Must-Try Seasonal Drinks in Chicago

As the crisp October air settles over Chicago, there’s no better way to embrace the season than by indulging in the city’s finest fall-inspired beverages. Whether you’re a guest at Hotel EMC2 or a local seeking autumnal delights, these drinks — from cozy coffee favorites to immersive cocktail experiences — capture the essence of fall.

Bar Pendry’s Boozy Tea – A Spirited Twist on Tradition

Where: Pendry Chicago, 230 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601
Distance from Hotel EMC2: Approximately 0.4 miles (an 8-minute walk)
Dates & Times: Starting October 5, 2025, every Sunday from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Step into a modern twist on the classic afternoon tea at Bar Pendry. Indulge in a Boozy Tea Sampler paired with a three-tiered tower of sweet and savory bites, including pumpkin butterscotch scones and bourbon maple tarts. Priced at $75 per person, this experience blends seasonal flavors with creative cocktails in a cozy, stylish setting.

Starbucks Reserve – Fall Flavors Elevated

Where: Starbucks Reserve Roastery, 646 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Distance from Hotel EMC2: Approximately 1 mile (a 20-minute walk or 5-minute drive)
Dates & Times: Fall menu available October 2025

Starbucks Reserve has unveiled its 2025 fall menu, featuring seasonal drinks with rich, warm flavors of pumpkin, spice, and subtle whiskey notes. Highlights include the Pumpkin Spice Whiskey Barrel-Aged Cold Brew and the Pumpkin Spice Duo Flight, which pairs an Iced Pumpkin Spice Masala Chai Latte with the Whiskey Barrel-Aged Cold Brew, topped with pumpkin pie spice cold foam.

Frankenstein’s Mad Scientist Cocktail Lab – A Spooky Seasonal Sip

Where: Puttery, 932 W Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60607
Distance from Hotel EMC2: Approximately 2 miles (a 10-minute drive or 20-minute public transit ride)
Dates: September 18 – November 7, 2025 Special Event: Monster Mash Halloween Party on October 31, 2025.
Timeslots: Multiple daily reservations; check the event calendar

Bold, mysterious flavors with hints of citrus, spice, and smoky sweetness await inside Frankenstein’s lab. Guests help the Mad Scientists complete their secret formulas, creating interactive cocktails or mocktails while surrounded by shimmering elixirs and spine-tingling concoctions. Enjoy spooky photo ops, additional drinks for purchase, and optional private tarot card readings. Reservations are 90 minutes, and this immersive experience is perfect for adventurous seasonal sippers looking for a unique Chicago fall activity.

Local Café Highlights – Fall Flavors Abound

Many local cafés in Chicago embrace the fall season with specialty drinks. While specific menus for October 2025 are still being released, expect offerings like:

• Pumpkin Spice Lattes – Classic favorites, hot, iced, or blended
  
  
• Maple Lattes – Sweet, comforting sips for crisp autumn days
  
  
• Hazelnut and Cinnamon Infusions – Warm spices that evoke the season
  
  

Keep an eye on local cafés’ social media or websites for the latest seasonal menus.

Stay at Hotel EMC2 – Your Gateway to Fall Delights

Located in the heart of Chicago, Hotel EMC2 offers a stylish and comfortable base for your autumn adventures. After exploring these seasonal drinks, return to the hotel to relax and unwind. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, Hotel EMC2 combines luxury, convenience, and the perfect starting point for your fall beverage journey.

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