{"id":698,"date":"2018-10-29T19:42:00","date_gmt":"2018-10-29T19:42:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/development.optikal.com\/schaffer\/?p=698"},"modified":"2023-12-21T19:47:34","modified_gmt":"2023-12-21T19:47:34","slug":"spicy-and-warm-inspired-fall-cocktails-influenced-by-the-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/development.optikal.com\/schaffer\/spicy-and-warm-inspired-fall-cocktails-influenced-by-the-season\/","title":{"rendered":"SPICY AND WARM: INSPIRED FALL COCKTAILS, INFLUENCED BY THE SEASON"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The weather\u2019s turning cooler while the days are getting shorter.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The offerings from the farmer\u2019s market or CSA evolve from the hot weather-loving fruits and vegetables to the more crisp offerings of fall \u2014 think leeks, potatoes, pears and above all, apples. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Going beyond what you\u2019re going to eat, what you\u2019re going to drink also changes with the season. Gone is your desire for refreshing summer-y drinks \u2014 your palate is looking for something more substantial, perhaps something more spicy that can warm you up from the inside. There are a million opportunities to take classic ideas and put a twist on them with seasonal ingredients. And the change of colors happening outside is an inspiration to what should be happening in your glass, turning to deep, dark jewel tones. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

 We love the flavors and colors of the West Indies (Kathleen served as an executive chef there in her 20s) \u2014 they also remind us of happy times spent there for the holidays. The top of our list for fall cocktails is a Sorrel Rum Punch<\/a>. It\u2019s a very Caribbean drink with its spices and its gorgeous hibiscus color. We love the ginger and cloves \u2014 it\u2019s truly warming.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Everyone thinks pumpkin spice drinks when they think fall, but there\u2019s nothing worse to us than a heavy drink with whipped cream on it. We\u2019ve found a way to create an elegant and really flavorful pumpkin-centric drink. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00a0Infuse vodka<\/a> with thinly sliced pumpkin or squash. Over time, the fruit will lend a flavorful vegetal taste that\u2019s not cloying or sweet, but interesting. It\u2019s a more sophisticated way to experience that flavor. Combine this vodka with spiced simple syrup and then add a splash of a clear liqueur \u2014 perhaps Saint Germain<\/a> if you want to add a floral flavor or a fine Italian hazelnut liqueur<\/a> for a hint of a nutty flavor.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s hard to understand what that flavor is until you taste it, but it invokes the concept of pumpkin spice in an elevated way without all the heaviness. This clear, beautiful martini has much more than meets the eye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider unusual and festive glassware for your cocktails this season. You can create an added element of gorgeous to whatever you are pouring with unique glassware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mulled Wine can be heavy, so we\u2019ve experimented with the flavors associated with this drink to create a Mulled Wine Elixir. We make a simple syrup using mulling spices. Once it\u2019s done, it\u2019s a shiny, viscous wine-colored syrup that brings a lot of flavor and spice. Combine that with spiced rum or vodka over ice and top it off with prosecco or sparkling wine for some effervescence. If you want to go super authentic, top it off with a great dry Lambrusco, which is the same color as the simple syrup. Garnish with an orange peel. It\u2019s a great drink and more refreshing and a lot lighter than drinking traditional mulled wine. ***Recipe below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We love blood oranges and they come into season in December, so we love to make Blood Orange Margaritas, by adding the tart juice to our regular margarita recipe. The color of the orange and the drink is so beautiful. Or if Champagne is your thing\u2026 Add a few Pomegranate seeds soaked in bitters to your Champagne for a twist on the classic champagne cocktail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, the fall cocktail collection would not be complete without incorporating gorgeous in-season apples into a drink. We love fresh-pressed apple cider<\/a>, you can even make it at home! We make a cocktail that combines cider with spiced rum and hard cider. The effervescence of the hard cider with the warm spices from the rum and then the brightness comes from the tart, fresh-pressed apple flavor is fresh and delicious.\u00a0We take our bar service seriously around here and we love what every new season has to offer, its an opportunity to create. We love fall and a perfect cocktail along with a perfect season is worth celebrating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s all raise a glass to fall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mulled Wine Syrup<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n