The 3 Ultimate Autumn Cocktail Recipes

Autumn is already upon us, and winter is on its way. It’s official: it’s time to embrace everything cozy. Sure, a cocktail might not be the first thing that pops into your mind, and during the day, you’ll probably be sipping on your pumpkin spice latte. But what happens when you want a warming drink in the evening? Cocktails can definitely be seasonal too, and that’s not necessarily related just to the seasonality of the ingredients. There are certain drinks that evoke that festive, cozy feeling of the colder months, which are a perfect companion for warm sweaters, bonfires and holidays. Here are the recipes for three of our favorite cocktails that perfectly capture the very essence of fall.

 

• The sophisticated Chancellor Cocktail

 

The chancellor is an exquisite drink that utilizes scotch in the best possible way. Whiskey and scotch, in particular, can be tough ingredients for cocktails, as their taste is notoriously difficult to blend. However, good quality whisky in a chancellor will not let you down. It combines perfectly with other ingredients to create a fantastic dry cocktail, which evokes days long past. The aroma of the orange bitters, and the smokiness of the whiskey together give a decidedly autumn vibe. The chancellor is definitely a cocktail with a character.

Ingredients:

Whiskey, 2 oz

Vermouth, ½ oz

Ruby port, 1 oz

Orange bitters, 2 dashes

Combine all of the ingredients together with some cracked ice, then pour them strained into a chilled glass.

• The homey Hot Apple Pie

 

Hot apple pie – the dessert – is the very essence of autumn. It goes to reason that the eponymous cocktail is the ideal fall drink. Have you heard of the Danish word hygge? The term, which experienced a real boom of international popularity, was named a finalist for the word of the year by the Oxford English Dictionary (OED). The OED defines the word as “A quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being”. Well, if you were to look for the drink equivalent of hygge, the hot apple pie would be it. Pleasantly sweet, rich with the aroma of cinnamon and garnished with whipped cream, it is half cocktail – half dessert, and all deliciousness. It is traditionally served in an Irish coffee glass.

Ingredients:

Hot apple cider, ½ cup

Tuaca, 2 oz

Whipped cream

Cinnamon stick

In an Irish coffee glass, or any thick one, combine the tuaca with apple cider. The quantity of the cider may vary: use more for a stronger cocktail. Garnish with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick.

 

• The zingy Pomegranate Mojito

 

Mojitos are the quintessential summer drink, and some of us miss them when the weather turns cold. Pomegranate mojitos are the perfect way to continue drinking mojitos deep into autumn. All you need to do is update them slightly with sweet pomegranates, a wonderful autumn fruit. They will add some character to the drink, but won’t compromise its refreshing zinginess. This recipe is easily adaptable to serve more people.

Ingredients:

Icy club soda, 2 ½ cups

Pomegranate juice, ½ cup

Sugar, ½ cup

White rum, 1 ¾ cup

Lime juice, 1 ¼ cups (freshly squeezed)

Fresh mint leaves, 1 cup

Pomegranate seeds, ½ cup

Place the mint leaves into a pitcher, reserving a few for garnish. Lightly crush them with sugar, until fragrant. Stir in the lime juice and room. Take care that the sugar dissolves completely, then add club soda and pomegranate juice. Serve over ice.

These cocktails are the perfect, delicious kick you need on a chilly autumn evening. Whether you are having a party, just unwinding alone, or having a drink with your significant other, these recipes won’t let you down.