The holidays are approaching and while some are planning our dinner menus, many of us are thinking about the best spirits and cocktails to pair with our favorite dishes. So I present to you 15 of the best cocktails to make for fall hosting or for a simple and cozy night in. If you’re new to cocktails be sure to check this post out about How To Make Better Cocktails at Home. There I will break down some best practices to help you mix up quality and delicious cocktails every time.
15 Best Fall cocktails to make this holiday
Spiced Honey Cocktail
It’s very similar to the classic Bee’s Knees cocktail, however, for this, we use vodka. My vodka of choice is Titos- it’s smooth and mixes well in most cocktails. I think you will enjoy the subtle sweetness and cinnamon-spiced cocktail with pasta, fish, and other warmly spiced flavors.
Dinner Pairing suggestion:
Spatchcocked (Butterflied) Roast Chicken
Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash
Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail
The Bourbon Apple Cider is one that is probably best enjoyed during the fall and winter months because of its seasonal apple flavor, spicy bourbon notes, and crisp finish. As for the bourbon, I love Bulleit. I think it’s very smooth and authentic in flavor however, you can use whatever bourbon you enjoy the most.
Dinner and Dessert Pairing:
Honey Butter Fried Chicken Sandwich
Cherry Bourbon Cocktail
This is a nightcap cocktail. I enjoy this one with a bowl of popcorn and a movie. Those deep warm vanilla and caramel notes from the bourbon add such a smooth finish to the sweet cherries. If it’s cherry season near you, you can use fresh cherries or frozen cherries are just as good
Snack pairing:
PopCorn
White chocolate dipped gingerbread cookies
Maple Whiskey Sour
This Maple Whiskey Sour is probably in my top 5 because I love bourbon and a creamy foam finish. Enjoying this during the fall and winter months is always a treat because the bourbon will definitely warm you up while enjoying two of the season’s favorite flavors; maple and cinnamon.
Dinner and Dessert Pairing:
The Best Chicken and Sausage Alfredo
Chambord Gin and Tonic
If you enjoy a nice blend of spice and botanicals then this Gin and Tonic is another way to enjoy the sweet and herbaceous classic.
Dinner Pairing:
Kale Caesar Salad with Blackened Shrimp
Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini Cocktail
This Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini Cocktail is a delicious twist on a class cocktail that many of us like to enjoy for brunch or as an evening pick-me-up cocktail. This drink comes together in minutes and what I love the most other than the taste, is that the flavors are balanced yet intense.
Breakfast and Dessert Pairing:
Mascarpone Stuffed French Toast
How to Make Fluffy French Toast
Elderflower Gin Fizz
The aromatic botanicals and sweet elderflower liqueur are the perfect pairings for this light yet bold social cocktail. It finishes with a crisp Prosecco that completely transforms this drink and enhances the flavors.
Dinner Pairing:
How To Make Cornbread Dressing (stuffing)
The Best Moscow Mule Cocktail
Moscow Mules are definitely in my top 5 favorite cocktails for several reasons. First, I always have the ingredients at home; vodka, lime, and ginger beer. It’s a refreshing cocktail that you can enjoy all year long. The spiciness from ginger beer warms you up in the winter and the sweet refreshing flavors cool you down on warm summer days.
Passion Fruit Gin and Tonic
Another refreshing cocktail to enjoy during Passion Fruit season that brightens up a dish or moment and it’s so easy to make. These are fun to make with friends for brunch and a casual lunch.
Grapefruit Mimosa
Brunch pairings:
Mascarpone Stuffed French Toast
Overnight Rumchata French Toast
Jumbo Blueberry Streusel Muffins
Vanilla Cardamom Candied Pecans
Blackberry Brown Sugar Bramble
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Old Fashioned
I would say this cocktail is for those who are looking for a sweeter less spirit-forward version of an OF.
Pairings:
New York Sour
A New York Sour cocktail is a classic cocktail recipe that perfectly balances the caramel bourbon notes, citrus, and fruity red wine in one cocktail. This cocktail is gorgeous and it is always a crowd favorite!
Pairings:
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Strawberry Negroni
I love a Negroni cocktail and this Strawberry Negroni is a treat. The strawberry plays very well with the herbaceous botanicals of the gin and adds a layer of flavor that you didn’t know you needed.
Non-alcoholic Sangria
A delicious non-alcoholic sangria made using Chai tea and pomegranate as a base. I chose chai tea as the base because the flavor and spices are deep and bold enough to resemble a red wine. If you are sensitive to caffeine, I suggest using decaf chai tea.
I hope you find something that you enjoy and please come back and share with me your favorite cocktail. Enjoy!