Last summer, Parson's Chicken & Fish in Logan Square introduced its negroni slushie, and Chicago pretty much flipped out. I swear there were weeks when my Instagram feed was nothing but Hudson-filtered shots of frozen orange booze. This year, icy cocktails are back in three fun forms, perfect for keeping you cool and buzzed on summer nights. kbernot@tribune.com | @redeyeeatdrink
Shaved ice cocktails ($8) at Mott St.
1401 N. Ashland Ave. 773-687-9977
On weekends, the Noble Square restaurant from the chef and owners of Ruxbin serves up five shaved ice cocktails on the outdoor patio. Beverage director Nate Chung offers five flavors including gin, basil seed and curacao; cachaca, guava, hibiscus and lemon; and fernet, red wine and mint, which are the perfect cool-down after you've snacked on some of chef Edward Kim's grilled pork shoulder. Note: The patio is only open from 1-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Sno-Kones ($9) at Punch House
1227 W. 18th St. 312-526-3851
Bartenders at Pilsen bar Punch House put a vintage Sno-Kone machine to use, offering each flavor of punch drizzled over shaved ice. Beverage director Will Duncan suggests the Summer Melon punch, made with cane spirits, mezcal, watermelon juice, coriander, lime and cilantro. And with Punch House-branded paper cones and metal stands to hold them, these Sno-Kones are as fancy as they are refreshing.
Limoncello Sno-Kones ($11) at CH Distillery
564 W. Randolph St. 312-707-8780
I'm partial to Aperol on muggy summer evenings, but frozen limoncello ice could become my new favorite way to drink like an Italian. The distilled-on-premise liqueur is made from the zest of lemon peels and neutral spirit, so it packs quite a punch, but the cone of shaved ice helps keep it refreshing. Snag a seat on the West Loop distillery's patio for maximum summer points.
Find more heat-beating snacks with our gallery of cool treats for hot days.