The goblets were frosty at Pops for Champagne.

It’s officially fall, that time when people trade sangria for mulled wine and hard lemonade for hard cider. I’ve been a very busy barfly these past few weeks, starting with a bang at the Chicago International Film Festival party at Pop’s for Champagne (601 N. State St., 312-266-7677). I brought my friend Julia, a film student at SAIC, along for the ride. We watched the locally produced Nights and Weekends, a bittersweet tale of long-distance romance, before settling in at Pop’s for glasses of Gran Sarao Cava, Snow Queen Vodka cocktails, and frosty goblets of Stella Artois, a fest sponsor. Next time at I’m at Pop’s I’m looking forward to trying something from Champagne Cattier’s portfolio—the French company recently selected Chicago as the headquarters for U.S. distribution. Cattier's currently only available in a few states, so check it out.

The only thing I like more than a glass of champagne is a cocktail made with sparkling wine—especially when it's alongside eggs at brunch. I got my fill recently at the fantastic new Sunday spread at Shaw’s Crab House (21 E. Hubbard St., 31-527-2722), which features $5 mimosa and Bloody Mary bars along with some stellar food. Not satisfied with fresh-squeezed OJ for your midday beverage? Shaw's also offers white peach and blood orange juice mimosas, mixed with cava and served with fresh fruit. The spot's swanky 40s vibe and amazing service—our maitre d’ Virgil spoke awesome Japanese and gave us great advice on where to buy bow ties in Chicago—completed the perfect brunch experience.

I've also discovered some cocktailing trends as the air's cooled—flowers are in, for one. The Drawing Room features Crème de Violette liqueur in its “Aviation” concoction, while Bistro Campagne and Paramount Room are both using St. Germain Elderflower liqueur. I've also encountered orange blossom water, fresh lavender, and chamomile tea infusions around town. Mint has been eschewed in favor of culinary herbs like sage and thyme, Canton Ginger liqueur adds an autumnal spice to cocktails, while Zuidam Dutch Genever (gin's sweeter cousin) is an exciting newcomer on the scene. Sepia and The Drawing Room both just released their fall cocktail menu—time for you to discover a new favorite drink!

The fall festivities aren't over, though. Check out the speakeasy-themed Halloween party at In Fine Spirits Oct. 31 (the password is “Albuquerque”), an absinthe dinner at The Drawing Room Nov. 2, and the Sixth Annual Festival of Wood and Barrel Aged Beer on Nov. 8. I'll be squeezing in as much fun as I can before hoodie weather turns into down jacket weather.

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