A Lollapalooza Cocktail Guide to Chicago

Lollapalooza brings out the crowds. From globetrotters to city locals, neighborhoods of Chicago are flooded with folks looking to explore in between their favorite bands' sets. With four days of non-stop activity, local bars and restaurants are joining in on the party, particularly with themed cocktails, inspired by the music.

Just blocks from the Lolla epicenter is Roanoke Restaurant, a posh spot perfect for an hour's retreat from the festival. There, you'll find a menu of Lolla-themed cocktails like the Rosa Rebelution with Coyote Noble Mezcal, fresh lemon, Peychaud bitters, fresno syrup, rose liqueur and a lemon swath; a Walk The Moonhattan made with Woodford Reserve, Carpano Antica, Averna, and Woodford cherry bitters; and the Bruno Mars “garita” which combines tea drip infused El Jimador Tequila, grapefruit oleo, fresh lime and mole bitters.

Further west, Wicker Park, Bucktown and Logan Square are always nightlife hotspots for those looking to explore outside of downtown. For only eight bucks, Easy Bar on busy Division Street will mix you up a Lollaland cocktail with green tea infused Captain Morgan White Rum, lemon, simple syrup, pineapple and angostura bitters. Heading to popular Milwaukee Avenue, you can even drink Lolla cocktails into the wee hours of the morning at 4 a.m. bars Estelle's, Remedy and The Owl.

A St. Vincent fan? Sip the Cherub Rock pisco cocktail at The Owl, created in honor of St. Vincent’s new album Masseduction while listening to the band on the jukebox. A hip hop junkie? Estelle's LL Cool-aid made with CH Key Gin, Campari, lime juice, and demerara is for you.

Even the North Side is getting in on the fun. Pre-fest, cool off at Castaways on North Avenue beach with a refreshing and spike Frozen Lolla Lemonade. Post-fest, visit one a twenty year old bar in Lincoln Park that houses Chicago's only "all-live" juke box, containing live recordings of rock n’ roll’s best bands from the past and present. aliveOne will be serving up The Bruno, a vodka-based cocktail with grapefruit La Croix.

Be a weekend warrior and check all these cocktails off your Chicago bucket list, or stay in the festival and still get a sense of the local flavor at Chow Town. Either way, stay hydrated.