Much like last year, many of Chicago's beloved St. Patrick's Day traditions won't be taking place next month as the city continues to discourage large gatherings in light of the ongoing pandemic. You may not be able to watch the dyeing of the Chicago River or attend a parade in March, but a couple of local brands are attempting to start a new St. Patrick's Day tradition that you might find appetizing.
Eli's Cheesecake and Green River Soda have joined forces to create Eli's Green River Cheesecake, a neon green confection that combines the lime flavor of the Chicago soft drink with lime gelée topping and a butter shortbread cookie crust.
For those unfamiliar with Green River, the soda's history in Chicago dates back to 1919, when the local Schoenhofen Edelweiss Brewing Company began bottling and selling it. Green River became especially popular during Prohibition and even inspired the name of the 1969 Credence Clearwater Revival album, Green River. The brand has been passed between various beverage companies since the ’50s—it's currently manufactured by WIT Beverage Company, which markets it as a retro soda.
Catering to those who want to eat something green on St. Patrick's Day, Eli's Green River Cheesecake (which sounds a bit like key lime pie) will be available at Jewel-Osco grocery stores throughout Chicagoland, via the Eli's Cheesecake online shop and through the Eli's Cheesecake bakery (6701 W Forest Preserve Dr). The seven-inch cake will run you about $15 and you should be able to track down a few bottles of Green River to go with it.
Most popular on Time Out
- Take a look inside Chicago’s ‘Immersive Van Gogh’ exhibition
- The best things to do in Chicago this weekend
- Check out the Chicago Restaurant Week 2021 lineup and make a reservation
- 65 Chicago restaurants and bars that permanently closed
- The 39 best things to do in Chicago right now