Fall Drink Guide

If you have been keeping up with our posts over the last few weeks you may have noticed we really love fall. The cooler weather, the colors of the leaves, comfortable sweaters, the food, and lets not forget the drinks. I am sure we are all aware of the hype and excitement of the PSL (pumpkin spiced latte). To tell you the truth, that is not my favorite fall drink by a long shot! I know, I know, very controversial. But I find the PSL to be a bit too much and I prefer more subtle hints of fall flavors. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love adding hints of pumpkin to recipes this time of year but there are also so many other fall staples that seem to be overlooked like apple cider or cranberry. So, I figured I would share some of my favorite drinks that have a fall twist.

Cinnamon Apple Mimosa: I imagine we are all familiar with the classic mimosa. Although I love orange juice, I really enjoy switching it up and using different juices and flavors to coincide with the seasons. This cinnamon apple mimosa will be the perfect beverage to enjoy while you are in the kitchen preparing your holiday meals.

• Prosecco
• Apple Cider or Juice
• Cinnamon Whiskey
• Garnish, Optional: Apple Slices, Cinnamon Stick

In a Champagne Flute, pour in 2oz apple cider and 1oz whiskey (like fireball), then top with prosecco. Garnish with apple slices or a cinnamon stick and enjoy. The prosecco can be substituted with champagne or sparkling wine and you will still get the same result. You could also add a cinnamon sugar rim to your champagne flute if you wish.

Pumpkin Spiced White Russian: Fellow tulhoma writer, Taryn, first introduced me to the classic white Russian several years ago and even though it is already a great fall drink I like to make it even more fall themed by adding pumpkin.

• Vodka
• Baileys (or any other coffee liquor)
• Canned Pumpkin Puree
• Pumpkin Pie Spice
• Heavy Cream

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add 2oz vodka, 1oz Baileys, 1Tbs pumpkin puree and 2tsp pumpkin pie spice, replace lid and shake vigorously. Strain over ice then top with heavy cream (about 1oz). If you would like, you can sprinkle a dash of pumpkin pie spice over the top. Enjoy.

Cranberry Margarita: Classic margaritas are a perfect summer party cocktail and this cranberry margarita keeps the fun going as the temperatures begin to drop.

• Blanco Tequila
• Patron Citronge Orange
• Agave Nectar
• Lime Juice
• Cranberry Juice

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice then add in 1.5oz tequila, 0.5oz citronge, 0.5oz agave nectar, 0.5oz lime juice and a splash of cranberry juice, replace the lid and shake vigorously. Add fresh ice to a glass and strain in the margarita. If you like you can add a salted rim before hand.

Apple Mule: A classic Moscow mule is one of my favorite drinks, especially during the warmer months because the copper mug keeps the drink extra cold. Replacing the vodka with Captain Morgan Slice Apple Rum is a great way to put a fall twist on this classic beverage.

• Captain Morgan Slice Apple Rum
• Lime Juice
• Goslings Ginger Beer

Fill a copper mug with ice then add 1.5oz rum, 0.5oz lime juice and top with ginger beer. Stir and enjoy.

Maple Whiskey Sour: If you have ever had a classic whiskey sour you are going to love this subtle twist. Unlike regular bourbon, maple bourbon has a sweetness to it. The first time I tried it I was pleasantly surprised and my friends and I immediately began brainstorming cocktail ideas. This maple whiskey sour was a huge hit and although it can be enjoyed anytime of year, I especially enjoy it during the fall. Nob Creek has a good maple bourbon but if you have trouble finding it you can just substitute real maple syrup for the simple syrup instead.

• Maple Bourbon
• Lemon Juice
• Simple Syrup
• Garnish, Optional: Cinnamon Stick

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add 1.5oz bourbon, 1oz lemon juice and 2tsp simple syrup, replace the lid and shake vigorously. Add fresh ice to a cocktail glass and strain in the cold whisky mixture. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and enjoy. Adding a cinnamon sugar rim is also a nice way to elevate this cocktail.

If you do not have a cocktail shaker no need to worry. You can use two glasses, one to add all of the ingredients to and the other to pour them back and forth to mix. Also, if you have never added a salt or sugar rim to your drink it is actually quite simple. Add a small amount of water to a shallow plate and pour in a layer of salt or sugar to another plate. Dip the rim of your glass into the water first then into the salt or sugar. Do this step first, then add in ice and your drink.

Non-Alcoholic Fall Drinks

Chaider: (Taryn) I had my first chaider a few weeks ago at a coffee shop. I love making chai at home and I’ve always loved hot cider (and cold for that matter), so I knew I would love this drink. You can easily change up this recipe to better reflect your flavor preferences. For example, steeping the tea in a few ounces of water instead of the cider will bring out more chai spices. The acidity in the cider slows the steeping process. Learn more about acidity here. I like the chai spices to be subtle, so I just put the tea bag directly in the hot cider. You can also steep the teabag in the cold cider overnight (or for at least 5 hours) and drink it cold.

Wanna make it boozy: Add an ounce or so of a mild (not spiced or overly aged) bourbon or whiskey and add a spritz of lemon juice. This is great hot, like a hot toddy. Or serve it cold with crushed ice for a fall-inspired bourbon smash.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of apple cider
• 1 teabag of chai tea

Heat apple cider to almost boiling (either in a pot or microwave) and add the teabag. If you want more chai spice, ensure the apple cider is extra hot while steeping. Steep for 4-5 minutes or leave the teabag in the cider while you sip to build flavor.

I know there are so many more drinks that are perfect for fall like mulled wine or a hotty toddy but I wanted to mix things up a bit and give you some new ideas. I hope you enjoy these drinks and I would love for you to share your favorite fall drinks in the comments below.