Elevating Your Cocktails for Fall: 10 Trending Ideas to Warm Up Your Autumn Soirees

As a compliment to last week’s article on favorite fall vodka cocktails, we thought we’d broaden the category to include all spirits to help you in elevating your cocktails for fall.

As the leaves change color and we feel the nip of autumn air, there’s no better time to transition from those light, fizzy summer cocktails to more comforting, cozy blends. Fall is a season that invites us to wrap ourselves in blankets, and what better way to complement that feeling than with the perfect cocktail? From organic vodka concoctions to bourbon-infused marvels, here are some of the top trending cocktail ideas to help you and your guests enjoy this fabulous season to the fullest.

How The Change of Seasons Affects Our Cocktail Choices

Ever notice how a piña colada doesn’t feel quite right when the temperature drops? That’s because our drinking habits are deeply influenced by the seasons. As the weather turns colder, we instinctively move away from light, refreshing drinks like gin and tonics, opting instead for spirits and mixes that warm us up from the inside. This often means stronger, deeper flavors like spices, dark fruits, and even a touch of smoke. Vodka, which is incredibly versatile, also shifts its character in fall cocktails, partnering with autumnal flavors like apple, cinnamon, and pumpkin.

let’s dive into the actual recipes for these delectable fall cocktails. Not only will these recipes add a special flair to your autumn gatherings, but they also come together in no time, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities.

1. Spiced Apple Vodka Toddy

The spiced apple hot Toddy is a classic American cocktail for fall.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 oz Felene American Handcrafted organic vodka
  • 4 oz spiced apple cider
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Cinnamon stick or anise for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Warm the spiced apple cider in a saucepan.
  2. Stir in organic vodka and honey until well combined.
  3. Pour into a mug and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

2. Bourbon Maple Sour

• Ingredients:
  • 2 oz Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel bourbon
  • 1 oz lemon juice
  • 1 oz maple syrup
• Instructions:
  1. Shake all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
  2. Strain into a glass over ice.
  3. Garnish with a lemon wheel.

3. Cranberry Vodka Fizz

• Ingredients:
  • 2 oz Felene American Handcrafted vodka
  • 2 oz cranberry juice
  • 1 oz club soda
  • Rosemary sprig for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Mix vodka and cranberry juice in a glass over ice.
  2. Top with club soda.
  3. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and wheel of cucumber.

4. Pomegranate Gin Cocktail

• Ingredients:
  • 2 oz gin
  • 2 oz pomegranate juice
  • Dash of bitters
• Instructions:
  1. Shake all ingredients with ice in a shaker.
  2. Strain into a glass.
  3. Garnish with a slice of lime.

5. Pumpkin Spice Martini

• Ingredients:
  • 2 oz Felene American Handcrafted vodka
  • 1 oz coffee liqueur
  • Dash of pumpkin spice
• Instructions:
  1. Shake all ingredients with ice in a shaker.
  2. Strain into a chilled martini glass rimmed with spices.
  3. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, sprinkle of pumpkin spice and dollop of whipped cream.

6. Smoky Mezcal Margarita

We are always inspired by our friends at Ni Tuyo Mexican restaurant in Denver for their outstanding mezcal selection.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 oz mezcal
  • 1 oz lime juice
  • 1 oz orange liqueur
  • Chili salt for rimming
• Instructions:
  1. Rim the glass with chili salt.
  2. Shake all other ingredients with ice in a shaker.
  3. Strain into the glass over ice.

7. Espresso Old Fashioned

• Ingredients:
  • 2 oz bourbon
  • Dash of espresso
  • Cherry for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Stir bourbon and espresso over ice in a glass.
  2. Garnish with a cherry.

8. Spiced Rum Cider

• Ingredients:
  • 2 oz spiced rum
  • 4 oz apple cider
  • Cinnamon stick for stirring
• Instructions:
  1. Warm apple cider in a saucepan.
  2. Stir in spiced rum.
  3. Pour into a mug, garnish with anise and use a cinnamon stick for stirring.

9. Lavender Vodka Lemonade

• Ingredients:
  • 2 oz Felene American Handcrafted vodka
  • 2 oz lemonade
  • 1/2 oz lavender syrup
• Instructions:
  1. Shake all ingredients with ice in a shaker.
  2. Strain into a glass over ice.
  3. Garnish with a lemon wheel.

10. Rye and Ginger

• Ingredients:
  • 2 oz rye whiskey (we love Locke & Co. Aspen Aged Rye or 291 Small Batch Aspen Aged Colorado Rye)
  • 4 oz ginger beer
• Instructions:
  1. Pour rye whiskey into a glass over ice.
  2. Top with ginger beer.
  3. Stir and enjoy.

With these easy and festive recipes, you’re all set to host the most memorable fall parties. Whether it’s a cozy evening by the fire or a full-blown autumnal bash, these cocktails have got you covered. Cheers to a fabulous fall season!

Looking to elevate these cocktails? Our Felene American Handcrafted, organic vodka, made from fermented sugarcane, is the perfect addition to your autumn bar cart.