Travelle at The Langham, Chicago

This swanky lounge, set two stories above the Chicago River, delivers on the promise of “art-inspired” cocktails. Seasonal specialities leverage top-shelf spirits to anchor bold expressions of flavor, like the Midnight In San Juan—combining bourbon with 23-year-old rum and coconut for a semisweet journey in oak. The Oaxacan Skull Crusher is a savory sort of mezcal martini using Del Maguey Vida and red bell pepper cordial. As an added bonus here, the premium whiskey and wine lists are both exhaustive and expertly-curated. Even if you’re abstaining entirely, this versatile program is offering some of the more thoughtfully composed non-alcoholic expressions in town. Given the breadth of options—and panorama—it’s no wonder that many guests to this venerated five-star hotel don’t make it much further than the lobby.