Le Colonial’s HOT New Cocktail

Le Colonial’s Nikki Friar Shares Her Chic, New Sip, Le Petite Passion

It’s widely agreed that with proper training, almost anyone can be a good bartender with a quality pour. But it takes a true artist to turn a prototypical apertif into a heady love affair for the palette. These aren’t your average, garden-variety mix-masters but “startenders”, and they’re not only raising the bar, metaphorically-speaking, but redefining it.

Chicago may boast an impressive lineup of talented barkeeps including Steve Carrow, Erin Hayes, Lynne House, Benjamin Newby, and Adam Seger to name a few but there is one stand-out on Rush Street that everyone knows, or should: Le Colonial’s Nikki Friar. If the mixologist’s name isn’t familiar, Google it. She’s good, masterfully good.

On a recent visit to Le Colonial, Friar, petite and stunning behind the bar in a form-fitting dress, mixes up her new, not-on-the-menu-yet libation, Le Petite Passion (french, “Little Passion”). It’s sure to be a fan favorite, favored by sexy out-of-towners or yoga instructors. The drink is the perfect mash-up of “Shahs of Sunset” must-haves: vodka, champagne, and mango sorbet garnished with a fresh pineapple wedge. What makes this truly a star sip? Three little numbers: the cocktail clocks in at only 125 calories (per flute).

The inspiration behind this skinny jeans-friendly cocktail, Nikki tells us, was simple. “It’s a reflection of me and it’s dedicated to sparkly people who don’t need an excuse to celebrate.” That’s a good enough excuse for us to raise a glass. Sláinte!

Le Petite Passion

Ingredients:
.75 oz Skyy Passion Fruit Vodka
4.5 oz Moet & Chandon Imperial Champagne
1 tsp mango sorbet
1 pineapple wedge

Procedure:
1. Pour vodka into a Champagne flute; add Champagne.
2. Top with a teaspoon of mango sorbet.
3. Garnish with a fresh pineapple wedge and serve.