Lyndsay Fogarty
This time of year, the bite of a crisp apple or the pop of a juicy cranberry give you all the seasonal feels. It’s easy to integrate these fall flavors into a cocktail with these ideas.
An Apple a Day
For many, apple cider is a go-to mixer for fall cocktails. Replace orange juice with apple cider to make an Apple Cider Mimosa or prepare an Apple Cider Moscow Mule by topping the classic cocktail with a splash of apple cider. Consider infusing your own apple pie vodka to add another layer of flavor to your apple cider cocktails. Simply place sliced apples and cinnamon sticks in a mason jar then fill it all the way up with vodka. Seal it and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
Call for Cranberries
It’s not unusual to find cranberry in a cocktail any time of year. But skip the typical Cosmopolitan and use the flavors of fresh cranberry this fall. Muddle the fruit into the bottom of a rocks glass then mix in vodka and soda for a classic cocktail or make cranberry simple syrup to add some festive flavors to a Moscow Mule or Mojito. There are endless possibilities.
The Perfect Pear
Just like with apples, vodka offers a blank canvas for infusing pear flavor for seasonal cocktails. Add one cup of ripe fruit for every three cups of vodka (use more fruit if you prefer a stronger flavor). The spices you would use while baking, roasting or grilling pairs are also good for drinking, so consider adding cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger or nutmeg to really make it your own. Then, shake up a Pear-tini that can be served straight up or with a splash of citrus and simple syrup.
Herb Garden Cocktails
The herbs you would typically use to roast your holiday turkey, including thyme, rosemary and sage, are also great for cocktails. Not just as a garnish either, but instead with herb-infused simple syrups. Bring water and sugar to a boil and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat and steep your herb of choice for 20 to 30 minutes. Once it’s ready, use it to mix up a classic Old Fashioned or French 75. It also makes for a fun hostess gift or stocking stuffer when you bottle it up.
Try it for Yourself
For a spiked version of this holiday fruit, prepare a batch of margaritas with warm spices and cranberry juice. It’s perfect to sip on over appetizers or the main course.
Spiced Cranberry Margarita
Courtesy of Margaritaville Resort Orlando
Ingredients:
-1 1/2 ounces Patron Reposado
-1/4 ounce Grand Marnier
-Healthy squeeze of cinnamon-infused simple syrup
-1/2 ounce of lime sour mix
-Cranberry juice
Directions:
Pour first four ingredients into shaker over ice. Shake, pour contents into rocks glass over fresh ice. Top with cranberry juice. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or orange slice, if preferred.
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