Autumn is a great season for bars and restaurants because it provides a nice, cozy atmosphere if outdoor conditions are cooler, but it isn’t too cold that potential customers would rather stay home. It’s also an ideal time of year for those who have available outdoor seating, as guests can enjoy the cooler weather without feeling overheated.
But perhaps the most alluring part of the season is its flavorful drinks, like the following cocktails:
Pumpkin Martini
Pumpkin is often considered the highlight of the season’s flavors, and martinis are already a very popular drink worldwide, so this pairing isn’t hard to get behind. To make this cocktail, you’ll need vodka (vanilla or cinnamon flavors can add a nice touch), Irish cream liqueur (half-and-half or heavy cream can be a substitute), and pumpkin liqueur or pumpkin puree. You’ll mix the ingredients together in a shaker, strain the mixture into a martini glass, and garnish with ground cinnamon and nutmeg.
Pumpkin Spice White Russian
Pumpkin spice and fall weather are practically inseparable in today’s world, which is why this festive twist on a classic cocktail should be on your menu. This fall vodka cocktail is also simple to make, requiring only vodka, Kahlua or another coffee-flavored liqueur, and creamer. Simply combine the two spirits in a glass filled with ice and top with creamer. To add flair, you can first rim the glass with a mixture of graham crackers and pumpkin pie spice.
Apple Old Fashioned
Old fashioneds are drinks that have stood the test of time for a reason. This drink takes that traditional taste and brings an autumnal aura. These fall whiskey cocktails are sure to excite the taste buds of tourists and locals alike. You’ll need to add sugar or a sugar cube to a lowball glass before adding orange bitters and a strip of orange zest and muddling the contents. Then add in apple whiskey, stir, and add ice. Cherries make a decorative and delicious garnish.
Maple Bourbon Apple Cider
For a versatile drink, look to the maple bourbon apple cider cocktail, which can be served warm or poured over ice. It requires only four ingredients and is easy to make in large batches, making it a great choice for busy locations. You’ll need apple cider, bourbon whiskey, maple syrup, and lemon juice. Serving it in a mason jar is a great way to add to the presentation.
Spiced Pear Cosmopolitan
Fall isn’t only about apples and pumpkins. This aromatic cocktail uses pear as the star of the show. It uses a simple mixture of vodka, pear liqueur, simple syrup (pear simple syrup will add to the flavor), and lemon juice. Add the ingredients to a shaker and shake. Pour into your glass and garnish with a sliced pear.