The Labor Day weekend has arrived, and with it, what many consider the last bastions of an all too short summer. Never mind that, as of this writing, there are 25 days remaining in the season of the sun. You can see the urging toward a not-yet-arrived autumn in the stores where fall leaves and gourds have replaced beach towels and sunscreen.
So, while it may seem too soon to get out the fall decorations, the world around us suggests otherwise. A great time to begin the transition is after this long weekend, though some hold-outs wait until the last minute or September 22. One of the essentials on your fall to-do list is to update your cocktail offerings.
The Fall Beverage Program
While summer was all about light, fruity, and sparkling, autumn drinks begin to lean toward the heavier side. Spices come into play, and warm drinks that go with the sweaters you’ll soon be pulling out of storage. Fruits lean away from pineapples and toward pomegranates. Sunflower seeds transition to chestnuts and pecans, and the lighter flavors of summer become the earthy inhabitants of fall. Here, we’ll explore these autumn flavors and how to incorporate them into your beverage offerings.
Nuts: Hazelnut Espresso Martini
The Espresso Martini made the top 4 trending cocktails in 2024. As autumn arrives, a simple tweak transforms the experience. Adding a dash of hazelnut turns a fan favorite into an announcement that fall has arrived.
The Recipe
1 oz Espresso
1 oz Vodka like Wodka, Koskenkorva, Grey Goose, or Haku
1 oz Kahlua Coffee Liqueur
1 oz Frangelico Hazelnut Liqueur
1 oz Godiva Chocolate Liqueur
Add ingredients and shake in a cocktail shaker halfway filled with ice until frothy.
Fruits – Bonfire Night
Nothing quite says autumn like apples and maple syrup. Add some brandy and scotch, and you will have a drink worthy to enjoy around a bonfire or at your favorite bar.
The Recipe
1 oz Apple Cider
1 oz Apple Brandy (Some highly recommended brands include St. George California Reserve Apple Brandy and Clear Creek Eau de Vie Pomme)
1 oz Islay Scotch known for its smoky, peaty flavor
1 tsp Maple Syrup
2 Angostura Bitters (dashes)
Add to an ice-filled shaker, strain into a chilled glass, and garnish with an apple slice.
Winter Berries
While bourbon and sparkling wine may sound a little disjointed, the right pairing can create a unique flavor profile your guests long remember.
The Recipe
2 oz Sparkling Wine (Prosecco is a favorite)
1 oz Bourbon (Woodford Reserve adds hints of dried fruit, toffee, and cocoa)
½ oz dark berry liqueur (Consider Chambord or Crème de Cassis)
1 half-moon lemon garnish
Add to an ice-filled glass and stir gently. The type of wine, bourbon, and berry liqueur significantly alters the flavor. This is a good one to experiment with. Consider a trial taste test run with your bartenders.
Redefining the Dining Experience
Today’s guests are looking for much more than showing up at a restaurant, ordering, and eating. They want an experience, whether enjoying the interactions at the chef’s table or special events like wine or whiskey pairings.
Fall is the ideal time for a special event that pairs small plates or charcuterie boards with classic whiskeys. Think aged cheese such as blue cheese or gouda with smoky whiskies. Rich, soft cheeses like brie pair well with an Irish whiskey. Add some nuts and fall fruits for a simple yet elegant experience your guests will remember.
Infusing Fall
The bounty of fall includes apples, pears, figs, and pomegranates. Cinnamon-infused bourbon or nutmeg and cloves capture the warmth of a fire. Cardamon, ginger, and pumpkin spice are also spices that create complex, memorable flavors. Get out the fall flavors and experiment until you have a few signature drinks worthy of your VIP guests.
