Let Your Hair Down with Lake County's Summer Libations 2025
By: Sam Ornig 07/25/2025
Summer in Lake County brings a bounty of beverages to explore, with countless options along the Lake County Libation Trail. From craft creations brewed right here to relaxing spots like the Beer Garden at Independence Grove Forest Preserve, where you can enjoy a wide selection of local libations. So kick back, unwind and indulge in the flavors of summer with Lake County's finest drinks.
Cheers to a season well spent!
Five Eyes Honey Ale
Did you know that bees have five eyes? Well, that is how this 6.5% ABV honey ale from Wright’s Brew and Bistro located inside Lincolnshire Marriott Resort got its name. This cream ale is brewed in collaboration with Tighthead Brewing Co. in Mundelein. The award-winning brew house utilizes the honey that is produced in the beehives on-site at the Lincolnshire resort. See what all the buzz is about — get a taste of this one-of-a-kind honey ale.
Misfit IPA
If you're looking for the perfect IPA this summer, look no further than one of Wild Onion Brewery's most classic brews: Misfit IPA with 6.5% ABV. With a blend of hoppy bitterness, citrus aroma and a malt body, this beer offers everything you're looking for in a refreshing IPA. Take a sip and enjoy a nice kick from the Centennial and Citra hops.
White Port 2019
Enjoy a summer sip of Valentino Vineyards' White Port 2019. Barrel-aged for four years, this luscious dessert wine pairs perfectly with cheeses, fruits, chocolate-covered strawberries and cheesecake, but is also delightful just on its own. Delicious at room temperature or chilled, imagine a glass on a summer evening with friends, good music and a generous charcuterie board. Valentino Vineyards produces its wines on its 20-acre estate in Long Grove with 20 different grapevines and ages in American and French barrels.
Strawberry Basil Gin and Tonic
28 Mile Distilling is shaking things up on a classic cocktail this summer with the elevated Stawberry Basil Gin and Tonic. Featuring 28 Mile Gin, pink peppercorn and fresh strawberries and basil, this fruity, flavorful cocktail is a perfect summer spin on the favorite G&T. 28 Mile Gin is inspired by traditional London dry gin, with juniper, citrus and spice providing a delectable flavor profile that offers a strong base for any cocktail creation.
Dual Emergence Hefeweizen
Check out the Dual Emergence Hefeweizen (4.6% ABV) from Tighthead Brewing Co., one of their most popular seasonal ales. Featuring German wheat malt, German Weizen yeast and traditional Noble hops, this highly requested brew offers your tastebuds a fruity, hazy ale with notes of banana and clove spices. Dual Emergence is refreshing and light, wanting you to order a second (or a third). Don't miss out on this seasonal libation!
Southern Tuba Hazy India Pale Ale
New this summer, Roaring Table Brewing Co. introduced Southern Tuba Hazy Pale Ale to quench your thirst. This brew packs a punch of tropical, fruity and mouthwatering citrus flavors, with hints of pineapple, lemon-lime and passionfruit. With a 7.2% ABV, Southern Tuba will fulfill all your summer brew cravings.
Guava Good Time Cocktail
Steep Ravine Brewing Co. in Highland Park is serving up the Guava Good Time, a new cocktail perfect for summer. With a mix of guava purée, cranberry juice and grenadine paired with Centenario Blanco tequila, this creative libation leaves you satisfied with every sip. Treat yourself to this fresh and tasty drink.
The Field
What pairs better with summer than a fruity and refreshing drink? Head to Pips Meadery to try their newest offering The Field, a Strawberry Mead complete with Orange Blossom Honey. With 12% ABV, this mead is deliciously jammy, with a taste of strawberry dried fruit leather. If you're looking for a sweet seasonal drink, order yourself The Field at Pips Meadery.
Painkiller
Phase Three Brewing is introducing Painkiller, a flavorful thirst-quenching cocktail available for a limited time. Served in a striking cobra mug, Painkiller is deceptively delicious. With creamy and citrus flavors, be transported directly to a tropical island as you sip this summer libation. Visit Phase Three Brewing for Tiki Week July 25-August 3 and try a collection of fruity cocktails and refreshing brews.
Feeling Spritzy
Here's a perfect seasonal cocktail for your next BBQ from North Shore Distillery. Feeling Spritzy is a wonderful summer sipper combining North Shore's Twisted Citrus Vodka and White Amaro with Tonic Water, Club Soda and Orange garnish for a refreshing, fizzy drink. A perfect addition to a hot day, this drink ensures your summer festivities are full of vibrant flavor and easy enjoyment.
