Our palates seem to follow the changing seasons. Gone are the summer cravings of refreshing light fare. Autumn is in full force, bringing hankerings for deeper, richer flavors. Like what? We went to the source for pro tips—and their recipes if you want to try DIY. Here are three go-to fall cocktails from leading local bartenders to toast the changing weather. Cheers!
Apothecary Blues
Stephen Winchell, The Warehouse
“The warming notes of anise and orange play beautifully off the burnt sugar and spice from the rum and rye,” says Winchell, lead bartender at The Warehouse. “When the weather turns brisk, I love a straight-up sipper with the depth and complexity to stand up to the season.”
What You Need
.75 ounce Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey
.75 ounce Zacapa 23 Centenario Rum
.75 oz Cocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino
1 barspoon Benedictine liqueur
4 dashes Angostura bitters
2 dashes Cocktail Punk smoked orange bitters
How To
Rinse a coupe glass with absinthe and discard. Stir all ingredients over ice, and strain into the coupe. Garnish with an orange twist.
Danger Bird
Sweeney, The Principal’s Office
Why does the P.O.’s bar manager love this drink? “The smoky agave warmth mezcal brings to fall cocktails,” he says. “It all comes together for a bold, smoky, bittersweet cocktail that’s perfect for the cold nights ahead.”
What You Need
1.5 ounce Mina Real Mezcal
1 ounce P.O. housemade chai syrup
.75 ounce Amaro Averna
1 level barspoon citric acid
2 dashes Angostura Bitters
1 dash orange bitters
How To
Stir all ingredients for a short time until citric acid dissolves. Heat with brulee torch, and pour into a preheated Gibraltar glass with thick walls. Flame an orange twist over the cocktail, and rub the rim of the glass before discarding the orange.
Martinez
Nate Windham, Brooklyn’s on Boulder
“When I think of fall, I think of dark, soft colors and flavors. If there is one classic cocktail that screams this time of year, it is the Martinez,” says the Brooklyn’s lead bartender. “Created in the 1870s, the beautiful blend of gin and vermouth, with the touch of sweetness, combines to create the perfect cocktail for fall.”
What You Need
1 1/4 ounce Lee Spirits Dry Gin
1 ounce Carpano Antica Formula vermouth
1/4 ounce Maraschino liqueur
1/4 ounce simple syrup
2 dashes Fee Brothers Old Fashion Aromatic Bitters
1 dash Fee Brothers Orange Bitters
How To
Stir all ingredients over ice, and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Twist a lemon peel on top and discard. Drop-in a Luxardo Maraschino cherry, and serve.
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