Fresh Fall Cocktails

‘Tis the season for libations and this month mixologists and cocktail crafters are incorporating on-trend ingredients such as espresso liqueur, rubbing elbows with local produce purveyors for tips on the best winter fruits and experimenting with culinary techniques such as caramelizing rocks glasses. With the onset of colder temperatures comes the introduction of flavorful, rich spirits such as Grand Mariner and Frangelico and basic liquors like rum and vodka become infused with cinnamon, cardamom and Tahitian vanilla sticks. Whether you’re looking to elevate a glass of Champagne (hint: add a dash of rose water) or dress up a traditional cup of hot sake (try a touch of Soju – a Korean rice liquor), this season, we encourage you to stray from the ordinary.

We’re thrilled to see The Tasting Room at Randolph Wine Cellars pop onto the mixology scene. The West Loop mainstay has traditionally been viewed as a wine emporium, but this month they’re serving up some of the most innovative and downright delectable cocktails that we’ve seen this season. To create When the Leaves Fall in Tennessee, clover honey and a mission fig elixir are added to a hickory smoke-infused whiskey cordial then topped with a cream cheese stuffed medjool date. Mick Jagger in Massachusetts boasts a persimmon-infused gin cordial complemented by elderflower liqueur and furthered with a sparkling wine float, rose water and winter citrus nectar; an edible rose petal serves as the garnish.

Staying on trend with house-made infusions, the Tasting Room cocktail list continues with the Homage to Charlie Brown: Tahitian vanilla-infused spiced rum, pumpkin pie elixir and crème de cocoa and the Mule Variation: candied ginger-infused vodka cordial, winter citrus nectar, a moscato d’asti float and garnished with a candied ginger skewer. The Giacoma Casanova Today employs rich dark, chocolate cordial, hazelnut and Marla liqueur and adds a generous pour of cinnamon bark and vanilla-infused vodka. To complete the round up of our favorite cocktails this holiday season, opt for the East Indian Kerouack that incorporates fall spice tequila, maple syrup and a Gala apple elixir.

Cozy up to the bar or snuggle in one of their stuffed over-sized club chairs. The fire is lit, the lights are dim and they offer up satisfying small bites such as Applewood bacon-smoked dates and approachable flat bread pizza.

Cheeky on the Town Tip: Tuesday’s are half price bottles of wine (under $100). My friend and I enjoyed a delicate pinot noir from Russian River in Northern California for a mere $42.