Chicago’s Best Fall Inspired Cocktails and Where to Get Them

BY TIANA PIGFORD, CONTRIBUTING TRAVEL WRITER | October 2019

Chicago may endure some bitter temperatures, but the city knows how to give you some liquid motivation through countless innovative, seasonal handcrafted cocktails. Embrace the holidays or prepare to face your in-laws with these seasonal sips.

“Back to Basics”

Eden

You can experience Eden’s vibrant greenhouse even this time of year, as they feature homegrown ingredients throughout their plates and seasonal cocktail menu. Thyme, mint, and cranberry shrub are just a few ingredients you’ll discover. Of course, you can’t truly embrace fall without pumpkin! “Back to Basics” plays on the staple flavor and makes for a sweet finish at the end of your dining experience.

This handcrafted cocktail is concocted with Basil Hayden bourbon, house made pumpkin spice syrup, Kahlua, egg white and mole bitters.

“Sweater Weather No. 2”

SideDoor at Lawry’s

This cocktail at the SideDoor at Lawry’s creates the warm and fuzzy feelings you get wearing your favorite fall sweater. With unique flavors like sweet potato, nutmeg, and egg yolk, this rum and bourbon-based creation will leave you much more cheery than your average cup of egg nog. Talk about holiday spirits!

This handcrafted cocktail is concocted with aged rum, high rye bourbon, Cynar, vanilla, cinnamon, lemon, sweet potato purée, egg yolk, Angostura and a ground nutmeg garnish.

“Grandma’s Apple Pie”

Travelle at The Langham

For some living the big city life, it’s easy to miss the holiday traditions back home. Take a sip of your childhood with “Grandma’s Apple Pie” at Travelle at The Langham, which is sure to incite nostalgic flavors and sweet memories with its intriguing apple finish. An elevated take on your classic apple martini, who says growing up can’t be fun?

This handcrafted cocktail is concocted with apple-infused vodka, marshmallow syrup and lemon juice garnished with a marshmallow flower rim and torched marshmallow.

“Peared Sake”

Sunda

Take a trip across the border and experience Asia's fall flavors. Sunda flawlessly combines non-traditional ingredients like Japanese rice wine and Saigon cinnamon to bring you their “Peared Sake,” a unique seasonal hit for over 10 years running. If you’ve been curious about sake, now is the perfect chance to try!

This handcrafted cocktail is concocted with Grey Goose la poire vodka, Gekkeikan Zipang sparkling sake, pineapple juice, ginger syrup and a Saigon cinnamon rim.

“High, Low, and In-Between”

Broken Shaker at The Freehand

If you love the “smell” of the season, this cocktail is sure to engage your senses. Known for innovative and creative cocktails, Broken Shaker at The Freehand brings you a visually captivating and aromatic experience with “High, Low, and In-Between.”

This handcrafted cocktail is concocted with Lustau Fino Sherry, cinnamon green chartreuse, pear brandy, extra dry vermouth, and rosemary.

“The Kennison Old Fashioned, No. 6”

The Kennison

Old fashioned cocktails are as much a classic as pecan pie during the holidays, and The Kennison reinvents these classic tastes. Brown butter infused bourbon makes for smooth sipping while bringing out nutty flavors of pecan and black walnut. This one is sure to go down as easy as pie!

This handcrafted cocktail is concocted with brown butter infused Evan Williams bourbon, pecans, brown sugar and black walnut bitters.

Don’t miss out on these seasonal signature favorites!