Raise your glass to fall cocktails that you can make at home!
If there’s anything I’ve learned during this pandemic, it’s that I’m one heck of an at-home bartender.
Of course, being together as a family, enjoying the closeness of getting to know one another, and building community with our neighbors is great. Still, there’s also that feeling of elation when you’ve crafted the perfect cocktail and are truly leaning into being the ultimate homebody.
With temps cooling and the autumn leaves starting to fall, my mind drifts to bonfires and the crispness of the outdoors. There’s nothing I love more than the changing of seasons, especially Fall. Time to toss out (or toss back for the final time) those margaritas and sweet daiquiris and embrace the smoky smoothness of some seasonal cocktails.
So, get into the pumpkin-spice spirit and put on your witch’s hat for four of my must-try Fall cocktails:
Apple Cider Mimosa
Situation: “When brunch was a thing” with a nostalgic flashback of your Grandma’s apple pie
Ingredients: Apple cider and sparkling wine or Champagne. My favorite way to make it is with an ice-cold prosecco and splash (more like eyedropper) of apple cider.
How To Make It: Combine ingredients to your liking and complete the drink with an apple slice or test your own skills by adding a caramel apple rim and dust with cinnamon sugar or go all out with some cute sprinkles for a special touch!
Pumpkin Spice Martini
Situation: Think I want to pay $10 for a pumpkin foam cold brew, but make it “not okay for carpool drop off or pick up line” and maybe a little spicy.
Ingredients: 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 2 tbsp canned pumpkin, a dash of pumpkin pie spice, 2 oz. caramel vodka (optional: a splash of whiskey)
How to Make It: In a small bowl, froth heavy cream and canned pumpkin until smooth. Combine with ice, vodka, and a dash of pumpkin pie spice in a shaker. Shake and serve in a chilled martini glass, garnish with a dusting of pumpkin pie spice on top.
Autumn in Manhattan 
Situation: I want to watch the leaves change in Central Park, but … PANDEMIC.
Ingredients: 2 oz. of bourbon; 1 oz. sweet vermouth; ¼ oz maple syrup; 4 dashes of angostura bitters
How to Make it: Mix maple syrup and bitters coating the bottom of the glass; pour in vermouth and bourbon; stir with a spoon until thoroughly mixed; garnish with an orange peel and a cinnamon stick; optional ice block.
Caramel Apple Sangria
Situation: I need a light but seasonal drink that’s a crowd-pleaser, preferably something I can drink around the firepit or bonfire like I’m in high school again.
Ingredients: 1 cup of caramel vodka, 1 bottle of white wine (your preference), cubed apples, and a dash of cinnamon
How to make it: Combine ingredients in a pitcher, letting them sit for 4-6 hours. Serve cold and enjoy, but hopefully not in a red solo cup.
