Note: This article is part of KOVAL’s “Innovation Month.” While KOVAL continues to change the way people think about whiskey, we're highlighting thinkers, technologists, entrepreneurs, designers, organizations, and brands that we believe are streamlining the future of how the world works.
It’s easy to get completely consumed by the innovation happening within Chicago’s city limits--like what we’ve seen at incubators like 1871 and Blue1647, makers like the 3D Printer Experience, and educational programs like Code & Cupcakes.
But when you trade the CTA for the Metra and venture 25 miles southwest of downtown to Lemont, IL, you enter an entirely different type of innovation hub: Argonne National Laboratory.
This campus, managed for the U.S. Department of Energy, is spread across 1,700 acres and employs 3,400 scientists, engineers, technicians, scholars, and researchers addressing national challenges in clean energy, environment, technology, and national security.
We were thrilled to get a chance to take a trip to Argonne, tour some of their facilities, and talk to a few folks that are making a big difference in energy innovation.
Cheers to Argonne National Laboratory with the “Ionic Collins"
In a large glass combine the following over ice:
1 1/2 Dry Gin
1/2 oz Szechuan Peppercorn Syrup
3/4 oz Lemon Juice
4 oz Soda Water
Like a tiny battery volt, the Szechuan Peppercorn creates a buzz. This easy- going cocktail makes use of the pepper with the pleasant bubbles of soda water to create a nice tingling feeling.
To make the Szechuan Peppercorn syrup:
Combine 2 Tablespoons of cracked peppercorn with 1 cup Sugar, 1 Cup Water - bring to a slow boil. Strain and cool.
