Last night at Sable, we were persuaded to try a light refreshing cocktail called "The Old Pal." It's in their extended cocktail menu, next to the Negroni and the Bijou - two other strong, bitter cocktails. The Old Pal is an interesting combination of whiskey (or rye) and Campari, a combination that we were initially dubious about. Our first sip only marginally improved our feelings about the drink - but after about 1/3 of the drink was finished, we were addicted. It is a drink that requires sipping, in small doses, and once your tongue adjusts to the bitterness of the Campari, the complexity of the combination comes through and is a refreshing (and appetite-stimulating) surprise. more ›

The Negroni is one of our favorite pre-meal cocktails. Deeply colored, intensely flavored and stimulating to the appetite, the mixture of Campari and Gin has become a staple after-work drink in our house. We’ve always been an advocate for under-utilized liqueurs, and Campari definitely fits the bill. Moreover, we hope it will stimulate the curiosity of home bartenders, leading them to a whole new class of drink, the Italian “Amaro” or bitter liqueur. more ›

It doesn't bear repeating, but we're doing it, anyway. Here at Chicagoist we're big fans of the Art of the Cocktail. If you aren't getting your fix from the "Properly Sauced" series, you can taste for yourself impeccably crafted cocktails while watching silk screen exhibitions and enjoying artwork. Starting Thursday night and running through October 9, Campari and Swindle Magazine are teaming up to host "The Art of the Cocktail" exhibitions throughout the city. more ›