Thanks to this year’s chilly summer, experts predict that Chicago leaves will change a month early this year. Don’t fret: That just gives you a head start when it comes to sampling the city’s best autumnal elixirs. Check out our picks.
Caramel apple martini, $8
If you didn’t make it to this summer’s barrage of county fairs to satisfy your seasonal cravings, stop by intimate neighborhood spot Get Me High Lounge for a deliciously sweet treat. This fall cocktail, served in a martini glass swirled with caramel, mixes apple pucker, vodka, butterscotch schnapps and a splash of cranberry juice. Certainly this ‘tini will curb your sugar cravings until Halloween. 1758 N. Honore St. 773-252-4090.
Ginger julep, $5.50
With fall comes all the great accessories–cute hats with matching mittens and, unfortunately for many of us, stuffy noses. But at least the folks at Rodan are looking out for us. This cocktail of fresh ginger tea and bourbon is like the cool older brother of the Mint Julep: a little wiser and a little stronger. And ginger is known to help fortify against those nasty winter colds, not to mention what it does for bad breath. 1530 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-276-7036.
Autumn reds flight, $13
Bin 36 has declared red the color of season with this sensational flight, which features vibrant, robust picks from red-hot wine regions such as Yecia, Spain, and San Luis Obispo, Calif. You’ll get four 2.5-ounce tastings of the season’s best–the Hahn Estate 2002 Syrah (No. 35 on your taster’s cheat sheet) is not to be missed: smooth with earthy dark plum notes and smoky aromas, it couldn’t be sexier. 339 N. Dearborn St. 312-755-9463.
Irish harvest, $8
The staff at Boystown’s Cocktail have officially bastardized the treasure that is possibly most dear to the hearts of the Irish: Guinness. They added the pride of Ireland to one of the bar’s ultra-fancy cocktails for a sipper that’s sure to surprise you. The golden-hued drink is a delicious mix of Stoli Vanil, amaretto, Kahlua and, of course, Guinness to give it a bit of an edge. 3359 N. Halsted St. 773-477-1420.
Kama Sutra coffee, $9
End your night on a sultry note with this rich, velvety drink at Monsoon. Fresh brewed Arabica coffee is combined with creamy Godiva white chocolate and laced with mint liqueur to make a sensational drink that will warm your belly and, hopefully, the affections of your dinner companion. Garnished with mint leaves and a touch of whipped cream, the taste more than makes up for the cheesy name. 2813 N. Broadway, 773-665-9463.
The perfect brandy Manhattan, $6
Chilly days call for brisk, strong drinks–and that’s exactly how they pour ’em at Matchbox. Close quarters are part of the charm here, so cozy up to the bar and ask for this potent mix of equal parts sweet and dry vermouth with a splash of cherry juice, which is in the running to be the most grown-up cocktail ever served with cherries (and we aren’t talking maraschino: These happen to be four Griottines cherries that have been marinated for two years in brandy). This one is sure to warm you to your toes. 770 N. Milwaukee Ave. 312-666-9292.
