Fall Cocktails

As the weather starts to change and a cool breeze permeates the air, it’s time to put away those summer drinks and start to think about something a little more cozy. While the weather might get a little chilly, there’s no reason that you have to be. We put together a list of drinks that are sure to keep you warm – starting from the inside out. We went for simplicity and access to ingredients, so you can make them all with a bottle of bourbon (not a cheap one, please) and the most obscure ingredient you will find is a bottle of Angostura bitters (which is readily available at most stores for a respectable amount).

The Fall Flip – A fall classic. The consistency of eggnog, but a little foamier.

• 1 tsp maple syrup
• 1 whole egg
• ½ oz cream
• 1.5 oz bourbon

Shake first without ice to emulsify and then with ice to chill. Strain into a cocktail glass and top with grated nutmeg.

Hot Toddy – For the coldest of cold days or, according to my Grandmother, a sore throat.

• 1 ¼ oz bourbon
• 1 tsp honey
• 2 small cloves
• 1 ½ oz hot water

Combine first three ingredients in an Irish coffee mug, stir and then add hot/boiling water. Garnish with cinammon stick or lemon wedge.

Cinnamon Toast – It’s kind of like apple cider, just better.

• 1 ½ oz bourbon (spiced rum is good, too)
• 4 oz hot apple cider
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp cinnamon

Combine bourbon (or rum) and cider in a glass rimmed with a mix of sugar and cinnamon. 

The Mapleleaf – No, you do not garnish it with foliage.

• 3 oz bourbon
• 1 oz maple syrup
• 1 oz lemon juice

Shake and serve over ice. Serve with a twist of lemon. Watch hockey with your Canadian friend.

Old Fashioned – One of the classics, and still one of the best out there.

• 2 oz bourbon
• dashes bitters
• 1 splash water/seltzer
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 maraschino cherry
• 1 orange wedge

Combine all ingredients except whiskey in an old-fashioned glass (rocks glass will do) and muddle together with muddler or the back of a spoon. Add whiskey and ice, stir, and enjoy.

Party Punch – Having people over? Does making individual drinks just sound like far too much work? Here are a few recipes that make enough drinks to get the party started:

• Eggnog – the epitome of a fall/winter drink. Made by the man himself, Alton Brown.
• Hot Buttered Rum – this is definitely not for the carb conscious, but everyone is sure to enjoy it.
• Mulled Wine – another cold weather classic. Serve it hold or cold.
• Warm and Spicy Autumn Punch – punch just seems festive and this one has a nice wintry bite.

Those are our favorites. Leave a link or post yours below. We would love to hear from you!