Frost on the windows and thick fog in the morning are surefire signs that warm sunny summer days are fleeting. With the drop in weather and the change in scenery, a brand new cocktail menu is a must have for those cool fall nights in front of the fire. So here is a list of Autumn inspired cocktails that should keep you warm and buzzing while you wait for the snow to fly!
Pumpkin Spice White Russian
We are starting off the list with a pumpkin spice inspired cocktail for obvious reasons. This white Russian takes the classic cocktail and adds a little spice, literally. The pumpkin flavour takes the drink to a whole new level of cozy, creamy, and delicious! To make this drink:
- Rim your glass with your choice of toppings. A good rim option for this drink is chocolate syrup around the glass and then a mix of sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and crushed graham crackers coated onto the edge.
- Add vodka, your favourite coffee liqueur, pumpkin spice creamer, and ice into a cocktail shaker, shake to combine.
- Strain the mix into your cocktail glass and top with whipping cream and pumpkin spice and voila, your Pumpkin Spice White Russian is ready to serve.
Ingredients 2 oz. Vodka 1 oz. Kahlua 1 ½ oz. Pumpkin Spice Creamer Chocolate Syrup Whip Cream for garnish
Caramel Apple Martini
Another fall favourite that everyone seems to enjoy is the Caramel Apple Martini. These two flavours are such a classic combo that it’s hard to imagine not having at least one of these drinks on your autumn inspired drink menu. This drink is on the slightly sweeter side so if you plan on indulging in a few consider bringing out a salty appetizer to pair them with. To make this drink:
- Rim your glass with caramel sauce. You can finish it there or rim with cinnamon sugar, completely up to you.
- Combine apple cider, caramel vodka, and butterscotch snaps in a cocktail shaker with ice, shake to combine.
- Strain the mix into your martini glass and garnish with a slice of fresh apple.
Ingredients 2 oz. Apple Cider 2 oz. Caramel Vodka 1 oz. Butterscotch Snapp's Sliced fresh apple Caramel sauce and/or cinnamon sugar for garnish
Cranberry Mimosa
Everyone loves a good mimosa. With four parts alcohol to one part mix, who wouldn’t be excited about kicking back and relaxing with a cranberry mimosa in hand? This recipe is quick and easy and is a great option for a girls night, thanksgiving dinner, or a romantic evening with your partner. To make this drink:
- Rim your champagne flutes with lime juice and dip in sugar.
- Pour cranberry juice into the base of your glasses and top with champagne. Depending on how strong you like your drink you can always add more of one or the other but the typical rule of thumb is four parts Champaign to one part mix.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs
Ingredients (4 servings) 1 Cup Sweetened Cranberry Juice 1 Bottle Champagne Lime Juice & Sugar Fresh Cranberries & Rosemary for garnish
Maple Old Fashioned
This Canadian twist on a classic cocktail is the perfect combination for any whiskey lover. The maple syrup brings out the warm, rich, caramel-y flavours in the bourbon perfectly. The Maple Old Fashioned pairs nicely with a lazy boy recliner and a dark room illuminated only by the flame of the fireplace. To make this drink:
- Cut a 3 inch piece of orange peel with a vegetable peeler. Run the pulp side along the rim of the cocktail glass.
- Add bourbon (or rye), bitters, and maple syrup to the glass, stir to combine. Add in the ice and restir to mix and chill.
- Twist the orange peel above the glass to release the oils and then throw into the drink. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Ingredients 2 oz. Bourbon or Rye 3-4 Dashes of Aromatic Bitters ½ tsp Maple Syrup Orange Peel Maraschino Cherries to garnish
Harvest Punch
It wouldn’t be right to exclude a harvest punch from your autumn inspired cocktail menu. These drinks symbolically celebrate the growing season and the delicious foods that are probably getting harvested as you sip your drink. These cocktails are super versatile and easily customizable to your own wants and needs so feel free to tweak the recipe in any which way you choose. To make this drink:
- In a large pitcher combine the wine, apple cider, and pineapple juice slowly stirring in the ginger ale. Add your choice of fruit. Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are all great options.
- Serve on ice and garnish with an orange slice, rosemary, or lemon round.
Ingredients 2 Bottle of White Wine (Moscato) 4 Cups of Ginger Ale 1 Cup of Pineapple Juice 1 Cup of Apple Cider Berries