Fall drink recipes illustrate spirit versatility

Focus on fall cocktails leads one to speculate on what defines a cocktail by season other than the ultimate name of the drink recipe and the inclusion of specific fruits of the season. There are indeed ‘warmer’ toned spirits such as bourbon, whiskey, cognac, tequila and rum. However, place Bourbon in an Old Fashioned or Mint Julep and the cocktail is chilled and refreshing. Sip whiskey neat and the warming effect runs deep, clear to the toes. Margaritas seem to be more summery that winter themed, yet many tequila varieties contain notes of pepper, spice, vanilla and mocha. Place tequila in hot chocolate or a recipe that highlights the warmer characteristics and the cocktail could fall into the seasonal category.

 

Just as coffee lovers continue to drink their morning brew year round in hot or cold configurations, cooler and warmer spirits retain versatility throughout the seasons. The following photo drink recipe slide show offers nine fall drink recipes. They are classified as such due to the nature of the spirits used to create the cocktails. Tullamore Dew and Navan Vanilla Liqueur both center upon the use of apple juice or cider. Gingerbutter Collins pairs Highland Park Scotch and Cognac with instantly warming Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur. Conjure Cognac also plays upon its already warm spirited base by adding cracked pepper to muddled strawberries for more fruited heat. Dos Lunas Tequila skips past relying on the basic nature of the spirit and literally sets Rafaga on fire for the hottest cocktail of the season. Flor de Cana Rum offers a punch recipe for single use or festive gathering with spicy cardamom and juicy grapefruit with bitters. Harvest Moon muddles apricot, blueberries and cloves together with Bourbon for an obvious fall concoction. The Bourbonnais Swizzle takes Buffalo Trace Bourbon deeper into fall cocktail territory by infusing the spirit with pecans and then enhancing the drink recipe with a hint of crème de cacao and Lillet Rouge. For all things celebratory Le Perroquet adds a bit of Campari to champagne for great fall color and unique flavor. 

 

 

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www.discus.org – Distilled Spirits Council of the United States