As the leaves start to change and the air gets cooler, it’s the perfect time to switch up your cocktail game. From warm and cozy to crisp and refreshing, these 5 cocktails for fall are sure to impress. Even if you don’t know how to make cocktails, these recipes are fool-proof enough for a beginner to succeed with them. Before we dive into the recipes, let’s first talk about the best bar tools you’ll need to make these delicious cocktails.
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To make any cocktail, you’ll need a few basic tools. The most important is a cocktail mixing glass. This is a sturdy glass that is used to mix and stir your ingredients of spirit-forward drinks that share similar density– such as whiskey and vermouth in a Manhattan or gin and vermouth in a Martini.
You’ll also need a bar spoon, which is a long spoon with a twisted handle. This is used to stir your ingredients together in the mixing glass. Finally, you’ll need a strainer, which is used to strain your cocktail into the glass. Other tools that might come in handy include cocktail jiggers for measuring your ingredients and cocktail shakers for shaking up cocktails with varying components.
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Hot Toddy
The Hot Toddy is a classic fall cocktail that is perfect for warming up on a cool evening. This recipe is simple to make and requires just a few ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 oz of Whiskey
- 1 tsp of Honey
- 1 Lemon Wedge
- 4 oz of Hot Water
- Cinnamon Stick (optional)
Instructions
- In a mug, combine the whiskey, honey, and lemon wedge.
- Pour in the hot water, and stir until the honey is dissolved.
- If desired, add a cinnamon stick for garnish.
The hot toddy is a classic drink that has been around for centuries. This simple recipe is the perfect combination of warmth and sweetness. The whiskey provides a nice kick, while the honey and lemon offer a lovely balance of sweetness and tartness.
Art by Eve Martinez, copyright A Bar Above
Apple Cider Old Fashioned
An Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that is perfect for fall. This variation replaces the traditional simple syrup with apple cider, adding a nice seasonal twist.
Ingredients
- 2 oz of Bourbon or Rye Whiskey
- 1 oz of Apple Cider
- 1 tsp of Maple Syrup
- 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters
- Apple Slice for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing glass, combine the whiskey, apple cider, maple syrup, and bitters.
- Stir the ingredients together with a bar spoon.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with an apple slice.
The Apple Cider Old Fashioned is a perfect blend of classic and seasonal flavors. The bourbon or rye whiskey provides a spicy, flavorful base for the cocktail, while the apple cider and maple syrup add a touch of sweetness. The bitters add a nice depth of flavor to the drink, making it a perfect choice for fall.
Photo by Lindsay Cotter via www.unsplash.com
Pumpkin Pie Martini
This Pumpkin Pie Martini is a delicious and unique take on the classic Martini. It’s perfect for fall and Thanksgiving gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 oz of Vanilla Vodka
- 1 oz of Pumpkin Puree
- 1 oz of Cream
- 0.5 oz of Maple Syrup
- Dash of Pumpkin Pie Spice
- Whipped Cream and Cinnamon Sugar for garnish
Instructions
- In a shaker, combine the vodka, pumpkin puree, cream, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Shake the ingredients together until well mixed.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled Martini glass.
- Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
The flavor of pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice give this cocktail a delicious seasonal taste, while the vanilla vodka adds sweetness. The cream adds a soft texture and richness to the drink, making it a perfect dessert cocktail. This is a great option for fall parties and Thanksgiving gatherings.
Photo by Heidi Kaden via www.unsplash.com
Bourbon Cider
This Bourbon Cider recipe is a perfect blend of warm fall flavors. It’s easy to make and perfect for sipping on a chilly evening.
Ingredients
- 2 oz of Bourbon
- 4 oz of Apple Cider
- 0.5 oz of Maple Syrup
- 1 Cinnamon Stick for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing glass, combine the bourbon, apple cider, and maple syrup.
- Stir the ingredients together with a bar spoon.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
The bourbon provides a nice kick, while the apple cider and maple syrup bring a touch of sweetness and warmth. The cinnamon stick garnish adds a spiced-sweet touch of flavor and aroma to the drink. This is a perfect choice for a cozy night in.
Photo by Hybrid Storytellers via www.unsplash.com
Cranberry Margarita
This Cranberry Margarita offers a slight twist on the classic Margarita– with the perfect amount of tart.
Ingredients
- 2 oz of Tequila
- 1 oz of Cranberry Juice
- 0.5 oz of Lime Juice
- 0.5 oz of Agave Syrup
- Salt and Lime Wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Rim a rocks glass or Martini glass with salt.
- In a shaker, combine the tequila, cranberry juice, lime juice, and agave syrup.
- Shake the ingredients together in a cocktail shaker until well mixed.
- Strain the mixture into the rimmed glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with lime wedges.
The Cranberry Margarita is a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors. The cranberry juice adds a seasonal twist to the classic Margarita, while the lime juice adds a nice tartness. The agave syrup brings a delicious sweetness to the drink, making it perfect for fall.
Photo by Autumn Mott Rodeheaver via www.unsplash.com
These five fall cocktail recipes are a great way to switch up your cocktail game and enjoy the flavors of the season. From warm and cozy to crisp and refreshing, these cocktails are sure to impress. Remember to use the essential bar tools like a cocktail mixing glass, bar spoon, cocktail shaker, and strainer to make your cocktails to perfection– and enjoy responsibly.
