It’s time to drink up Chicago. This week’s forecast features everything from wine festivals to Spring-inspired cocktails - even a coffee making class for those looking to brew the perfect cup the morning after. So whether you’re looking for libations to take the edge off, or a beverage that will bring it back - you’re covered. Cheers!

Wine Time at Union Station

The Second Glass Wine Riot U.S. tour raids Chicago this weekend for a two-day event kicking off Friday, May 20, from 1 – 5p.m., and continuing Saturday, May 21, from 7 – 11p.m. at the Great Hall at Union Station.  The Boston based Second Glass Wine Riot, founded by Tyler Balliet and Morgan First, hits five cities throughout the country allowing wine lovers to taste over 250 different wines from regions all over the world. With the goal of getting people to drink more wine, the festive and interactive event also features a 20-minute Crash Course seminar conducted by on-site experts, as well as an iPhone app with preloaded names and images allowing visitors to remember every wine they tried and whether they “liked it,” or “loved it.”  While DJs spin music, attendees can also jump in a photo booth for picture perfect souvenirs and snack on food in the tasting lounge provided by local vendors for a small fee ($3-5). Tickets for the event are $50. Union Station is located at 210 S. Canal St. For more information, visit https://secondglass.com/wineriot/chicago-2011.

Java-Savvy Class at Ipsento

Learn how to brew at home the same cup of coffee you get in your favorite coffee shop as Ipsento Coffee House hosts Coffee 101: History, Selection and Brewing Perfection, this Saturday, May 21, from 8:00  – 10:00 a.m. During this ongoing weekly class, Ipsento’s in-house coffee roasting company of choice, Coffee Ambassadors, will be partnering with Ipsento to offer you the latest information available on the science and art involved in brewing the perfect cup of java using a handful of different brewing methods. Budding baristas can nosh on complimentary snacks while being briefed of coffee’s storied past, complex science, and uncredited film cameos. Followed by hands-on experimentation with various brewing contraptions, the class is mostly interactive and hands on as you take a step back in time to your high school science lab days. Only this time around, you will get to enjoy some incredible non-toxic aromas and flavors ranging from grapefruit to blueberry and cocoa nibs to toffee - that’s right, these flavors really are found in the delectable coffees showcased as a part of the class. For a complete list of upcoming classes and to purchase tickets ($80 per person) click here. Ipsento Coffee House is located at 2035 N. Western. For more information, visit www.ipsento.com.

Spring Cocktails at Luxbar

Luxbar gets into the Spring spirit with an inviting list of seasonal cocktails sure to bring out the flavors of the season. Available now for $11.50, the spring cocktails are perfect for enjoying on Luxbar’s Gold Coast patio and include; Cucumber Caipiroska (Effen cucumber, muddled lime and cucumber, simple syrup, served on the rocks in a Collins glass); Humarita (Corzo silver tequila, Hum liquor, fresh squeezed lime, agave nectar, served on the rocks in a Collins glass); Fresh Strawberry Daiquiri (10 cane rum, Grand Marnier, muddled strawberries, pressed lime juice, simple syrup, served up in a martini glass); Spring Fling (Hendricks gin, St Germain, simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, served up in a martini glass); Rhubarb Bellini (prosecco, house rhubarb purée, rhubarb bitters, strawberry foam). Enjoy while feasting on a “feel good” menu including mini-filet sliders, pulled pork sandwiches, buttermilk fried chicken and barbeque baby back ribs - all created with fresh, natural ingredients utilizing local produce, organic products and identity assured meats and seafoods. Luxbar is located at 18 E. Bellevue Place. For more information, visit www.luxbar.com.

-Dimitra Apostolopoulos