It’s nice to have things you can count on. Family. Friends. And the annual return each autumn of pumpkin spice to every coffee shop, donut maker and craft beermaker’s shelf. It’s the undisputed heavyweight champion of seasonal ingredients, yes.
But, fall can also feel a bit pumpkin-saturated. A better idea than pumpkin-spiced everything is to celebrate some of fall’s other seasonal ingredients for inspiration. From whiskey to apples, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger and pear, here are 5 fall cocktail ideas to keep you warm by the fire. Pumpkin spice not included.
The Autumn Pear
Take 4 oz blackberry pear cider, 1 oz Distillery of Modern Art whiskey, clove simple syrup, 1 tbsp honey and a dash of chamomile bitters. Mix well and serve over ice ball, garnished with cinnamon stick and rosemary sprig.
Spiced Apple Cider Mule
In a mixing glass combine 1.5 oz. Distillery of Modern Art Whiskey, 1 tsp. spiced apple cider powder and 1 lemon wedge with ice. Shake and serve over rocks. Top with ginger beer and a sprinkle of nutmeg. Garnish with mint, and lemon.
Rogue Autumnal
Combine 1.5 oz. Distillery of Modern Art whiskey, 1 oz. Watermelon, 0.75 oz. Lemon Juice and 0.5 oz. chili honey. Shake and pour over ice. Top with 1 oz. apple cider floater, and garnish with watermelon rind.
The Artful Apple
Combine 1 oz. Distillery of Modern Art whiskey, .25 oz. Simple Syrup, .25 oz. Ancho Reyes, .25 oz lemon juice, 2 dashes Regans’ Orange Bitters No. 6 and top with Apple Cider to taste. Garnish with an orange twist.
Ginger Toddy
In a mug combine apple cider, 5 oz. hot water, 1 oz. blood orange puree and 0.5 oz. ginger puree. Mix well. Add 1 oz. Distillery of Modern Art whiskey, 2 star anise, and garnish with orange peel.