Autumnal Sippers to Celebrate the Crisp Fall Season

I looooove a good fall cocktail. Something about the spices and “cozier” ingredients gets me so excited to really take in all the fall feels. I wanted to share with you guys two of my current favorites to ring in the new season - don’t worry, I’ll be sharing others but these two are definitely the ones you’ll want to sip the second you lay eyes on the photos! These two include FOS Greek Mastiha, a balanced sweet spirit that has pronounced notes of cucumber, pine, anise, and fresh herbs… yum! Whether you’re more of a pumpkin person or an apple admirer, I’m sure you won’t be able to decide on which one of these autumnal cocktails you prefer.

PUMPKIN PATCH

Ingredients:

1 oz. FOS Greek Mastiha

1 oz. Tequila Reposado

1 oz. Pumpkin Puree

.5 oz. Lemon Juice

Barspoon Maple Syrup

Directions:

Add ingredients to shaker with ice

Shake vigorously

Strain into martini glass

Garnish with brown sugar rum and toasted cinnamon stick.

BRIGHT APPLE

Ingredients:

1.5 oz. FOS Greek Mastiha

1 oz. Apple Cider

.5 oz. Lemon Juice

Barspoon of Honey

Dash Angostura Bitters

Directions:

Add ingredients to a shaker with ice

Shake vigorously

Strain into coupe or rocks glass

Garnish with sliced apples, cinnamon stick, star anise, and/or lemon moons.

My Favorite Far-From-Basic Pumpkin Cocktails

I can't even lie one bit. I. LOVE. anything. PUMPKIN. Yes, I am yelling it!!! Like... why is it so good? It's probably hands down my favorite thing about fall. Pumpkin flavored food and lattes are one thing, but when it comes to pumpkin flavored cocktails... man, you've really got my attenion. I don't know about you, but I'd trade my usual tequila soda with 3 limes any day for a spiked pumpkin concoction.  But where does one find a really amazing pumpkin cocktail? In Las Vegas, New Jersey and Florida. Well, maybe other places too but I think they've got some of the best. Here are my favorite far-from-basic pumpkin cocktails from some fun bars and restaurants around the country, with recipes so you could make at home! Which one would you try? I'm thinking I am going to end my night with a sip of all four of these...!

Smashing Your Pumpkin

Available at: Felt & Blossom (MGM National Harbor)

½ oz. Cruzan Aged Light Rum

½ oz. Kappa Pisco

½ oz. Daron Fine Calvados

3 oz. Spiced Pumpkin Cordial

1 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice

½ oz. Egg Whites (Add After First Shake For Reverse Dry Shake)

Build: Add all ingredients into mixing tin, except the egg whites! Add ice and shake vigorously. Strain back into mixing tin and discard ice. Now add egg whites and reverse dry shake for 20 seconds. Pour over ice.

Ice: Chipped

Glass: Crystal Etched Hi Ball

Garnish: Graham Cracker, Cinnamon Stick, Cinnamon Sugar

Hey Pumpkin

Photo Credit: Tanya Isaeva 

Available at: South House (Jersey City, NJ)

Created by: Smitty

Ingredients: 

2.oz Slow & Low Rock & Rye Whiskey

.75 aquafaba 

.75 espresso pumpkin spice syrup

.75 Lemon juice 

Strike The Gold

Available at: Odd Bird (St. Augustine, FL)

Created by: Nick Hogan

Ingredients:

3/4 oz Fernet-Branca

3/4 oz Templeton Rye

1 1/2 oz Spiced Pumpkin Syrup

1/4 oz of Creme Yvette

Whole Egg

Top with Brancamenta Whipped Cream

Grated Nutmeg & Garnish with Star Anise

Directions: 

Add all ingredients into tin, shake, strain into cocktail glass, top with whipped cream, grate fresh nutmeg over top, sip slowly and enjoy!Due to different variables between coconut milk and pumpkin purées that when making the cocktail it should be done to taste

Spiced Pumpkin Syrup: 

One can organic Pumpkin. One can of organic coconut milk. 1/2 cup of brown sugar. 3/4 oz of pimento liqueur (allspice liqueur). Simmer in sauce pan for 10 minutes, let cool then strain through cheese cloth.

Brancamenta Whipped Cream:

Combine half pint of heavy whipping cream with 1 oz of Brancamenta and 2 oz of simple syrup into iSi whipper, charge and store in refrigerator until ready for use.

HARVEST MOON

Available at: Bottiglia Cucina & Enoteca, Hearthstone Kitchen & Cellar,

Libre Mexican Cantina, The Still Crafts, Drafts & Eats (All in VEGAS, baby!)

