5 Delicious Cocktails For Your Big Day
By Michelle Durpetti - Gene and Georgetti
Photography by Soda Fountain Photo
Looking for a unique signature cocktail ideas for your wedding celebration? Try these inspired ideas and recipes from Gene & Georgetti Steakhouse in Chicago.
1. The Perfect
Pear
The perfect pear is created with pear infused vodka, ginger infusion from simplicite (a local Chicago company that creates all of our artisanal cocktail syrups!), our homemade limoncello, ginger liquor and a splash of OJ. This is the perfect cocktail to enjoy at brunch. Light with a little sweetness but balanced perfectly with the fresh taste of ginger it really is one that I love to order without a meal and just enjoy. The classic crystal rocks glass is such a fancy way to enjoy this too!
RECIPE:
2oz Pear Vodka
1 oz Limoncello
1/2 oz Ginger Liqueur 1/2 oz Gingerzest Syrup 1 oz Orange Juice
TO MAKE:
Shake all together then pour in fancy rocks glass. Garnish w/ sliced pear.
2. Scotchtail
For the scotch lovers out there, we have our scotchtail featuring Johnnie Walker black, fresh lemon and ginger zest infusion. This is a really great cocktail to start any kind of dinner with red meat like a juicy steak! It has tons of old world charm but stays current with the addition of the ginger zest.
RECIPE:
2oz Johnnie Walker Black Scotch
3 squeezed Lemons wedges (Lemon Juice)
1/2 oz Ginger zest syrup
TO MAKE:
Shaken then strained over large rock
3. Seasonal Collins
Our Seasonal Collins is one that we love for two reasons, it is perfect with either vodka or gin - and also great as a mocktail too! This refreshing libation includes fresh lemon juice, a hibiscus rose infusion, fresh mint and a handful of fresh blueberries to finish! This cocktail is also a really fun one to make in a large batch and serve in a punch bowl at t party. Classic punch bowls bring such an old school charm to a house warming or even a summer bbq for those looking for something a little different and really fresh. And it is easy on the host as well because none of the ingredients are too complicated!
RECIPE:
Choice of 2oz vodka or gin
1oz fresh lemon juice
1oz hibiscus rose syrup
TO MAKE:
Shake ingredients together then topped with club soda and garnished with lemon slice, maybe a few berries and mint garnish.
4. Home made Limoncello and Orange cello
Homemade limoncello is one of the most fantastic things to keep in your freezer during the summer. The only thing to top it could be its sister version made from oranges. Typically these lemon and orange liquors are "digestivi," or served after dinner to help digest and the perfect way to end a fabulous Italian meal. Limoncello is smooth and sweet with an intense lemon flavor. It can be sipped on its own, mixed into sparkling water, or shaken into cocktails.
RECIPE:
10 Lemons
750mL bottle of grain alcohol
Granulated sugar
Water
Use 100-190 proof grain alcohol (pick your poison wisely!)
Organic lemons are best, because there are no pesticides - Meyer lemons create a great flavor
Use a potato peeler to zest the lemons in to long strips
TO MAKE:
Peel lemons, add to a sealable non-porous container, and fill with the grain alcohol. Make sure all the lemon peels are covered.
Let it steep, covered, out of sunlight, for 2-4 weeks (the longer, the smoother the flavor).
Use a coffee filter or cheesecloth to strain the liquid, and funnel in to a container.
Mix 1 to 1 ratio of sugar and water in a saucepan, simmering until all the sugar is dissolved. Add as much or as little simple syrup to the grain alcohol and lemon fusion - it really depends on how strong you want it to be.
Stir well, and funnel in to your glass containers of choice.
5. Classic Negroni
You can never go wrong with a classic negroni. The Negroni is a popular Italian cocktail, made of one part gin, one part vermouth rosso, and one part Campari, garnished with orange peel. It is considered an apéritif. A traditionally made Negroni is stirred, not shaken, and built over ice in an old-fashioned or rocks glass and garnished with a slice of orange. Best when sipped and the perfect three part blend of bitter, sweet and dry it is an excellent summer cocktail.
RECIPE:
All equal parts
1.5oz of Choice of Gin
Sweet Vermouth and Campari.
TO MAKE:
Build over Ice & stir, garnish w/ orange Twist
Gene & Georgetti was founded in 1941 by Gene Michelotti and his partner Alfredo Federighi, who was nicknamed “Georgetti” after a famous Italian cyclist. Located in the heart of River North, Gene & Georgetti is Chicago’s oldest and one of its finest steakhouses. Partners Gene and “Georgetti” worked hand in hand to establish the reputation of excellence that is continued through today
Born in the small Tuscan town of Lucca, Italy, Gene Michelotti came to the United States at the age of 15, several years later; he married Ida Passaglia in April of 1938. Though he spoke little to no English upon his arrival, he worked numerous jobs ranging from night watchman, porter, dishwasher, and bartender, where he encountered his future business partner Alfredo “Georgetti” Federighi, who was working as a chef.
Together in 1941, they founded Gene and Georgetti. Alfredo had the kitchen, and Gene was the front man, holding down the bar. His genuine and vivacious personality made him a hit with regulars, politicians and celebrities alike. Upon Alfredo’s death in 1969, Gene became the sole proprietor of Gene & Georgetti, until his death in 1989.
Gene’s daughter Marion married Tony Durpetti in 1969. They have one daughter, Michelle. Upon the death of Gene in 1989, although a CEO of his own national radio advertising firm, Tony and Marion did not want to see the restaurant leave the family, and decided to purchase it from Marion’s mother, Ida Michelotti. Together with a staff that embodies the word family; they work to maintain the tradition that defines this classic institution and proudly bring it into the future. Michelle is currently the third generation and managing partner with her husband, Collin Pierson.
500 N FRANKLIN ST, CHICAGO, IL 60654
