Autumn Cocktails

Autumn is one of my favorite drinking times of the year. The weather is brisk and light-jacket worthy, calling for drinks that will warm up my insides. For me, autumn isn't just about the changing of the leaves and the swap over from summer dresses to heavy jackets. It's also about paying homage to the fruits and spices of the season.

With the change in seasons, we have a change in produce. These new flavors make for excellent ingredients in our autumn cocktails. For the past few months, we've been partaking in the fantastic fruits and veggies of summer; strawberries, blueberries, and even cucumbers have made their way into most drinks. But, with the fall comes a very welcome change to that ingredient list. We swap out these ingredients for fruits such as grapes, apples, pears, and plums to give drinks a warm and juicy flavor profile.

The holidays that fall in the autumn season are also important to take into account when designing a timely cocktail menu. With Halloween just around the corner, it is more likely than not that you will find many a cocktail recipe revolving around candy corn or pumpkins. While some of these will only appeal to those with a very prominent sweet tooth, others are simple and delicious. Thanksgiving is also a holiday that is very cocktail-worthy. With ingredients like cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg, you'll be in the autumn drinking spirit in no time.

Below are some fantastic autumn cocktails, perfect to get you in the mood for this lovely season. These are all very inspired and perfect for a dinner party at home or a warming drink to accompany a nice, cozy blanket. Cheers, and happy mixing!

Click here for the Smokin' Apple, Cinnamon Toast, and more cocktail recipes. 

— Sara Kay, The Spir.it