Spring Drinks: Embracing Fresh Ingredients

The sun is finally warming the sidewalks of Chicago, and at Gotham Bagels, we’re shaking things up—literally. Spring has officially arrived, and with it comes a fresh new reason to pause, sip, and savor. Our new seasonal drink lineup is here, and it's built on the same philosophy that fuels every hand-rolled bagel and house-made spread we craft: real ingredients, traditional methods, and big, bold flavor.

This season, we’re introducing two spring specials that feel like a deep breath of fresh air: the Shaken Raspberry Iced Tea and the Shaken Cucumber Lemonade. Whether you’re ducking into our shop to escape the midday rush or grabbing your usual Salt bagel with a schmear of scallion cream cheese to-go, these drinks are the perfect seasonal companion.

Let’s dive into what makes them shine.

Meet the Shaken Raspberry Iced Tea

The Shaken Raspberry Iced Tea is all about balance. It’s vibrant, slightly tart, and deeply refreshing—a blend of muddled raspberries, raspberry syrup, and our house-brewed black tea. If you've ever bitten into a ripe raspberry in late May, you know the flavor we’re aiming for. There’s nothing artificial here. The fruit-forward punch of the raspberries pairs beautifully with the earthy, tannic depth of our black tea.

The preparation is what gives this drink its charm. The berries are muddled fresh, not puréed or processed. That means every sip has real texture and complexity. When shaken with ice and our robust tea, the result is a lightly sweetened, cool beverage that feels as handcrafted as the pumpernickel bagels we roll out every morning.

Pair it with: The Yellow C.A.B.—stacked with bacon, cheddar, avocado, arugula, tomato, and mayo on a bagel of your choice. The savory richness of the sandwich contrasts beautifully with the bright, juicy acidity of the tea.

Say Hello to the Shaken Cucumber Lemonade

Now, let’s talk about the Shaken Cucumber Lemonade—the green jewel of our spring drink duo. This one starts with fresh cucumber purée, blended right here in our kitchen. To that, we add our signature house-made lemonade: tart, sweet, and utterly invigorating.

The first sip is a surprise. You get the zing of lemon right away, but it’s softened by the mellow, almost cooling sensation of cucumber. It’s the kind of drink that makes you stand a little straighter, breathe a little deeper. It’s like a walk along the lake on a breezy day—revitalizing and grounding all at once.

Pair it with: Try it alongside our V sandwich—an all-vegan masterpiece layered with poblano salad, vegan scallion cream cheese, avocado, tomato, and arugula. The cucumber in the drink complements the peppery arugula and creamy textures in the sandwich, offering a plant-powered combo that even the staunchest carnivore could love.

Sip the Season

For us, spring means more than warmer weather—it’s a chance to reset, to refresh, and to reconnect with the basics. Real fruit. Real vegetables. Real effort. Our Spring Drinks are an invitation to taste that philosophy in action.

They’re here now. They’re shaking up spring, one cup at a time.