The moment I opened the door to The Sixth, on the corner of Lawrence and Leavitt in Lincoln Square, I immediately noticed a ton of adults sitting inside the bar masquerading as rabbits. Okay, no not really, but I did find adults indulging in a Trix flavored drink, proving that after all that back and forth, Trix definitely aren’t just for kids. This rainbow concoction has been appropriately dubbed, The Silly Rabbit. Served in a slender glass with four cubes stacked one on top of another (orangey orange, lemony yellow, raspberry red and grapity purple), it’s accompanied by a small carafe of mixed gin. Not overly sweet, but still indulgently delightful, this is one drink everyone should try.
Another staple on the menu of this modern cocktail lounge is the Doris. Named after co-owner Benjamin Schiller’s grandmother, this gin, lemon and flower water concoction (applied table side) is unpretentiously stunning. The clear drink contains a single, frozen rose in the center and after tasting it, I can only assume Schiller’s grandmother was sophisticated, understated and graceful. The flavors were clean but slightly punchy, and each sip was more aromatic than the next.
The next libation was the visually captivating Drinky McDrinkerson. With a blanco tequila base, the accompanying flavors of ginger and lime balance out the pungency of the alcohol. The Habanero snow takes it to the next level – yes I said snow. This frosty and irresistible, pink garnish gives the Drinky McDrinkerson just the right amount of heat. Did I mention it comes in a stunning copper pineapple glass?
And if that wasn’t visually intoxicating enough, the Spaceman Spiff entertains the senses. It is served with two pieces of glassware, with the bottom containing a small terrarium of space creatures and swirling smoke. When the top glass is removed, the smoke billows out from the bottom and seasons the drink with cedar and lemon. The actual drink is a deliciously smoky mezcal infused with strong notes of hazelnut and pineapple. It comes with all the bells and whistles, but still delivers on taste.
With less showmanship and a name that makes up for it, the Bird of Paradise is an enchanting cocktail. Made with vodka, strawberry and pineapple, it is bright and balanced. The watermelon salt along the rim pushes it over the edge, into utopian territory. It’s no wonder the salt takes almost an entire day to make.
The final must try item on the menu comes with a disclaimer, “This cocktail is high in sugar, gluten, fat and alcohol. Consumption will more than likely take a week off your life.” The French Toast, which looks like a milkshake, is a true celebration off all things unhealthy. Made with vanilla ice cream, cinnamon, cognac, an entire egg and apricot cream, it’s meant to be shared.
What’s more, is The Sixth sits right next door to Roots Pizza. Head in, order Aaron Silverman’s Bangers & Lace Duck Sausage BLT Pizza (beyond words delicious), and head home with visions of rabbits, roses, habanero snow and watermelon salt dancing in your head.
2200 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
