If you fancy trying your hand at a virtual cocktail making class this autumn, then it’s a great idea to get a little practice at home so that you can get the most out of the experience. With a few essential spirits and liqueurs and extras, you will be amazed at what you can achieve.
Whether you are planning Bonfire Night celebrations or a Halloween party, or are just looking forward to snuggling up on the sofa with a special treat, autumn is a time for warm spicy flavours and the last hints of summer sweetness. Here are a few fun and delicious cocktail recipes that are easy to make and perfect for the autumn season.
Hot apple cider toddy
This is the classic drink for autumn, and was once considered to be a remedy for colds and flu. The exact health benefits may be debatable, but it’s certainly a tonic for cosy nights on the sofa. There are lots of variations on the recipe, but it’s often made with a good mid-range bourbon whisky. (finer whisky will be wasted because of the competing flavours).
The other ingredients include one teaspoon of honey, five whole cloves, one cinnamon stick, and of course apple cider. You can also add anise star if you want to round out the spicy flavour a little more.
To make, combine the bourbon and honey in a heat-proof mug. Simmer the apple cider and spices over a medium-low heat for about ten minutes. Strain the apple cider into the mug and stir. If you want to serve it at a party, make a large pan full and leave it on a low heat on the stove top, and provide a ladle so that guests can help themselves.
Toffee apple sour cocktail
This is the perfect cocktail for a seasonal celebration such as Bonfire Night or Halloween. It’s an indulgent treat that will definitely set the right mood for the night. It’s made with Somerset brandy, lemon juice, egg white, and toffee syrup, and topped with Breton cider.
You can buy the toffee syrup, or make your own. It’s made easily by melting caster sugar and unsalted butter over a medium heat. To prepare the drink, simply put all the ingredients except the cider into a cocktail shaker with no ice, then repeat the step with ice added. Serve in a wine glass and top up with the Breton cider.
Apple and ginger mojito
This cocktail retains a refreshing fruity touch of summer and is complemented with warming ginger spice. It’s also super easy to make once you have gathered all the ingredients. You’ll need dark rum, lime bitters, apple juice, mint leaves and ginger beer to top up.
Put all the ingredients except for the ginger beer and mint into a highball glass and gently stir. Top up with the ginger beer and garnish with a mint sprig and apple fan.
