As sad as the end of summer is, it’s always fun to start cleaning out your closet and setting it up for the cooler autumn months. We pack up our shorts and replace them with some darker denim and boots take the place in the closet where our coveted flip-flop collection once sat. Just like our wardrobe, our cocktails need a fall transition too. A frozen margarita in October? You’re better than that.
Summer is all about drinks that are light and refreshing. Fruity flavors like strawberry, blueberry and watermelon dominate and the overall flavor palette is a lot sweeter than other seasons. If you really enjoy the addition of fruit to your cocktails, look for the fruits that are at their peak during autumn like apples, pears, pumpkins, and cranberries. Fall is also a great time to experiment with savory cocktails – try using ingredients like vegetables, herbs and spices. Make a Sparkling Pear and Cranberry Cocktail. It has the cranberry sweetness with a surprise hint of rosemary.
If you’re more of a wine drinker, transitioning to the colder months can seem trickier. It may seem like white wine=summer and red wine=winter, but it’s not that cut-and-dry. Look for versions of your favorite vino that add a little more complexity and flavor. Consider wines that have hints of apple and pear flavors like a Viognier to taste the signature fall spice.
Transitioning to beer in the fall is probably the easiest because this season was just made for beer. Whether you’re at a football game, the harvest fair, or on your back porch wrapped in a cardigan, a beer just embodies autumn. Beer companies also love to create batches that specifically cater to the season with flavors like apple, pumpkin and cinnamon. You can’t let fall end without having at least one pumpkin ale or hard cider in your hand.