Sips of Autumn

In my opinion Fall is the best time of year. It's birthday season in my family which is always fun, the leafs on the trees turn fantastic colors, the air has that distinct fall smell (while still being warm enough that all you need is a slight jacket or sweater), and it is my favorite time for sipping cocktails.

For this post I want to share a few cocktail recipes for all occasions.

My personal favorites are the Apple cider margarita, cranberry mimosa, and cranberry punch.

Apple:
Harvest sangria- Great for parties because of it's easy prep and the recipe is easily doubled or tripled.

Apple cider margaritas- Margarita Monday just got a little bit of fall added to it.  The fresher the cider the better, so hit up those Farmers Markets/apple picking farms.

Apple pie- Who doesn't want an apple pie in drink form? This one is a good one if you are on a budget as the alcohol required is grain alcohol.

Cider cooler- This one doesn't have a link because it is from The Gold Cookbook, and it sounds delicious and another one that would be good for larger parties.

•  Mix 1/2 cup lemon juice, 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/3 grenadine syrup, 1 pint ginger ale, 1 quart hard cider, 1/2 cup brandy. Serve chilled.

Cider frappe- Another one from The Gold Cookbook.  I like this one because you can make it without the alcohol so that the designated drivers (or kids) have something fun to drink too!

• Mix 4 cups sweet cider, 1 1/4 cups water, 1 1/4 cups orange juice, 1/2 cup lemon juice, 1 1/4 cups sugar and freeze to a mush.
• When ready to serve, beat with a beater or fork.  Slowly add 1/2 cup of Applejack, and beat until frothy.

Thanksgiving cider punch- From The Gold Cookbook. This recipe serves 12-15, and doesn't require a lot, so it would be nice to prepare for Thanksgiving meal or a brunch.

• Mix 3 cups apricot juice, juice from 3 large oranges, juice from 3 lemons, and 1 1/2 quarts sweet cider. Add red and green (if you can find them) maraschino cherries for a garnish.

Cranberry:
Cranberry mimosa- Something to drink while you are starting to cook the Thanksgiving meal or just a nice way to add a fall taste to a Sunday brunch.

Sparkling cranberry cocktail- I know the recipe says pomegranate, but you could definitely substitute in cranberry and it would taste amazing.

Hot spiced cranberry cider- This ones for the younger set as it is non-alcoholic.

Cranberry punch- Ok, so cranberry isn't the only ingredient here, but it still sounds delicious! Another good one for serving larger parties.


Pumpkin:
Bourbon pumpkin pie milkshake- Not exactly a party drink, but maybe something fun to have with a significant other or a friend while watching a movie.

Pumpkin and apple cider - While this may not sound great to me (personally, I can't imagine adding straight pumpkin puree to alcohol), it could be right up your alley. If you are looking for something along the lines of an alcoholic smoothie then this could be it!