, which is a luscious mix of tropical and stone fruit flavors with a burst of tartness.

Whether you’re visiting Chicago Southland for business or pleasure, relax and enjoy a drink. Whatever the occasion, Chicago Southland drink experts will make certain you enjoy each moment!