Fall cocktails evoke a vivid imagery of the season, capturing the essence of warm hues that mirror the changing leaves of New England. Think of fiery reds, smoldering oranges, and rich yellows, reminiscent of the bountiful harvest, ripe apples, succulent pears, and aromatic spices. These exquisite components harmonize flawlessly, culminating in delightful concoctions known as cozy cocktails, perfect companions that will gracefully accompany you all the way to the Thanksgiving table, and beyond.
Experience the cozy embrace of these fall cocktails. Similar to your go-to sweater, these libations provide an added layer of warmth and comfort. Delight in the rich combination of aged spirits, velvety egg whites, vibrant seasonal fruits, and comforting spices. Treat your taste buds to the taste of autumn with these indulgent beverages that capture the essence of fall flavors.
1. Flannel Shirt
The Flannel Shirt combines the timeless tastes of autumn – apple, smoky notes, and spices. This delightful concoction captures the essence of cool weather with a blend of Scotch whisky, apple cider, allspice dram, and the bold Amaro Averna. Embrace the season with this classic autumnal libation, perfect for adding an extra layer of warmth on brisk days.
2. Forbidden Apple
Try the Forbidden Apple, a delightful twist on the classic Champagne Cocktail. This exquisite drink will captivate your taste buds with the infusion of apple brandy and orange liqueur. Treat yourself to the enticing flavors of autumn with the Forbidden Apple cocktail.
3. Lion’s Tale
Lion’s Tail, a delightful autumn-inspired cocktail, harmoniously blends the daring essence of a Daiquiri and a Whiskey Sour. This exquisite libation features a bourbon base, complemented by the warmth of allspice dram, a rum-infused liqueur infused with pimento berries and spices. The addition of fresh citrus juice is perfectly balanced by a dash of simple syrup and a touch of Angostura bitters. This enticing creation boasts a rich and spicy flavor profile, elevated by the comforting sweetness of the simple syrup. Immerse yourself in the cozy embrace of Lion’s Tail, a captivating marriage of bold fall flavors.
4. Gaelic Flip
The Gaelic Flip combines the smoothness of Irish whiskey, the sweetness of sweet vermouth, and a delightful blend of allspice liqueur and simple syrup. This exquisite concoction results in a velvety, frothy beverage that captivates both the eyes and the taste buds.
5. Maple Old Fashioned
The Maple Old Fashioned, true to its name, swaps the usual simple syrup (or sugar cube) for the distinctive taste of maple syrup. By choosing an aged rum for your Old Fashioned, you’ll experience a velvety texture, subtle notes of vanilla and caramel, and a heightened richness and intricacy. These qualities perfectly harmonize with the addition of bitters, a hint of sweetener, and orange zest, resulting in a truly decadent creation.
6. Stone Fence
The Stone Fence holds a deep connection to the Revolutionary War, providing a dose of bravery to the victorious soldiers of Fort Ticonderoga. This delightful libation harmoniously blends apple cider with a choice of well-aged spirits such as bourbon, aged rum, or brandy, complemented by the invigorating flavors of bitters and lemon juice. While it is a delightful beverage suitable for any time of the year, it particularly shines during the enchanting autumn season when freshly pressed apple cider abounds.
7. Prairie Buzz
The Prairie Buzz cocktail is crafted by enhancing a whiskey foundation with a generous half ounce of cold-brew coffee. The luscious sweetness of amaretto, a delightful almond liqueur, is then combined with a touch of cinnamon syrup and sweet vermouth. This intricate medley of flavors is beautifully balanced by the addition of velvety heavy cream. Indulge in this exquisite autumn libation, which exudes richness, herbal notes, and creamy decadence.
8. Mountain Man
The Mountain Man is a delightful Whiskey Sour infused with the vibrant flavor of ginger. Inspired by the Penicillin cocktail (No. 9), this exquisite libation combines the smoothness of bourbon with the sweetness of peach liqueur, the richness of forest maple notes, and a touch of ginger syrup. The refreshing blend is perfected with a dash of lemon juice, creating a truly captivating experience for your taste buds.
9. Penicillin
Penicillin, a delightful concoction, combines the unique flavors of two Scotch varieties, zesty lemon, soothing honey, and invigorating ginger. The name pays homage to the groundbreaking medicinal drug, suggesting the potential healing attributes of its carefully selected ingredients. This delightful elixir shares similarities with the renowned Hot Toddy, renowned for its reputed ability to alleviate symptoms associated with cold and flu.
10. Mott and Mulberry
Mott and Mulberry puts a twist on the traditional Whiskey Sour by highlighting the beloved tastes of autumn. This delightful blend combines the warmth of spicy rye, the tanginess of apple cider, the bittersweet notes of Amaro Abano, and the refreshing zest of lemon juice. The result is a comforting cocktail that is perfect for warding off the chilly autumn weather.
11. Amaretto Sour
The Amaretto Sour stands apart from its relatives, the Whiskey Sour and Pisco Sour, with a distinctively sweeter profile. Originating from Italy, Amaretto is a liqueur infused with the rich essence of almonds or apricot stones. In this delectable concoction, the almond liqueur harmonizes with bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and a touch of creamy egg white. The end result is a velvety, frothy libation that tantalizes the taste buds with its balanced combination of sweetness, tartness, and a delightful nutty undertone.
12. Mulled Spiked Cider
Mulled spiked cider, a delightful British drink reminiscent of Wassail, is a beloved seasonal libation savored from autumn till New Year’s Eve. This “spiked” elixer combines the richness of rum with gently heated apple cider, infused with orange slices and a medley of mulling spices including cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. The end result is a truly invigorating beverage that envelops your senses and warms you to the core, making it an ideal companion for those crisp, chilly autumn days.
FAQ
What are mulling spices?
Mulling spices typically include cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg, and less frequently star anise, peppercorn, cardamom, or ginger.
Allspice liqueur vs Allspice dram vs Pimento dram?
Allspice dram is also known as pimento dram, pimento cordial, or allspice liqueur. The word “pimento” is the Jamaican word for allspice. They are made from allspice berries, which taste like a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. There are some differences in production but generally can be used interchangeably.