Daywatch: Want to party like it’s 1899?
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
Good morning, Chicago.
In mid-20th-century Chicago, walking along the 200 block of West Madison Street, you could not help but notice the big sign with the colorful neon lighthouse and the words “Home of Cohasset Punch.” This eye-catching image hung over the sidewalk in front of the Ladner Bros. tavern. The old-timey bar was just one of many local places — including legends like Don Roth’s Blackhawk and Chez Paree — where you could sip a Cohasset Punch cocktail.
Ingrained in Chicago culture, Cohasset Punch was referenced in “Dangling Man,” the debut novel from Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Saul Bellow. It was said to be a favorite of George Halas, whose Chicago Bears office was right down the street from the “Home of Cohasset Punch,” the iconic sign that would likely be recognized by many longtime Chicagoans. Bonfort’s Wine and Spirits Circular noted in 1902 that demand for Cohasset Punch in Chicago was so high at one point that “what the mint julep is to the South, Cohasset Punch is to Chicago.”
So, what was Cohasset Punch like? The brilliant ruby red drink delivers a lot of flavors like stone fruit, perhaps some citrus and raisins.
And one Chicagoan is working to revive the liqueur.
Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day.
Subscribe to more newsletters | Puzzles & Games | Today’s eNewspaper edition
Illinois sets another record for recreational cannabis sales
Recreational cannabis sales have increased each year in Illinois since legalization in 2020.
Choose Chicago CEO stepping down from tourism role as city prepares for DNC and return of NASCAR
Choose Chicago CEO Lynn Osmond is stepping down to focus on a family health matter after less than two years at the helm of the city’s tourism arm.
Officials call for splitting Chicago police 8th District to better serve residents
More than a half-dozen local and state officials gathered on the Southwest Side to call for the Chicago Police Department’s Chicago Lawn District (8th) to be split in two to better serve the quarter-million residents of the area.
Fruit Stripe Gum discontinued after more than 50 years
Fruit Stripe Gum, something of a childhood icon for many gum chewers over the past five decades, will soon head over the rainbow with its multicolored zebra mascot Yipes — seemingly for good.
Chicago rapper G Herbo sentenced to three years probation for fraud involving private jets, a Jamaican villa and ‘designer puppies’
Chicago rapper G Herbo was sentenced Thursday to three years probation on federal wire fraud charges. G Herbo, whose real name is Herbert Wright III, was ordered to pay restitution as well as a $5,500 fine.
Initially, Wright denied the charges against him — even mocking the investigation in a song he released in 2020. “Ask about me, I ain’t never been a fraud,” he rapped. He eventually admitted in his plea to over a million dollars of fraudulent purchases for goods and services — including private chefs, car rentals and the puppies.
Bears President Kevin Warren says building a ‘magnificent’ downtown stadium remains a possibility
Kevin Warren still dreams of the possibility of building a new stadium for the Chicago Bears in the heart of the city. Fueled by a combination of imagination and think-big ambition, the team president and CEO isn’t yet letting that dream die.
Chicago Bulls greats celebrate the glory years of the franchise with a Ring of Honor gala: ‘It’s really amazing’
Members of the 1995-96 team — which made history with a 72-win season, followed by the Bulls’ fourth NBA championship in six seasons — reunited throughout the special night that included a red-carpet ceremony and gala.
White Sox avoid arbitration with 7 players — including pitcher Dylan Cease — by agreeing to 1-year deals
The Chicago White Sox reached one-year deals with all seven of their arbitration-eligible players Thursday, including starting pitcher Dylan Cease.
The Sox and Cease came to terms on a one-year, $8 million contract. The 28-year-old right-hander, who went 7-9 with a 4.58 ERA and 214 strikeouts in 33 starts in 2023, has been mentioned in trade speculation throughout the offseason.
Top picks for classical music and jazz for winter 2024
With the Chicago Symphony Orchestra away all January for its first European tour since COVID (yay!), the first month of the year, already a sleepy month on this list, could be practically catatonic.
Not so in 2024! January, and the months beyond, will keep you shuffling from one gig to the other. Here are a few recommendations.
Things to do around Chicago: Fillet of Solo, Cubs Con and events for MLK Day
Our picks this time around include a number of concerts and get-togethers for the long holiday weekend.
