Drinks to Start Fall

As the seasons change, so do our palates. As the sweltering days of summer lead into the unsettled, chilly days of autumn most of our tastes change accordingly towards warming drinks and tastes of apples, cranberries and spices.

Warm drinks are enjoyed, as they help bodies adjust to the cooler temperatures of the season, while apples, cranberries, and spices remind us the season.

The Hot Apple Toddy is just as it sounds, an apple-flavored version of the Hot Toddy. It is truly an autumn delight that makes you feel all warm and cozy.

2 oz Apple Brandy

1 tsp sugar

Hot Apple Cider

Lemon Wedge and Cinnamon Stick for Garnish

Apple cider is a big hit in the fall months and this warm drink features that wonderful, distinct taste. The liqueur used is Tuaca, a hidden treasure from Italy that has deep roots and a hint of vanilla and citrus flavors. Just as the season is a transition between summer and winter, these flavors mark a smooth transition between the fruitier and warmer libations.

2 oz Tuaca

Hot Apple Cider

Top with Whipped Cream

Cinnamon Stick to Garnish

One of the finest and oldest cocktails. The Manhattan was the first cocktail that used vermouth as a modifier. Sweet flavors, warming whiskey and smooth palate are characteristics that place this drink into the fabulous fall cocktail line-up.

2 oz Whiskey

1/2 oz Sweet Vermouth

2-3 dashes Angostura Bitters

Maraschino Cherry to Garnish

Mulled wine, the vine’s version of a classic hot toddy, is a traditional fall and winter treat in many Old World countries. Mulled wines have been warming people for centuries, they are wines that have been sweetened, spiced and slightly heated; offering a delightful alternative to traditional coffees, ciders and toddy’s when the season changes.

One bottle (750 mL) of red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel)

One peeled and sliced orange (keep peel to add zest to taste into cooking pot)

¼ cup of brandy

8-10 cloves

2/3 cup honey or sugar

3 cinnamon sticks

1 tsp fresh or 2 tsp ground ginger (allspice can be substituted)

Combine all ingredients in a pot and cook for 25 minutes over low to medium heat. Stir

Fall is also a great time of year to enjoy wine. It’s warm enough to allow you to appreciate a chilled glass of your favorite white, and the evenings are nippy enough to settle in front of a fire and uncork a deep, rich red.

Wines are very seasonal. Moving from the warm summer to the cooler fall, the best wines are those that can be light, but also have some richness and body to them. These wines bridge the gap perfectly, and help transition to the new season.

Varietals that fit this bill are California Chardonnays with some oak on them, other whites with body, lighter style Cabernet Sauvignon’s, and spicy red wines like Zinfandel, and Shiraz.

The Chardonnays from the Northern part of Napa exhibit a deeper body, more fruit and more oak that would represent a richer, deeper style for richer foods. Syrah or shiraz grapes also are known for their nice, hearty, robust flavors that are great on their own, or with food. The Zinfandels and Cabernets are great as the more robust fruit flavors and tannins balance out more dense foods.

Suggested Fall Drinks:

Lairds Apple Brandy

(Apple Brandy 750ML)....................................... $14.99

Tuaca

(Italian Liqueur 750ML)...................................... $22.99

Jack Daniels

(Tennessee Whiskey 750ML)................................ $20.99

Niilly Prat French

(Vermouth 750ML)............................................. $ 7.99

Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon

(Paso Robles, CA 750ML)................................... $14.99

Cupcake Chardonnay

(Central Coast, CA 750ML)................................. $ 9.99

Bogle Old Vine Zinfandel

(California 750ML)............................................... $11.99

Layer Cake Shiraz

(Barossa Valley, Australia 750ML)...................... $15.99