Smile Politely

Hamilton Walker’s is one of my favorite spots for a classic cocktail

Two martini glasses side by side on a dark wood table. One is filled with a clear-ish liquid, and the other is filled with a bright yellow liquid.
Julie McClure

While I can certainly appreciate a little experimentation when it comes to cocktail menus, sometimes you just want a classic. Something that people were drinking at a speakeasy during Prohibition. Hamilton Walker’s is a solid choice to find such a cocktail, with the atmosphere to match.

Last weekend before Ebertfest, my spouse and I began our evening with a dirty martini (him) and a bee’s knees (me). I’m not going to tell you about the martini, because all I know is that it tastes like olives, and I don’t like olives. I really want to like them, because it feels fun and fancy to order a dirty martini. But alas.

However, the bee knee’s is actually the bee’s knees. This refreshing little gin drink is definitely a go-to. Gin, lemon juice, and honey. So simple, so delicious, and a delightful spring-y sort of drink.

Do you have a favorite classic cocktail?

Hamilton Walker’s
201 N Neil Street
Champaign
Tu-Th 4 to 8 p.m.
Fr + Sa 4 to 8 p.m.
Su 4 to 8 p.m.

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