Written by Katie Frazier, Social Media Strategist
When the leaves start to turn and there’s that telltale chill in the air, it can only mean one thing—fall. As I start to ready my fall wardrobe and pull out all of my leather, warm flannels, and cozy sweaters, I crave equally warm and comforting drinks. Fall is my favorite time to experiment with different liquors, garnishes, and bitters. I love making drinks for friends and for myself especially since I’ve been building up my collection of vintage glassware to accompany my fall libations.
Choosing the perfect vessel for a cocktail or mocktail is as important as the drink itself. I’ve been scouring antique stores, yard sales, and online for the perfect glassware. It’s become a bit of an obsession. As the temps get cooler, I put away some of my well-loved blush and green glassware and instead reach for rich amber, emerald, and amethyst vessels.
We’ve got a lovely selection of glassware here at Curated that will showcase all of your fall concoctions. Whiskey drinks look stunning in our smoky taupe Libbey MCM glasses while mulled ciders shine in our Fostoria amber goblets. Get creative and have fun! Channel your inner bartender and create your own signature drink. If you’re running low on inspiration, we’ve got you covered. The Curated team has rounded up their favorite cool weather cocktail and mocktail recipes. Each drink is paired with accompanying glassware you can find in the shop.
Katie’s White Pumpkin Martini
If you’ve ever met me, then you know one of my favorite things is pumpkin! I love the warming scent of pumpkin spice and it is absolutely delicious in this super simple cocktail. Feel free to sub out the pumpkin liquor for pumpkin coffee creamer if it feels too boozy.
1 ½ oz vodka or gin
1 oz coffee liqueur such as Kahlua
1 oz pumpkin pie liqueur (or pumpkin coffee creamer)
Sprinkle of cinnamon to garnish
Cinnamon stick to garnish
Chill all ingredients for at least 15 minutes before mixing together into a chilled glass. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon and lay a cinnamon stick on top of the glass. This cocktail looks beautiful in our gold-rimmed champagne coupes.
Cary’s Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour
Bourbon is so fitting for the season! I’ve had this recipe while out-and-about and it’s so easy to replicate at home!
1 ½ oz Bourbon
1 oz fresh lemon juice
2-4 teaspoons maple syrup (adjust to taste)
Sprinkle of cinnamon
Fill a cocktail shaker with ⅔ full of ice, combine all ingredients, and shake well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Top with cinnamon. This whiskey cocktail shines in our MCM smoked glasses.
Helen’s Autumnal Tequila Cocktail
Tequila and citrus is a winning combination in my book. I was thrilled to discover this cocktail that pairs my favorite summer liquor with autumnal flavors!
2 oz silver tequila
½ oz bourbon
1 oz fresh squeezed orange juice
1 oz agave nectar
2 dashes orange clove bitters
8 dashes aromatic bitters
Orange twist
Cinnamon stick
Stir all liquid ingredients with ice. Strain into chilled rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with an orange twist and cinnamon stick. Serves one.
Lauren’s Sweater Weather Mulled Cider
I love any excuse to cozy up to a warm cocktail. This recipe is a personal favorite, and comes back into rotation with my sweater lineup each year. Rather than mulling with a more traditional spice blend, I like to swap out a spice bundle for my favorite Chai tea. Chai brings all the standard mulling spices and then some, with the tiniest caffeine boost. Bonus: Your house is going to smell amazing.
½ gallon fresh apple cider
When picking your apple cider, go for the good stuff. I like mine as local as possible, and prefer an option without added sugar or spices.
2 cups 100% cranberry juice
Juice from 2 oranges
1 ½ inch fresh ginger root
1 tablespoon whole cloves
5 whole cinnamon sticks
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3-5 servings Chai tea (bagged or loose leaf)
Sliced orange and extra cinnamon sticks for garnish
Optional, but encouraged: 2 oz cognac, but no one’s going to blame you for measuring this one with your heart
Combine apple cider, cranberry juice, orange juice, peeled and sliced fresh ginger, cloves, and cinnamon sticks in a slow cooker (2 hours high, 4 hours low). With about half an hour left, add Chai to steep. Once fully heated, ladle into your favorite vintage mug with a hearty serving of cognac, and garnish with half an orange slice and a cinnamon stick.
Note: You can also make this one on the stovetop! All you need to do is bring everything to a boil, remove from heat, and steep your Chai for five minutes.
Aurora’s Manhattan
2 oz part Dolin rouge Vermouth
2 oz part Crown Royal Northern Harvest rye
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Shake well over ice. Strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a slice of orange peel if desired.
Aurora’s Faux-fashioned
2 oz orange juice
1 oz tart cherry juice
Splash of maple syrup (10g, for those who care)
2 dashes Angostura bitters
1 dash vanilla extract
Shake well over ice. Serve on the rocks in an Old Fashioned glass. Garnish with a slice of orange peel if desired.
Jessie’s Ski Lodge Negroni
A negroni is for me liquid elegance. Whenever I drink one, I’m transported to a grand old ski lodge somewhere in the Italian Alps where even the cocktail napkins exude chic.
1 ¼ oz gin
1 ¼ oz Campari
1 ¼ oz sweet vermouth
Orange twist
Stir all liquid ingredients with ice. Strain into chilled rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with an orange twist. Serves one.
