The Distinctive Life

GOURMET CUISINE

MR. OCTOBER When Travel + Leisure started researching fall cocktail recipes, they reached out to bartenders throughout the United States to learn about their best creations. One of their favorite responses came from Timothy Miner from Magic Touch Cocktails in Brooklyn, New York. Mr. October “combines cinnamon, apple, and nutmeg—those classic fall flavors—to gorgeous effect,” according to the magazine. You’ll need to stock some apple brandy, lemon juice, cinnamon syrup, Galliano L’Authentico, St. Elizabeth’s Allspice Dram, and fresh nutmeg for this tantalizing drink. Then get ready for an experience that tastes like comfort and celebration. RED MAPLE SWIZZLE Are your guests fans of elevated rum drinks? The Red Maple Swizzle, a creation of The Hawthorne’s Jackson Cannon in Boston, Massachusetts, is “an autumnal sibling of the Dark and Stormy, but featuring lime rather than lemon, and a dash of bitters for balance,” reports Travel + Leisure . It’s crafted by stirring together Smith and Cross rum, lemon juice, Peychaud’s bitters, and, of course, Grade A Maple Syrup in a highball glass with ice. Your guests will love everything about this decadent cocktail.

APPLE CIDER COCKTAIL

if possible, small bulb of fennel. And, of course, your favorite vodka plays a vital role. Described as a “savory seasonal infusion,” this libation will be the hit of your party. ENGLISH HARVEST Can you imagine a dry gin cocktail with notes of apples and peanut butter? Luckily, Mixologist Ryan Fitzgerald found a way to get the English Harvest close to those flavors. Food & Wine reveals that the secret “was to mix almond syrup with apple juice and fiery apple brandy.” This London dry gin cocktail is a beauty to behold – the taste is incredible, and the libation is a gorgeous one to serve, as it is strained into a "small, chilled coupe or snifter and garnished with an orange twist.” TENNESSEE CHERRY FALL COCKTAIL For a sweet treat that is perfect for late fall, including Thanksgiving dinners, the editors at Better Homes & Gardens rave about the Tennessee Cherry Cocktail. This fall sipper features “sweet cherries, cherry-infused whiskey, cocoa, and vanilla.” Fresh sweet cherries are preferred, but frozen cherries work well, too, and the richness of the chocolate-flavored syrup adds to a depth of flavor that thrills the palate. The recipe calls for muddling in an old-fashioned glass for a refined look that can make any gathering feel like a special occasion. You can also make this cocktail into a mocktail simply by swapping out the “whiskey with your favorite cola,” according to the magazine.

Whenever we think of autumn, we think of apple cider straight from the orchard. It is that quintessential experience that, in part, influences the love Better Homes & Gardens has for this cocktail. The magazine reveals that “grapes, apples, lemon, and orange form the perfect melody of tart fruit flavors in this fall drink.” Artisan barrel-aged gin and Vermont hard cider are also added to this big-batch cocktail, which offers a warmly spirited sip that will elevate any gathering.

APPLE CIDER, CRANBERRY, AND GINGER PUNCH

Martha Stewart Living is also a fan of blending seasonal fruits into delectable fall cocktails. Described as “a festive choice for happy hour,” this favored “fall cocktail recipe is made with ginger beer, fresh cranberries, and apple cider.” You start by muddling cranberries with sugar in a pitcher and then add the other ingredients, stirring as you go. The punch is delicious as is and perfect for the whole family. However, if you want to shift this recipe from a mocktail to a tempting cocktail, all you need to do is add your favorite gin into the mix.

FENNEL AND FIG INFUSEDVODKA

Food & Wine loves introducing readers to the Fennel and Fig Infused Vodka cocktail made by Blue Hill at Stone Barns. Typically served in a sophisticated rocks glass, this fall cocktail recipe relies on both fresh and dried Black Mission figs, as well as a just-picked,

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Volume 9