The Five Best Fall Cocktails to Savor in 2023

As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, there’s no better way to embrace the coziness of autumn than with a perfectly crafted fall cocktail in hand. The flavors of the season, from warm spices to rich fruits, provide ample inspiration for mixologists to create delightful concoctions. We’ll explore the top five must-try fall cocktails for 2023.

Whether you’re hosting a harvest gathering or simply want to unwind by the fireplace, these cocktails will help you savor the essence of fall. Let’s raise our glasses to the season of falling leaves and rising spirits!

1. Spiced Apple Old Fashioned Cocktail:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
• 1/2 oz spiced apple syrup (To make this syrup, simmer equal parts apple juice and sugar with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg until it’s reduced and thickened.)
• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
• Orange peel for garnish
• Cinnamon stick for garnish

How to make a Spiced Apple Old Fashioned (Instructions):

1. In a mixing glass, combine the whiskey, spiced apple syrup, and bitters.
2. Fill the glass with ice and stir until well-chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice.
4. Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink by twisting it over the glass.
5. Garnish with a cinnamon stick for added warmth and aroma.
6. Sip slowly and savor the cozy flavors of fall.

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2. Pumpkin Spice Latte Martini:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vanilla vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur
• 1 oz pumpkin spice liqueur
• 1 oz cream or milk
• Whipped cream for garnish
• Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish

How to make a Pumpkin Spice Latte Martini (Instructions):

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the vanilla vodka, coffee liqueur, pumpkin spice liqueur, and cream.
2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously until well-chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
4. Top with a dollop of whipped cream.
5. Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top for a delightful fall aroma.
6. Enjoy the indulgent flavors of a Pumpkin Spice Latte Martini.

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3. Cranberry Cider Mule:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 4 oz apple cider
• Ginger beer
• Fresh cranberries for garnish
• Apple slice for garnish

How to make a Cranberry Cider Mule (Instructions):

1. Fill a copper mug with ice.
2. Add vodka, cranberry juice, and apple cider to the mug.
3. Top off with ginger beer, leaving a bit of room at the top.
4. Stir gently to combine the ingredients.
5. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a thin apple slice.
6. Sip and enjoy the tangy and refreshing Cranberry Cider Mule.

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4. Maple Bourbon Smash Cocktail:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1/2 oz pure maple syrup
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• Fresh rosemary sprig for garnish
• Lemon twist for garnish

How to make a Maple Bourbon Smash Cocktail (Instructions):

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon, maple syrup, and fresh lemon juice.
2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig and a twist of lemon peel.
5. Allow the aroma of maple and rosemary to entice your senses as you sip.

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5. Fig and Thyme Sparkler Cocktail:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz fig-infused vodka (To make this infusion, soak dried figs in vodka for several days.)
• 1/2 oz honey syrup (equal parts honey and hot water)
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• Thyme sprig for garnish
• Club soda

How to make a Fig and Thyme Sparkler Cocktail (Instructions):

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the fig-infused vodka, honey syrup, and fresh lemon juice.
2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a champagne flute.
4. Top with club soda to add effervescence.
5. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme.
6. Sip and relish the sweet and earthy notes of the Fig and Thyme Sparkler.

Give one or more a try, and let us know your thoughts!

Embrace the enchanting flavors of fall with these five delightful cocktails that capture the essence of the season. From the warming spices of the Spiced Apple Old Fashioned to the indulgent sweetness of the Pumpkin Spice Latte Martini, there’s a fall cocktail for every palate. So, gather your loved ones, mix up these seasonal libations, and toast to the beauty of autumn. Cheers to a cozy and flavorful fall in 2023!

Remember to enjoy these cocktails responsibly and feel free to adjust the ingredients according to your taste preferences. Cheers to a summer filled with delightful sips and happy memories!