12 Autumn Cocktails Perfect For Crisp Days
Nothing quite welcomes in the weekend like a night out with some friends and a cocktail or two. It’s the perfect evening indoors once the leaves start to fall and the dark nights set in even earlier as Halloween draws near. But all of this darkness and pathetic fallacy proves an excellent source of inspiration, more so than you might think, when it comes to your drinks at the local bar. Here are 12 Autumn cocktails you need to sample this September and October, perfect for crisp golden days or chilly evenings.
1. Toffee apple cocktail
Save this one for Guy Fawkes night and enjoy after a visit to the local bonfire. Easy enough to make with some fresh apple juice and schnapps, toffee vodka and a few splashes of lemon juice, add a slice of apple for a garnish as the finishing touch. This is also a great mix for Halloween drinks if you use Red Delicious apples to give a poison apple vibe.
2. Apple cider Irish mule
Harvest time is also just around the corner, so there are plenty of pick your own events going on. To keep with this theme, mix together some Irish whiskey, lemon and cranberry juice, and apple cider for an Apple Cider Irish Mule. Why not attempt making your own apple cider for this blend? It’ll be the perfect way to find some apple gathering motivation. Watch out for the windfalls! Add this to your list of autumn cocktails!
3. Autumn spiced rum cider
For the less daring, spiced cider rum can be the perfect match. To some regular cider, add some rum, lemon bitters and (for that warm Autumn twist) nutmeg and cloves. For the best effect, serve on the rocks after being well refrigerated.
This is also some great mocktail inspiration if made simply with non-alcoholic apple cider, ginger beer and spices. Either way, compliment your concoction with some cinnamon sticks to really bring out that flavour.
4. Harry Potter’s Felix Felicis
No Autumn is complete, bookworm or not, without some Harry Potter! Whether you’re reading the books for the first time or hosting a movie marathon with your local quidditch team, why not make things extra magical with your very own selection of potions?
Felix Felicis, ‘liquid luck’, is a great cocktail blend to start with. Simply throw together some champagne, ginger beer, lemon juice and syrup in a stylish glass flute, bottle or conical flask. Add some food colouring for some extra special effects.
5. Pumpkin spice latte martini
Would it really be an Autumn cocktail if there wasn’t some pumpkin spice involved? Make an espresso with just the right amount of pumpkin puree, white chocolate liqueur, vodka and cinnamon for the perfect taste. Pour your drink into a thermos to prolong that lovely Fall warmth.
6. Witches brew cocktail/mocktail
Another great place to start for either Autumn cocktail or mocktail inspiration is with Witches Brew. Mix together some raspberry liqueur (or cordial) with black vodka (or food colouring) and a little lime juice for a seriously spooktacular beverage.
Serve in cauldron mugs with jelly spiders and go the extra mile to make it smoky for the finishing witchy touch.
7. Black magic
This one is simple but effective, and bittersweet enough to match your Monday mood. Fill your tumbler with some vodka, coffee liqueur and lemon juice. A quick stir and your concoction is ready to go. Make sure not to add too much caffeine though! We love autumn cocktails like this!
8. Monster mash margheritas
Want a way to trick or treat without needing a time machine? Then gather some chilled orange juice, vodka and purple jelly beans for these gruesomely great margaritas.
Blend together the jelly beans and vodka initially before finishing up your cocktail. Leave this mix to chill in the fridge for an hour or so to get a spectacular purple effect.
9. Pink grapefruit punch
If you want a crowd pleaser for your party this fall, simply whip up some pink grapefruit punch. Make a base of gin, wine and grapefruit juice, with some honey and thyme for an extra kick of flavour.
10. Bloody Mary
A classic, crisp Autumn day wouldn’t be complete without it, especially if you want a cocktail to complete your vampire costume!
All you’ll need is vodka, tabasco sauce and tomato juice. Don’t forget the Worcestershire sauce, some lemon and just a pinch of pepper. Make sure to stir thoroughly and as always, best served chilled. This is one of the autumn cocktails we love!
11. Old fashioned
If you know how you like your cocktails and don’t want Autumn to change a thing, why alter course? There is always time for an Old Fashioned, no matter what day of the year.
You know the rules; whiskey, ice, orange twist for that sour taste and a cherry to balance things out. Delicious!
12. Earl Grey martini
We wouldn’t be British if we didn’t manage to get tea on the Autumn cocktail scene. The Earl Grey martini is somewhere between breakfast and Friday night on New Year’s Eve. Mix some Earl Grey of your choice with lemon juice, sugar, egg white and gin then shake well. Serve in your favourite tea cups and have yourself the most wonderful mad tea party, so that even Alice and the Hatter would envy you. This is one of the best autumn cocktails!
