As the sweltering days of summer lead into the unsettled, chilly days of autumn most of our tastes change accordingly. We tend to seek out warm drinks that help the body beat the new chills we're exposed to. We are also inclined to choose flavors of the season: the apples that are filling the orchards with color, the cranberries that are prime picking and sweet honey (significant during
Rosh Hashanah). Many of these flavors are found in some of our favorite fall cocktails, these are just a few.
Find more Autumn and Holiday Cocktails here.
Apple cider is a big hit in the fall months and this warm drink features that wonderful, distinct taste. The liqueur used is
Tuaca, a hidden treasure from Italy that has deep roots and a hint of vanilla and citrus flavors. Just as the season is a transition between summer and winter, these flavors mark a smooth transition between the fruitier and warmer libations.
Taste a bit of the Old World with a tradition that stretches back centuries. Mulled Wine is perfect for fall entertaining when something warm and zesty is called for. The trick to the perfect Mulled Wine is a slow warm up that allows all of the spices and sweet flavors to meld together.
Save the traditional
Hot Toddy for later, this is the season of apples. This toddy is a taste infusion of hot apple cider, honey and lemon. Depending on the brand, apple brandy can create an overpowering
appleness, but a smooth Canadian or rye
whiskey is a perfect blend with the sweet flavors.
It's a tradition that every fall thousands of hunters pack their gear, don their longjohns and trek through the fields with one goal, getting the big one. Returning to camp, whether successful or not, cannot get much better than if there's a great drink waiting for you.
A little smoother and gentler than the Hunter's Cocktail, the Huntress was created with the female hunter in mind. The same base flavors are there, with a hint of citrus and wholesome milk. It's the perfect libation after a long, (hopefully) successful day tracking the elusive dream buck.
Classic
and classy. When a
Martini just won't do, the Manhattan steps in and takes care of all desires. Sweet flavors, warming
whiskey and smooth palate are characteristics that place this drink into the fabulous fall cocktail line-up.
One of the distinct flavors of autumn is the pumpkin. This cocktail is a creamy pumpkin pie-like delight that can be had for
Halloween, Thanksgiving or anywhere in between and makes a great dessert cocktail.
This is like preparing the palate for the upcoming holiday season filled with peppermint candies and chocolate delights. Sometimes it's best to ease into such a rich flavor explosion. The first few nights that the temps close in on the freezing point can be warmed up with this deliciously soothing nightcap.
A fun blend of the season's best: apples, cranberries and honey. As a
mocktail, it's perfect for family gatherings and autumn parties. Complete a day of picking in the apple orchards with a round of these and a plate of
caramel apples.
What would this list be without a good
Scotch drink? The distinct flavor of
amaretto enhances the smooth pleasure of a Scotch on the rocks. Try this one out at happy hour after a tough day at the office, it's a perfect relaxer.
