The best frozen drinks in Chicago to beat the summer heat

Why we love it: When it’s patio season, you’ll find us hanging out with Negroni slushies at Parson’s. The classic cocktail may not seem like an obvious candidate for a frozen libation, but it works surprisingly well. Swapping Campari for Zissou bitters softens the bite without sacrificing the drink’s signature flavor. Add an order of fried chicken and hush puppies, and you've got a perfect summer afternoon.

Time Out tip: Patio seating is first come, first served so plan ahead on a nice day.

Address: 2952 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 11am-10pm; Fri, Sat 11am-11pm

Why we love it: The Dude definitely abides at Avondale Bowl, an old-school bowling alley where The Big Lebowski fans will feel right at home. Pair a game on the retro lanes with a frozen White Russian, a creamy blend of vodka, coffee liqueur, coconut cream and oat milk. Whether you're chasing a high score or just soaking up the nostalgia, it's a winning combination.

Time Out tip: Frozen white Russians are $10 on Thursdays.

Address: 3118 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Opening hours: Mon-Wed 5-11pm; Thu 5pm-midnight; Fri 5pm-1am; Sat noon-1am; Sun noon-11pm

Why we love it: Sunnygun’s laid-back patio is built for summertime hangs, offering frosé alongside a menu packed with crushable drinks. The frozen rosé cocktail combines gin, vodka, rosé, grapefruit and raspberry; don’t be surprised if you find yourself ordering a second or third. Balance things out with a salty snack from the kitchen, like waffle fries.

Time Out tip: Take advantage of weekday happy hour from 3 to 5pm, when a frosé with waffle fries is just $10.

Address: 664 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60661

Opening hours: Tue-Sun 3pm-1am

Why we love it: Hidden inside River North's Three Dots and a Dash, the Bamboo Room is the destination for serious tropical cocktails. The intimate bar specializes in elevated classics, including a Jamaican Ten-Speed featuring cacao butter fat-washed rum, banana juice, lime, and pineapple beneath honeydew shaved ice. It’s a crowd pleaser that’s complex yet easy to drink.

Time Out tip: You’ll want to secure a reservation as the Bamboo Room only seats 22.

Address: 435 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

Opening hours: Wed-Sat 4pm-midnight; Sun 4-11pm

Why we love it: Popular Tex-Mex spot Lonesome Rose keeps margarita season going year-round with its offerings. The mezcal version is our go-to, available in rotating flavors, though the traditional tequila margarita is just as satisfying. If you can't decide, order the Frozen Swirl, which combines both.

Time Out tip: Frozen margaritas are just $8 during daily happy hour from 3 to 5pm.

Address: 2101 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri, Sat 10am-11pm; 10am-9pm

Why we love it: The Moonlighter’s spacious patio makes it a prime destination when the weather warms up. The bar keeps things cool with a frozen piña colada made with rum, coconut cream and pineapple juice. Plus, $1 from every drink sold goes toward local charities.

Time Out tip: Drop by during happy hour for $8 frozen piña coladas.

Address: 3204 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 5pm-midnight; Fri 3pm-1am; Sat 11am-1am; Sun 11am-midnight

Why we love it: We’ll always appreciate Lone Wolf for what it is: an unfussy, old-school-style bar in the heart of one of Chicago’s hottest dining corridors. It’s the type of place where you can easily spend an evening sipping Old Styles or Miami Vices, a classic frozen cocktail that layers a piña colada and a strawberry daiquiri. Lone Wolf’s take trades the daiquiri for a strawberry margarita, creating a twist that’s just as refreshing.

Time Out tip: Grab a tamale from Chicago’s legendary Tamale Guy to snack on.

Address: 806 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

Opening Hours: Mon, Tue 4pm-2am; Wed-Fri, Sun noon-2am; Sat noon-3am

Why we love it: Just steps from North Avenue Beach, Shore Club is an oasis where you can recharge after a day by the lake. The menu features a variety of frozen cocktails, but our favorite is the Spritzicle, a take on the Aperol Spritz that blends Aperol, Ketel One Peach & Orange Blossom vodka, prosecco and orange juice into a refreshing, citrusy sipper. Enjoy your drink on the breezy patio or reserve a private cabana for a more secluded experience.

Time Out tip: Sample six cocktails at once with a frozen flight.

Address: 1603 N Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60610

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am-10pm; Sat 10am-10pm; Sun 10am-8pm

Why we love it: Mother’s Ruin is a low-key neighborhood bar with New York roots that serves surprisingly great food and drinks. The rotating slushy of the day features creative concoctions like the Keanu Freeze, a vodka-based mix of pineapple, dragonfruit and lemonade. Complement your drink with the spicy chicken sandwich or smash burger.

Time Out tip: Mother’s Ruin is open 365 days a year, so it’s always there when you need a drink or bite.

Address: 2943 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Opening hours: Mon-Fri, Sun 11am-2am; Sat 11am-3am

Why we love it: Bright and airy, Estereo is a rare bar that welcomes daytime guests in for a work session, a stiff drink or both. The cocktail menu focuses on Latin American spirits, and there’s always a frozen option, like the rum creation with pineapple, lime and Campari. The relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to settle in for a few hours.

Time Out tip: Four-legged friends are welcome and encouraged at Estereo.

Address: 2450 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Opening hours: Mon 5pm-2am; Tue-Sun noon-2am

Why we love it: Chicago’s largest outdoor patio is not short on fun, boasting plenty of space for games, frozen drinks and bar bites. Bring a group, sip frozen piña coladas and challenge your friends to Jenga or catch a game on the big screen. It’s the ultimate adult playground.

Time Out tip: Recess isn’t just a summer destination—the indoor space keeps the party going all year long.

Address: 838 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60642

Opening hours: Mon-Wed 4pm-midnight; Thu, Fri 4pm-2am; Sat 11am-3am; Sun 11am-10pm

Why we love it: Erick Williams pays homage to New Orleans cuisine with fried chicken, po’ boys and frozen hurricanes to wash it all down. The classic cocktail is an easy-drinking blend of two rums, passionfruit, pomegranate and orange juice. It’s one of the best versions you’ll find in Chicago.

Time Out tip: Save room for Daisy's banana pecan bourbon toffee cake.

Address: 5215 S Harper Ave, Chicago, IL 60615

Opening hours: Tue-Thu 11am-9pm; Fri, Sat 11am-10pm

Why we love it: Housed in a former auto shop, Tune-Up delivers a spacious patio and chill vibes for casual outings. The frozen paloma is a perfect drink for sunny days, pairing tequila, St-Germain, Squirt, grapefruit and lime juices. Those looking to turn up the heat can add a ghost habanero tequila floater. 

Time Out tip: Enjoy half-priced drinks during weekday happy hour, which runs from 4 to 7pm.

Address: 3810 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 4pm-4am; Sat noon-5am; Sun noon-4am

Why we love it: Brian Jupiter brings the flavors of the Big Easy to Wicker Park with Ina Mae, serving up juicy fried chicken, char-grilled oysters and New Orleans-style sno-balls. The traditional shaved ice dessert comes in a variety of flavors, with the option to make it boozy. It’s an ideal way to cap off your meal.

Time Out tip: The walk-up window lets you easily grab a sno-ball for the road.

Address: 1415 N Wood St, Chicago, IL 60622

Opening hours: Tue-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri, Sat 11am-midnight; Sun 11am-9:30pm