Alcohol-delivery startup Minibar expands to Chicago

Minibar, a startup one-hour delivery system for wine, spirits and beer, has arrived in Chicago.

Minibar says it connects users with local vendors who can deliver within an hour. Orders are placed via the company’s website, www.minibardelivery.com, or its mobile app (iOS and Android). Minibar also offers recommended pairings, cocktail recipes and the option to send gifts.

The New York company, founded in February, simultaneously launched here and in San Francisco on Monday. The company looks to win a piece of the Chicago market that’s served by several delivery companies, including Drizly, Foxtrot, GrubHub, Instacart and Peapod.

“We are incredibly excited to expand our national reach and offer consumers a new way to purchase and enjoy wine, spirits and beer in San Francisco and Chicago,” Minibar co-founder and co-CEO Lara Crystal said in a news release. “With a combination of an incredible tech and cocktail culture, Minibar will undoubtedly resonate in both markets with our incredible selection, excellent service and intuitive user experience.”

Minibar says users must confirm they are of legal drinking age prior to ordering. Then, the vendor is responsible for verifying the customer’s ID upon delivery.

The company recently raised $1.8 million in financing to support its expansion.