Exclusive Sneak Preview: Acadia's Cocktail Menu

Acadia's Amnesiac cocktail of yellow chartreuse, Amaro, orange bitters, osmanthus tea soda and house-made Absinthe ice cubes. (Photo: Michael Simon)

Acadia, the long-awaited project from acclaimed chef Ryan McCaskey, opens Dec. 21 in the South Loop.

During Wednesday's sneak preview of his whimsical, yet sophisticated take on items like lobster rolls, house-made salt-and-vinegar potato chips, and miniature S'mores, I also got a comprehensive sampling of bar director Michael Simon's cocktails. The drinks are equally whimsical, taking a cue from classic cocktails not typically found in most restaurants.

Simon's even gone so far as to add his own offbeat elements to these cocktails, from absinthe-infused and coconut-and-dill ice cubes to house-made tomatilla agave syrup and edible violets.

Here is Simon's opening menu:

The Amnesiac (yellow chartreuse, Amaro, orange bitters, Carpano Antica, The Bitter Truth EXR, Osmanthus tea soda and house-made Absinthe ice cubes)

The Aviator (FEW American Gin, The Bitter Truth Violet Liqueur, Maraschino, homemade lemon meritage soda, egg white, edible violet)

Brandy Coke Smash (Jean-Luc Pasquet Coeur de Lion Cognac, lemon juice, homemade Kola tonic, fresh mint)

Juniper Sazerac (Michters Single Barrel Rye, Juniper demerara, Creole bitters, Vieux Carre Absinthe)

Maine Milk Punch (Maine Maple & Pine Essence, Berkshire Ragged Mountain Rum, McKenzie bourbon, Decanter bitters, vanilla bean & cardamon-infused rice milk)

Mezcal Old Fashioned (Illegal Mescal Reposado, The Bitter Truth Pimento dram, tomatillo agave syrup, charred grapefruit, mole bitters, coconut and dill ice cubes)

Satan's Whiskers (Hayman's Old Tom Gin, Dolin Dry Vermouth, Punte Mes Sweet Vermouth, blood orange Acadia marnier, orange bitters, flamed orange peel)

Sherry Cobbler (Fino Electrico Sherry, savory blackberry and shallot syrup, orgeat)