Pumpkin may be the season's most ubiquitous flavor, but variety is the spice of life. These simple cocktails highlight some other fall flavors that deserve a place in your rotation, and because they only have a few ingredients, they come together quickly whether you're an expert mixologist or just learning how to make drinks at home.
Short Stack
In a rocks glass, combine:
- 2 to 3 generous dashes angostura bitters
- just under 1 tablespoon grade A dark amber maple syrup
- 1/2 ounce gran gala orange liqueur
- 2 ounces white rum of choice
Stir all ingredients in the glass with ice. Serve with a biscuit.
The next two drinks use the following spiced syrup, which not only adds a subtle spice to the cocktails, but also creates intoxicating fall aromas while you prep.
Spiced Syrup
Makes approximately 1 1/2 cups syrup
In a two-quart sauce pot, bring 5 cups of water to a rolling boil. Add the following:
- 2 to 3 sticks of cinnamon (according to your preference)
- 8 to 10 whole cloves
- 8 to 10 black whole peppercorns
Maintain a rolling boil for 30 minutes, remove the pot from heat, and stir in 1/4 cup white granulated sugar until dissolved.
Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, stirring once more.
Strain final mixture into a jar for storing.
Hazy Sunset
In a jar combine:
- 1/4 ounce gran gala orange liqueur
- 1 ounce Spiced Syrup
- 2 ounces silver tequila
Stir with ice until chilled, then strain into a fresh glass or coupe. Garnish with orange peel.
Embers
In a rocks glass, combine:
- 1 ounce Spiced Syrup
- 1 ounce Campari
- 1 ounce gin
Add ice and stir to combine. Singe the tips of a fresh rosemary sprig and add as garnish.
