Behind The Bar: Ludlow Liquors' Electric Funeral Cocktail Recipe

Ludlow Liquors

2959 N. California Ave

Chicago, IL 60618

Brimming with stained glass windows, mystical ritual elements and taxidermy, Ludlow Liquors is not your typical Chicago watering hole. Mauve and rose hues stain the walls of the Avondale neighborhood tavern, giving it a retro-chic setting that marries both Lower East Side and Parisian influences.

The bar's killer whiskey classics, pre-batched concoctions and draft beers all draw crowds, but its the way their stirred cocktails are served — by the ounce — that truly distinguishes Ludlow Liquors from other Chicago establishments.

"Offering cocktails by the ounce allows guests to taste through the menu in a variety of ways, each with its own unique presentation ranging from simple one-ounce undiluted pours to full sized cocktails with specialty ice and garnish," says Grace Bernotavicius, beverage director at Ludlow Liquors.

Once you've worked up a proper appetite, head to the joint's permanent food installation Old Habits, which offers creative throwbacks inspired by Chef Nick Jirasek’s Chicago upbringing. Bernotavicius suggests the Filipino egg rolls, but there are plenty of options to pair with your beverage of choice.

In the warmer months, you can post up on Ludlow's outdoor patio, which doubles as an event space and is dog-friendly.

First timers will want to try the bar's signature cocktail, The Electric Funeral, a mezcal based cocktail that exudes a sweetness similar to that of a plum or fig. But if you can't make it to the funky spot this weekend, Bernotavicius showed us how to make your very own Electric Funeral at home, straight from behind the bar at Ludlow Liquors:

Ludlow Liquors' Electric Funeral

• 1.5 oz. Mezcal Vida
• .75 oz. Bonal
• .25 oz. Yellow Chartreuse
• .25 oz. Suze
• 3 drops saline solution

Instructions: Stir the ingredients together, serve in a coupe and garnish with some grapefruit expression. Serve without ice.