With the onset of Daylight Savings Time and the ever-decreasing amounts of sunlight, we’re all in need of a little pick me up. And nothing cheers up the mood quite like a good, seasonally thematic cocktail! Fall is my favorite time for cocktails (Fall is my favorite time for everything actually).
To help you prolong some of those winter blues, we hand-picked our 5 favorite fall cocktail recipes:
Caramel Apple Martini
Caramel apples are a staple of fall; and martinis are just a staple, so the combination of these two is pretty legendary (via HGTV)
To make this, you’ll need:
- Bailey’s Irish cream (1 oz)
- Apple Schnapps (½ oz)
- Butterscotch schnapps (½ oz)
- Whole milk (2 oz)
Making it is simple – take all the ingredients and pour them into a drink shaker over ice. Give it a good shake, and then pour it out into your chilled martini glass. For some extra flavoring, you can mix sugar and cinnamon for coating along the rim of the glass.
Pumpkin White Russian
A fall twist on ‘the dude’s’ drink, this Pumpkin White Russian is a party favorite (via Pizzazzerie). Plus, it’s perfect for when you’re craving a pumpkin spice latte, but need something quite a bit stronger.
To make this, you’ll need:
- Vodka (2 oz)
- Coffee Liqueur (1 oz)
- Heavy cream (1 oz)
- Pumpkin Puree (1 tablespoon)
- Pumpkin pie spice (2 teaspoons)
Mix it up in a cocktail shaker over ice, strain and serve.
Apple Pie Bourbon Shots
This drink is no trick and all treat (via Delish]. Heads up – it isn’t a simple ‘mix and drink’ like the other recipes. This one takes some serious time (ideally a couple of days). Like a good sangria, letting the ingredients sit together can create a more decadent cocktail.
To make this, you’ll need:
- Bourbon (1 ½ cup)
- Apples (2, chopped)
- Sugar cubes (3)
- Nutmeg (1 whole)
- Cinnamon sticks (4, for garnishing)
- Ginger (1 piece)
Fill up a container – the original recipe suggests a mason jar – with all of the ingredients, and let sit for a few days. You can try it out after two and see if the flavors have marinated long enough for your liking. Then, pour it into shot glasses and you’re ready to go!
Cider Punch
Because what could be more fall than more apples! Plus, this recipe is great if you’re a busy bee (Via Not Without Salt].
To make this, you’ll need:
- Rum (1 oz)
- Apple cider
- Cinnamon (¼ teaspoon)
- Nutmeg (¼ teaspoon)
Pour the rum and apple cider into a glass, and garnish the top with the sprinkling of nutmeg and cinnamon!
Mulled Wine
Mulled wine is perfect for fall afternoons, and for camping trips in every season. This recipe is one of my favorite versions (via Delish).
To make this, you’ll need:
- Wine (1 bottle of red, your favorite kind)
- Orange (sliced into rounds)
- Cloves (6, whole)
- Cinnamon sticks (3)
- Star anise (3)
- Honey (¼ cup)
- Brandy (½ cup)
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan on the stove. Turn it up to medium heat and begin to simmer. Don’t let it boil – some of the alcohol can be lost. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, and give it a taste. If it isn’t flavorful enough yet, give it some more time on the stove. Then, serve it warm and enjoy!
