The days are growing shorter, and there’s no denying the chill that’s in the air now once the sun goes down. Long autumn nights are perfect for sitting by the fire and enjoying a signature cocktail that’s totally fall.
We’ve compiled a list of our top five picks, and all are sure to warm your taste buds.
Number 5—In fifth place, our pick is the autumn eve martini, which combines nuttiness with raspberry for a truly great combination of flavors on your palate.
Ingredients:
0.5 oz Amaretto
0.5 oz Raspberry Liquor
0.25 oz Sour mix
0.5 oz Southern Comfort
1 oz Raspberry Vodka
Mix over ice and shake well. Serve in a chilled martini glass. Garnish with fresh raspberry or cherries.
Number 4—In fourth place is the harvest apple martini. With this concoction, warmth and spice are perfectly married for a soothing and season-appropriate cocktail.
Ingredients:
0.5 oz Amaretto
1 oz Apple Schnapps
0.1 oz Cinnamon Schnapps – we recommend Goldschlagger
0.5 oz Sweet and Sour Mix
1 oz Apple Vodka
Load up the shaker with ice. Add the vodka, the apple schnapps, the amaretto and the sweet and sour mix. Then, add a splash of Goldschlagger. Shake until chilled and pour into a martini glass to serve.
Number 3—In third place, we have the pumpkin pie martini. For those who prefer to drink rather than eat their calories, this is the cocktail to try. With only three ingredients, too, it’s a snap to make.
Ingredients:
1 pinch Cinnamon
1 tsp Cinnamon Schapps
1.5 oz Irish Cream (chilled)
Mix together over crushed ice. Garnish glass with mint leaves.
For even more fire, try a flaming pumpkin pie cocktail (1 tsp cinnamon, 1 part Kahlua, 1 part Bailey’s, and a splash of Goldschlaugger). Pour the Kahlua into the glass. Add the Bailey’s and the Goldschlaugger. Light the glass and shake the cinnamon on top. Blow out the flame and down this harvest concoction for instant warmth.
Number 2—In the runner-up spot we have fallen leaves. This drink is all about the character of the apple, which is enhanced when the apple brandy is mixed with the vermouths.
Ingredients:
0.75 oz Calvados (Apple Brandy)
1 twist Lemon
0.75 oz Vermouth
0.25 oz Dry Vermouth
Mix together with crushed ice. Serve in a glass garnished with mint leaves.
Number 1—Our top pick for this harvest season is hot mulled cider (recipe from www.almanac.com). This beverage will take you all the way through the New Year. It’s a wonderfully welcoming drink to have on hand when friends stop by and for holiday get-togethers. It’s fragrant and warm, and you can spike it, too, for an extra punch.
Ingredients:
1 quart cider
1/4 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
4 to 6 cinnamon sticks
Combine everything except the cinnamon sticks in a saucepan and heat until boiling. Remove from heat and set aside for 15 minutes to 1 hour to allow flavors to blend. When ready to serve, reheat the cider, pour into mugs garnished with cinnamon sticks.
(For spiked version, add brandy, bourbon or rum for an extra kick.) For a truly stunning presentation, serve the cider in hollowed out apples.
All recipes adapted from www.idrink.com unless otherwise noted.
