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www.cheersonline.com 48 • March/April 2017 SCENE By Kelly Magyarics From elegant lounges in vintage buildings to high-energy recreational spots and eclectically themed bars with cock- tails to match, the Second City boasts a vibrant drinks scene. Here's a look at a few of the new and noteworthy cocktail bars in Chicago. ACEBOUNCE Ping pong meets potent potables and creative cuisine at AceBounce. The first U.S. location of the London- based entertainment concept Bounce opened its doors in Chicago in June 2016. "We want guests' experience with us to be about a re- discovery of sorts, remembering—or learning for the first time—how much fun can come from a party around a ping pong table, regardless of any skill level," says beverage consultant Peter Vestinos. Visitors can have fun while in- dulging their tastes in music, food and beverage, he adds. When creating the cocktail menu, Vestinos pictured groups and friends coming in from all over for many different locations, with the common denominator of a fast-moving, high-energy environment. "Since there is a lot going on, the drinks couldn't be heavy thinkers," he explains. "They need- ed to be lighter, more refreshing and tap into the current trends of bourbon, mezcal, spice and heat." The cocktails also needed names that gave a nod to the recreational activity that is the focus of the space, while at the same time not seeming forced or cheesy. Most pop- ular is Hits from the Pong ($12), with mezcal, cinnamon liqueur, horchata, habanero and lime. "It ties together a lot of great elements and flavors with depth and complexity, A WANDER THOUGH THE WINDY CITY Cocktails at AceBounce include Fire on the Mountain (left), made with Bacardi 8 year rum, cranberry-orange cordial, Chinese five spice, lemon, ginger, and Stop Making Sense, with Jim Beam rye, Bols Genever, apricot, spiced syrup, chocolate bitters and red wine. AceBounce, which opened this past June, is the first U.S. location of the London-based entertainment concept Bounce.