AT FIRST, the celebrity connection may not be obvious. Sure, the SelvaRey Rum brand has a retro swagger and an air of luxury, but once you learn that one of the co-owners (and a fervent supporter) is none other than Grammy Award-winner Bruno Mars, it all begins to make sense. Its simplicity (aged, single estate rums from Panama) is timeless; its flavor (choose from white, chocolate, or coconut) is next level delicious. So, we were beyond thrilled to be among a select group of guests invited to taste the rum at an intimate event at the Fairmont Chicago hotel with Mars himself. With a mission to promote a new collab between the Fairmont and SelvaRey, we were offered a choice of three custom-designed cocktails made with three flavors of the rum—all paired with charcuterie boards that exceeded culinary expectations. Our Editor’s Choice was the blue cocktail, which was reminiscent of a sandy beach in the Dominican Republic. As for Bruno, he brought his signature energy in a vintage 1980s ensemble, finished with a Prada bucket hat, joining the brand’s three founders for a lively Q&A. We left feeling inspired by the recipes (with more than a few fabulous ideas for which tropical locale we’d next like to savor them). Taste for yourself at the Fairmont Chicago bar or visit selvarey.com for a list of local restaurants and stores that carry Bruno’s iconic brand.