There’s something very magical about the changing of the seasons and we’re now seeing the first few signs of autumn appearing here and there… and what better way to celebrate than with a few seasonal cocktails, celebrating some of the most delicious produce that you can find at this time of year.
You could have an awful lot of fun over the next few weeks coming up with your own signature autumnal cocktails, trialling all sorts of ingredients and mixing concoctions to wow friends and family with. To help you get started, here are a few ideas and top tips from the team here at The Art of Shaking. Cheers!
Think spice
As the nights draw in and the days start to get shorter, we inevitably start craving warmth – and what better way to convey this in your cocktail masterpieces than by hitting the spice cupboard? Have some fun with the likes of nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger as flavours, bringing in seasonal produce like pumpkin to really up the ante.
For a new take on an old classic that will help you transition from summer to autumn in serious style, what about mixing up this pumpkin spice Old Fashioned? The recipe belongs to Scott Allen, bar manager at Copper Lounge in LA, who makes his own homemade syrup to feature in the drink… the perfect opportunity for you to upskill!
Think temperature
The summer sun has shone down on us quite intensely this year so, no doubt, light and refreshing cocktails have been your go-to for quite some time. But now that temperatures are on the wane, our thoughts can start to turn to warming ourselves from the inside out… and hot cocktails can be a lot of fun to make.
Got guests coming over? What about serving them up some delicious hot buttered rum at the end of an evening? This sweet tipple is spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg – and it couldn’t be easier to make, so perfect for anyone just starting out with cocktail mixing.
Think colour
A huge part of any good cocktail’s success is down to what it looks like and the good news here is that autumnal colours are so incredibly beautiful and warm. Try to replicate the various shades of red, orange and yellow, as well as darker browns, in your drinks and you’ll soon be onto a winner.
The key to nailing autumnal colours is to think rich and deep, with warm, welcoming tones that beckon the drinker in and make them feel cosy and comforted… before they’ve even taken a sip!
Do you want to learn more about the fine art of bartending? Get in touch with us here at The Art of Shaking to find out how we can help.
