The Production

Float This Idea

Embrace cool weather and warm colors with this autumnal drink. 

Uncovering the Elements of Success

Ace Hotel Chicago has really been stirring things up in the West Loop since opening in August, including its cocktail program. The Bird’s Eye is a prime example presenting a bourbon lemonade mixed with raspberry and bitters. It was created by Caitlin Laman, food and beverage director of Waydown, Ace Hotel’s rooftop venue. Waydown was named after the song by Chicago’s John Prine and takes inspiration from Midwestern watering holes. At Waydown, guests can enjoy impeccable skyline views, cozy seating areas, table games and nightly entertainment.

Nestle into fall with this frothy whiskey drink from Marshall’s Landing. The “Paper Airplane” is just one of many craft cocktails offered by the new lounge and restaurant located in the Merchandise Mart. Customers will also find chef-inspired seasonal menus, artisanal coffee and a fullservice bar in a casual, vibrant atmosphere. The spot, named for the famous Marshall Field and operated by the DMK Restaurant group, also has catering options, private meeting selections and customized event spaces available.

Guests of the JW Marriott in Chicago can feel better about indulging in an after-dinner drink when choosing selections from the hotel’s Cocktails with a Purpose program. Recipes like “Green Mountain Dynamite” were created by Tippling Bros. with the guidance of nutritionist Keri Glassman. The idea: to create healthier cocktails that still provide a tasty experience

INGREDIENTS
—1.5 oz. Absolut Citron
—.75 oz. fresh lemon juice
—.75 oz. maple syrup
—a pinch of cayenne powder
—3 dashes of Urban Moonshine Organic Maple Bitters 

Puppies toted around in purses is no longer a bizarre sighting, especially as more and more people are bringing their pets everywhere they go—including meetings and events. In fact, it’s become such a phenomenon that many hotels have now started to welcome canine companions with open arms.

Pampered Pooches

Restaurateur Amy Morton recently opened her latest Evanston dining space, The Barn, housed in a former 19th-century brick farmhouse. The “meatcentric hideaway” is a far cry from her veggie hot spot Found, and is an homage to her family lineage (her dad founded the Morton Steakhouse chain). In addition to hearty plates sourced by local farms, Beverage Director Michelle Sallemi whips up a classic cocktail menu with a number of twists, as seen in this spicy tequila drink.

Long gone are the days of PDF diagrams and floor plans laid out on Word documents. Now, in the age of 3-D printing and virtual reality goggles, event planning is more visual and tangible than ever—the way it was always meant to be. 

Three top accoutrements dress up drinks.