12 Best Places for Frozen Drinks in ChicagoAudrey Snyderon August 19, 2020 at 7:47 pm

Though the fall season is getting closer all the time, there are still quite a few steamy summer days left, and we still need ways to cool off and wind down. Frozen, slushy drinks were invented in the 1950s when Dairy Queen franchise-owner Omar Knedlik put soda in his freezer after his soda machine broke down, inspiring him to build the first frozen drink machine with “used parts from an automobile air conditioner.” Thanks to Knedlik’s broken equipment, we all can find relief from the heat with the icy (and boozy) descendants of this accidental invention. To find some of the tastiest frozen drinks in Chicago, check out these popular spots.

1603 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago IL 60611

Head to the lakeshore, order a piña colada, strawberry daiquiri, or a mix of the two (the Bacardi Miami Vice) at Castaways; close your eyes and save this memory for December, when your radiator is being slow to heat up your apartment.

3204 W Armitage Ave, Chicago IL 60647

Cool off on the patio of The Moonlighter with a fruity Frozen Piña Colada or the bold flavor combination of Frozen Coffee, which includes vodka, Caffe Borghetti, coconut, and almond milk.

1603 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago IL 60610

It’s generally a good sign when frozen cocktails have their own dedicated section on a restaurant’s menu, as they do on Shore Club’s. Catch some late-summer breeze off the lake as you enjoy a Frosé All Day (a frozen combo of rosé, rosé vodka, and peach purée), a Spritzicle (aperol, fresh orange juice, sparkling wine) or maybe a Beach Body Margarita.

2049 W Division St, Chicago IL 60622

Stop by this Ukrainian Village restaurant for a Frozen Boozy Mango Lassi (to-go or not), which is a punch to the tastebuds with its combination of Santa Teresa Rum, mango, yoghurt, and paprika.

3369 N Clark St, Chicago IL 60657

Head to Wrigleyville for some Southern food and a frozen cocktail. To go with your BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich or some Smoke Fried Wings, try a Frosé, a frozen strawberry lemonade, or a Bushwacker (Bushmills Irish whiskey and Kraken rum, plus some unknown quantities).

431 N Wells St, Chicago IL 60654

Pink Taco’s dedicated margarita menu includes frozen strawberry, frozen lime, and frozen mango options, and for a different kind of frozen beverage, diners can opt for a frozen pink sangria.

2435 N Halsted St, Chicago IL 60614 | 2952 W Armitage Ave, Chicago IL 60647

There are a few frozen drink options on the menu of this chicken-and-fish joint, but none have received the same accolades as The Original Negroni Slushy. Made with Letherbee Gin, Luxardo Bitter, sweet vermouth, and citrus, this frozen cocktail is the perfect way to wash down your fish sandwich.

3349 N Halsted St, Chicago IL 60657

While you’re singing along to show tunes or pop hits at this popular Boystown bar, sip on an Effen Black Cherry Buzz or a Frozé made with Stoli Razberi and Martini & Rossi Rosé.

180 N Morgan St, Chicago IL 60607

Few things can top the winning combination of tacos and margaritas in the summertime. Get your frozen margarita fix at Federales with a classic, mango, or strawberry marg, or branch out and try their frozen Tequila Rosé.

3154 W Diversey Ave, Chicago IL 60647

Currently serving cocktails-to-go and cocktail kits, the tiki bar has a new rotation of beverages each week, a selection that often includes a delicious frozen beverage. In addition to the changing drink menu, tropical drink fans can order a kit for a Daiquiri Frappé, which includes rum, frappé dry sugar mix, 12 limes, and a bag of crushed ice.

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Are you trying to find the best booze for your buck? View our collection of the best cheap drinks in the city.

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730 W Grand Ave, Chicago IL 60654

In addition to a selection of other seasonal cocktails, this trendy River West restaurant offers a much-loved Frozen Mai Tai, which combines Bacardi Superior, Bacardi 8, orgeat, lime, and triple sec.

2101 N California Ave, Chicago IL 60647

Another establishment with a dedicated frozen-drink section in its menu, this Logan Square Mexican-inspired restaurant offers the essential, legendary frozen margarita, as well as a Frozen Trinidad (rum, amargo, and pineapple) and a Frozen Java (horchata, cold brew, whiskey, and rum).

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Featured Image Credit: Parson’s Chicken & Fish Facebook

 
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