*Recipe can be mixed with multiple spirits

Ingredients:

*¾ OZ. Hennessy VSOP Cognac and ¾ oz. Plantation 5yr Rum - Bottiglia Cucina & Enoteca

*1 ½ OZ. HILHAVEN LODGE BLENDED AMERICAN WHISKEY - Hearthstone Kitchen & Cellar

*1 ½ OZ. Casamigas Reposado Tequila - Libre Mexican Cantina

*1 ½ OZ. GEORGE DICKEL RYE WHISKY - The Still Crafts, Drafts & Eats

½ OZ. ANCHO REYES ANCHO LIQUEUR

½ OZ. Benedictine

¼ OZ. Agave Syrup (1:1 RATIO)

2 OZ. LIBBEY’S PumpkinPie Purre

1 OZ. Carrot Juice (ODWALLA)

BUILD: Shake & Double Strain

GLASS: Martini Couple

GARNISH: Coconut Foam, Chopped Diced Pecan

COCONUT FOAM - (PER ISI DISPENSER)

200G Coconut Milk

200G Savoy Coconut Cream

100G Sweetend CondensedMilk

20G Sugar

Directions:

Mix all ingredients into a 2QT. cambro. Then, add the mixed coconut base into isi dispenser. Next, charge isi dispenser with isi nitrous oxide whip cream charger. Shake vigorously, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours. 

Upgrade from a #PSL to a #PSN with the Pumpkin Spice Negroni

Halloween may be over, by the Pumpkin Spice season is still in full swing. With Thanksgiving coming up, the pumpkin spice cravings are going strong. But, let's be honest - who's getting kind of tired of the traditional Pumpkin Spice Latte? Sorry Starbucks, us pumpkin fanatics are in need of something a little less expected.

Have no fear, the ultimate new Autumn cocktail is here - The Pumpkin Spice Negroni! Created by Mia Mastroianni of Bar Rescue and Soho House West Hollywood, the PSN is a festive and delightful concoction that you won't be able to put down after just one sip! It's the perfect marriage of a Negroni and a Pumpkin Spice Latte in one.

Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images Entertainment / Getty Images

Upgrading the #PSL game, this drink has got the kick we all need from Campari, Frangelico and Bulldog Gin, combined with pumpkin puree infused syrup and egg white. Who says capturing the crisp, pumpkin-y flavors of fall need to stop at coffee?

I got the chance to ask Mia a few questions on the inspiration behind her new pumpkin drink that's been all the talk this season, and got the recipe to make at home!

1. What was your inspiration behind the Pumpkin Spice Negroni?

This cocktail was initially inspired by the popular seasonal staple, the Pumpkin Spice Latte. For a variation on a seasonal Negroni, that was the first thing that came to mind! By substituting traditional Sweet Vermouth with Frangelico and adding some pumpkin puree I think this cocktail screams "Autumn!" I felt it was important to use an egg white for texture, which again was a nod to latte foam, and a tiny pumpkin serves as the perfect vessel.

2. Why a PSN over a PSL?

As everyone knows, PSLs are now a near-iconic fall drink. However, I thought a boozy and fun twist on a classic cocktail that highlights the pumpkin spice flavors took the trend to the next level.

3. How and why does the flavor of each liquor in this concoction combine so well to create this perfect fall cocktail?

There was a lot of trial and error as I experimented with variations that would balance the bitterness of Campari with pumpkin spice, all while maintaining the integrity of a Negroni. Ultimately by swapping the Sweet Vermouth with Frangelico, I was able to highlight a bit more of the fall season with Frangelico’s hazelnut flavor. As I mentioned earlier, texture was very important for me with this drink, which is why I also incorporated the egg white.

4. Were there any other liquors you were considering to include in the mix that didn't make the cut? If so, why?

Given that this is a Negroni, I didn't want to veer too far away from what the traditional recipe calls for: Gin, Campari and Sweet Vermouth. I had several variations with Sweet Vermouth and really tried to keep it in there, but it just wasn't necessary. I also played around with some Allspice Dram, but that was a bit overpowering.  

Temped? Here's how to make it:

Pumpkin Spice Negroni

Created by Mia Mastroianni, Soho House West Hollywood and Bar Rescue

1 oz Campari

1 oz Bulldog Gin

3/4 oz Frangelico 

1/2 oz Pumpkin Puree Infused Syrup

Egg White

Combine all ingredients and dry shake. Reshake with ice and strain into a small pumpkin (or coupe). Garnish with a light dusting of cinnamon and pumpkin seeds. 

Mia has totally upped not only the PSL, but the traditional Negroni game too. Say bye-bye to basic and hello to a new fall cocktail obsession!