Taste of Autumn Indulge By Virgin Hotels @VirginHotelsChi Share Share On Facebook Share On Twitter Share on LinkedIn Brisk, fall weather calls for some expertly crafted adult beverages that will warm you right up. That means darker liquors like brandy, cognac and rums mixed with seasonal fruits and warm spices. We sat down with Virgin Hotels Chicago’s lead bartender, Milos Stevanovic to help you spice up your next shindig with a few seasonal sips to truly impress your guests. There’s no better time than now to fully embrace sweater weather with an adult, boozy twist. CUFFING CUP 1 ½ oz. Dark Rum ½ oz. Ancho Reyes ½ oz. Crème de Cacao ¼ oz. Dry Curacao Top w/ 2 oz. hot water Garnish with homemade whipped cream, chocolate shavings, cayenne pepper and top with fresh orange zest PRO TIP: Batch ahead of time for parties and holiday gatherings. To make in bulk, just turn ounces into liters (1.5 oz = 1.5 liters). Make sure to keep under 173 degrees so the alcohol doesn’t evaporate. THE DUDE ABIDES 1.5 oz. Dark Rum ½ oz. St. George Coffee Liquor ¼ oz. Demerara Cinnamon Syrup ¼ oz. Vanilla Syrup 1 Whole Egg Garnish with Grated Nutmeg PRO TIP: Make syrups at home! Two parts demerara sugar, 1 part water. Dissolve sugar over heat and add fall flavors like cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. Great for coffees, teas and on-the-spot eggnog. WARM TO THE TOUCH (Mulled wine) 2 Liters Brandy 5 Liters Red Table Wine 2 Cups Sugar Have fun with spices. Try adding anise, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, raisons and orange peel. PRO TIP: Great for parties! Serve in a large punchbowl and even add spooky decorations like fake spiders and eyeballs for Halloween parties. Now, we’re really starting to feel the fall vibes. Drink up!