Essential Cocktails for Your Autumn Gathering

Members of your community, friends, loved ones, or family travel from near and far to be together, share a special meal, and give thanks. Whether you’re hosting or attending an event this year, you can serve these inspired libations that fit perfectly with any autumn gathering.

Apple Cider Old Fashioned

Two staples during the cool autumn months are apple cider, and a Bourbon Old Fashioned. Combining the two to create a wonderful seasonal cocktail with warming baking spices and sweet crisp cider only makes sense. Maker’s Mark is a small-batch bourbon whiskey with full flavor and a smooth finish which makes it an excellent choice for an Old Fashioned. This delicious cocktail is actually pretty easy to make so it’s a great choice while entertaining. In a lowball glass, stir together ¼ cup apple cider, 2 oz. bourbon, 1 teaspoon maple syrup, and 3 drops of bitters until combined. Add in a large ice cube and top with an apple slice, orange slice, and a cinnamon stick to garnish.

Pomegranate French 75

A French 75 is a classic cocktail especially during a celebration, because what’s not to love about a crisp delicious gin concoction topped with some bubbly? Add in some pomegranate juice for its tart yet sweet flavour profile with hints of berries, and you’ll have your guests toasting the harvest and their host! With decadent and crisp tasting notes of rose pedals and cucumber, Hendrick’s Gin makes a wonderful base for this cocktail. Start by adding 2 oz. Hendrick’s Gin, 2 oz. pomegranate juice, and 1 oz. simple syrup to a cocktail shaker full of ice. Shake well for 15 seconds, then strain into champagne flutes. Top with your favorite Champagne or Prosecco, garnish with pomegranate seeds, and enjoy!

The Great Pumpkin Cocktail

What Harvest Celebration cocktail list would be complete without some Pumpkin Spice? Another seasonal homage to a classic cocktail with a bit of an autumn spin on it. There are few cocktails as easy to make and as soothing as a White Russian. Vodka, Kahlua, and cream makes for a smooth decadent cocktail with a bit of a kick. To make this simple recipe, begin with a rocks glass with ice, pour in 3 oz. Grey Goose Vodka, 2 oz. of Kahlua, and then top with 3 oz. Pumpkin Spice Creamer and stir. For an extra festive twist, before adding ice to the glass, first crush 3 tablespoons worth of Graham Crackers onto a plate, add 1 tsp sugar, and 1 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice, wet the rim of the glass and dip in the cracker mixture. Then begin making your drink. Add whipped cream and more Pumpkin Pie Spice with a cinnamon stick to garnish.

Patrón Appletini

Wow your crowd with a tequila cocktail that will have all your guests asking for the recipe. This simple autumn concoction is made with 1.5 oz. Patrón Silver, .5 oz. Oloroso Sherry, .75 oz. apple cider, .75 oz. honey syrup or simple syrup, and a splash of sparkling water. Start by nearly filling a cocktail shaker with ice, then add all ingredients other than the sparkling water. Strain into a chilled martini glass, add a splash of sparkling water and garnish with a Hibiscus flower for a beautiful and refreshing fall delight.

Bramble Mulled Wine

There are many food and cocktail recipes that epitomize the cool crisp days and change in foliage that are synonymous with autumn, and right at the top of that list is where you will find mulled wine. The soul warming characteristics of warm red wine flavoured with baking spices, sweetened with honey, and elevated by classic spirits is what makes this time of year so special. This spin on traditional mulled wine introduces Edinburgh Gin’s Bramble and Honey Gin which adds a fresh sweet flavor with luxurious honey for an elevated version of the beloved classic. First, combine 50 mL Bramble and Honey Gin, 25 mL of your favorite full-bodied wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, etc., 100 mL apple cider, and dried cloves or other baking spices to a small sauce pan over low heat just until the liquid begins to steam, but not boil. Allow to rest off of the heat for a minute or two to allow the aromatics of the clove and other baking spices to open up. Then strain into an Irish Coffee Glass, or your favourite festive mugs and serve with a cinnamon stick for garnish.

Tanqueray 0.0% and Tonic with Lemon and Raspberry

There may be a number of guests who want to be festive and celebrate the harvest with alcohol free mocktails, and that’s great! Tanqueray 0.0% contains all of the wonderful tasting notes of citrus, juniper berry, and perfectly balanced botanicals without the effects of alcohol. Start with a Copa Glass filled with ice, pour in 50 mL of Tanqueray 0.0%, 50 mL of your favourite premium tonic water, add fresh raspberries and lemon slices for garnish, and enjoy a refreshing alcohol-free treat.

Champagne Cocktail

This celebratory cocktail dates back to the 1850’s, and is the perfect after meal drink to help your guests digest, and keep the laughter and good times going until dessert is ready! A classic cocktail recipe like this can only be truly appreciated by using a Champagne as luxurious and revered as Moët & Chandon Moët Impérial. Begin by filling a rocks glass half way with ice, then add 75 mL Moët & Chandon Moët Impérial, 20 mL simple syrup, and 2 dashes bitters. Stir briefly as to not disturb the bubbles in the Champagne, fill the rest of the glass with crushed ice, garnish with lemon zest, and serve with a smile!