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.
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
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.
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