Oak-aged Puerto Rican rum adds a taste of vanilla to a blend of grappa, pumpkin puree, spiced pumpkin syrup and red wine in this rich drink. Grab one of the blue velvet chairs at the circular bar in front of the restaurant and savor the cocktail while nibbling fried ravioli stuffed with burrata and broccoli.
Originating in warm sugar-growing areas, rum is usually associated with summery sippers like pina coladas and daiquiris that can add to the fun of a tropical vacation—or at least make you feel like you’ve escaped to a beach. But rum is a versatile spirit, and it’s just as popular when the temperature plunges. Chicago bars add rum to warm drinks to help you shake off the chill or brace yourself to head back out and mix it into complex spiced cocktails that will make you feel cozy. Pull on your coat because these winter rum cocktails are worth braving the elements to try.
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