Cheers! These are the hottest dinner drinks around town

Many people think you can only get a decent cocktail if you go into Chicago, but don't ignore what suburban locations have to offer.

These are the hottest drinks at some of the suburb's most popular restaurants.

Sullivan's Steakhouse

The signature cocktail at Sullivan's is the Knockout. Golden Hawaiian pineapple is steeped in Svedka clementine vodka for two weeks. The pineapple is then hand squeezed, shaken with ice and poured into a martini glass and garnished with an orange twist.

"It's very fruity and very refreshing," said Henriette Hoyos, one of the managers at Sullivan's in Lincolnshire.

Chris Pieters, general manager at Sullivan's in Naperville, said it's not overly sweet.

"It's perfectly balanced," Pieters said. "It pairs well with light seafood dishes and salads."

But no matter how good it tastes, be careful not to throw back more than two of these. It's called the Knockout for a reason.

Sullivan's Steakhouse is open 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Lincolnshire: 250 Marriott Drive, (847) 883-0311.

Naperville: 244 South Main Street, (630) 305-0230.

Chicago: 415 North Dearborn (312) 527-3510.

For details, visit sullivanssteakhouse.com

The Lucky Monk

The Lucky Monk in South Barrington is known for burgers, pizza and beer, but did you know they serve a mean Old Fashioned as well? Their version of the Old Fashioned, called the 1792 Old-Fashion, uses 1792 bourbon instead of the usual whiskey. To create their version of the classic drink, bourbon is added to sugar, muddled cherries and oranges and bitters.

"It's our tribute to the classic crafted cocktail," events and marketing coordinator Nichole Bajkl said. "It's a smooth and balanced cocktail, yet rash and bold."

The Lucky Monk is open 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Location: 105 Hollywood Blvd., South Barrington.

For details, (847) 898-0500 or visit theluckymonk.com.

Mago Grill & Cantina

Everybody's heard of white and red sangria, but Mago Grill & Cantina goes above and beyond and serves not only white and red sangria, but three other flavors of peach, mango passion fruit and pomegranate.

"People appreciate the variety," manager Jesus Aguirre said.

Their classic red sangria is made with red wine, cinnamon, cloves and other spices, brandy, tequila, orange juice, lemon juice and more. Each glass is garnished with fresh fruit. Order one for yourself or order an entire pitcher for the table.

Mago Grill & Cantina is open 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday.

Arlington Heights: 115 W. Campbell St., (847) 253-2222.

Bolingbrook: 641 E. Boughton Road, (630) 783-2222.

South Barrington: 100 W. Higgins Road M-05, (847) 844-4400.

Primo Italian American Cuisine

Yes, there's another sangria on the list, but Primo Italian American Cuisine in Gurnee dresses it up by adding dry ice that gives the drink a beautiful presentation.

"It smokes and bubbles so it's quite unique from the presentation view," bar manager Paul Martens said.

The sangria is made with their house cabernet red wine from the central coast of California. Triple sec and brandy are added and poured over the fresh fruit that covers the dry ice.

"We're known as a wine destination so it gives you the ability to order a cocktail but still get taste of the wine," Martens said.

Putting dry ice inside of a cocktail is risky because direct contact to it can cause burns. However, there is no need to worry because the fresh fruit and normal ice create a barrier so your lips won't touch the dry ice.

Primo Italian American Cuisine is open 11 a.m.-1 a.m. and 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

720 Milwaukee Ave., Gurnee

For details, (847) 336-3446 or visit primogurnee.com.