Ingredients
-
Liquors: Bourbon, rye whiskey, brandy, spiced rum, vodka, tequila, gin
-
Mixers: Apple cider, ginger beer, tonic water, club soda, vermouth
-
Fresh produce: Apples, pears, oranges, lemons, limes
-
Spices: Ground cinnamon, cloves, star anise, nutmeg
-
Sweeteners: Maple syrup, brown sugar syrup, honey, agave
-
Bitters: Angostura, orange bitters, spiced bitters
-
Extras: Pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, whipped cream, egg whites
Instructions
For Shaken Cocktails:
Add ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice.
Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds.
Strain into a chilled glass.
Garnish with seasonal touches—citrus peel, cinnamon stick, or fresh herb.
For Stirred Cocktails:
Add ingredients to a mixing glass with ice.
Stir slowly for 30 seconds.
Strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice or a coupe if served up.
For Hot Cocktails:
Heat ingredients gently on the stove or use boiling water to mix.
Pour into heat-proof mugs.
Garnish with whipped cream, grated nutmeg, or star anise.
Notes
Use real cider: Avoid the overly processed stuff—fresh apple cider makes a huge difference.
Warm your glass: For hot drinks, preheat the mug with hot water so it doesn’t steal your heat.
Balance is key: If it’s too sweet, add a splash of citrus or a dash of bitters.
Batch cocktails: Multiply ingredients for parties and mix in a pitcher.
Swap bourbon for rye or mezcal for smoky depth.
Use maple syrup instead of simple syrup for extra richness.
Add muddled herbs like rosemary or thyme to infuse earthy notes.
Turn any iced drink into a warm cocktail by heating the base ingredients