Emily's Ale Strawberry Blonde
Taste and smell the sweet strawberries that make Emily's Ale Strawberry Blonde such a fan favorite. This award-winning light ale by 9th Hour Brewing Co. carries a 5.4% ABV and is a great addition to anyone's summer brew line-up. This beer offers a smooth and flavorful experience, perfect for those seeking a balanced and enjoyable beer with a touch of indulgence.
Smell the Bacon
Head to Waukegan's Nightshade and Dark Pandemonium Brewing for a savory, rich new cocktail, Smell the Bacon. This delectable concoction is made with Bacon Bourbon, Maple Rye, Maple Bacon Moonshine and topped with a chunk of actual bacon. Served in a glass rimmed with smoked simple syrup and bacon seasoned salt, this libation is sure to get your tastebuds dancing with delight.
Mickey Fizz Hard Seltzer
Soak up the summer with Mickey Finn's refreshing Mickey Fizz Hard Seltzer. Brewed in-house, this seltzer is packed with pineapple and coconut water, giving you the perfect pina colada vibe. This summer sipper is low-carb and high-flavor with 4.5% ABV. Head to the Libertyville spot to get a Mickey Fizz on tap.
Blackberry Wine
Blackberry season hits the Midwest in late-July, so it's a perfect time to pair the favorite berry with Lynfred Winery's Blackberry Wine. Made 100% with blackberries, this wine carries an aroma blackberry, herbs and wildflowers, with a palatte of blueberry and caramel that dance with your tastebuds. This delicious creation pairs wonderfully with chocolate and cheesecake. Indulge in your favorite sweets while treating yourself to this lovely fruit wine. If blackberries aren't your thing, try one of Lynfred's other fruit wines, like strawberry, blueberry, cherry and peach.
Heroes and Villians
In partnership with the Lake County Forest Preserves, Harbor Brewing Company has introduced two limited-edition beers inspired by your favorite comic book heroes and villians. These fruity brews offer the perfect refreshing summer drink with a 5.5% ABV. Heroes is a juicy blueberry golden ale, dyed blue with natural blue spirulina. Villians is a cherry hibiscus golden ale with a bright red color and delicious fruity sweetness. Are you Team Heroes or Team Villians? Either way, don't miss your chance to try these bold, flavorful beers this summer.
Thunder Peel Fruited Wheat Beer
Half Day Brewing Co.'s Thunder Peel Wheat Beer boasts a 5.25% ABV and bursts with fruit-forward flavors, with juicy orange peel and tangerine purée. From the first whiff to the last sip, it delivers bold aromas and a harmonious blend that leaves a refreshing and enticing impression, making it a delightful choice for those seeking a flavorful and balanced brew.
De la Costa Sangria
Glunz Family Winery & Cellars produces a trio of seasonal Sangria flavors: red, white and rosé. The intense citrus, berry flavors complemented by a dash of sweetnes, makes for a refreshing treat during hot summer days. The Grayslake, 11% ABV vino can be enjoyed by the glass or by can!
Lemon Bar
Cocktail connoisseur and novices alike will love Copper Fiddle's mouthwatering Lemon Bar cocktail. Created with the distillery's Fiddle Vodka and mixed with Lemon Curd, Lemon Juice, Vanilla Bean Demerara and Orgeat, this invigorating cocktail will energize your summer days. Lemon Bar is flawless and an ideal addition to your summer libation menu. Visit Copper Fiddle Distillery to try this and other seasonal offerings.
Long Grove Lager
If you're looking for the ultimate summer lager, look no further than Buffalo Creek Brewing and the Long Grove Lager. This malt-forward Vienna Lager achieves a crisp and clean taste, skillfully balanced with noble hops to impart a subtle malt sweetness, with a 5.0% ABV and 27 IBU. Brewed in Long Grove's Historic Village, it honors tradition with its classic profile and offers a refreshing choice for those seeking a well-rounded and approachable lager experience.
Shanktastic Kettle Sour
Love a good sour beer? Broken Tee Brewing Co. will hook you up with their Shanktastic Kettle Sour. Pucker up and sip on this fruity and flavorful blackberry brew, with a 5.4% ABV and gorgeous purple hue. This luscious sour beer offers a balance of flavors and a smooth finish, leaving you wanting more. Complement your fun summer day with this esteemed, hearty brew.
Check out the Lake County Libation Trail for more info on our local partners. If you're searching for more things to do this weekend, head to our Events page. See some of our Libation of the Month features.
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