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Absolut Chicago—”the vodka that captures the unique blend of the past with the cutting edge of right now that makes Chicago a modern classic,” at least according to Absolut—has been getting plenty of press since it was released earlier this month. Which is the idea, obviously: the company has released six other vodkas named after specific cities over the past six years, and I’m sure they’re well aware that it’s a surefire way to make locals pay attention. A recent article about the release in Time nails it: “But the idea that a Chicago-themed vodka doesn’t seem to have much to do with Chicago probably doesn’t matter. . . . The point, it seems, isn’t to create a drink that somehow tastes like a city, but to make locals feel thrilled that Absolut has honored them with a concoction specific to their hometown.”
More entertaining than the official line are the suggestions for what real Chicago-flavored vodka would taste like (and they’re just as ridiculous as the idea that rosemary, olive, and thyme taste like Chicago). NBC’s Mark Anderson had ideas that tended toward the completely revolting: Bubbly Creek, dead alewives, CTA bus fumes, Fulton Market fish juices, and dog poop in a city park, among others. NPR’s Scott Simon, on the other hand, got a little more poetic with his suggestions: “a sprig of Mexican epazote, a stem from a Sicilian olive tree, a sprinkle of Indian cardamom seeds, a spritz of char from a grilled Polish sausage, a shake of celery salt from a kosher Chicago dog, a speckle of Greek anise seeds, and Chinese five-spice powder.”
Julia Thiel writes about booze on Wednesdays.
