By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
As Autumn unfolds across Australia, it's the ideal time to relish the distinctive flavours of the season. Whether you DIY or hunt one down at a local establishment, crafting cocktails that embody the essence of Autumn by focusing on the abundance of seasonal produce can make it a little easier to say farewell to the sun-drenched sips of Summer!
Apple Martini (aka the Appletini):
From Golden Delicious to Galas, Autumn in Australia brings with it an abundance of crisp, juicy apples. Harnessing the natural sweetness of apple juice, the apple martini offers a refreshing twist on the classic cocktail. Made with vodka, apple juice (or apple cider) and lemon juice, it's as easy as shaking all ingredients with ice in a shaker, straining into a martini glass, and garnishing with an apple slice.
Not a fan of fruit? The combination of coffee and vodka in a classic espresso martini can also provide an equally cosy and comforting feeling in a cocktail, making it a perfect choice for cold Autumn evenings.
Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned:
The depth and simplicity of the classic old fashioned make it an excellent option among cocktail enthusiasts looking for an Autumn drink. To really elevate it into something special for the colder months, consider infusing your bourbon with pumpkin spice syrup, then garnishing with an orange twist and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Although pumpkin spice lattes may not have taken off Down Under quite like they have in the USA, a pumpkin-spiced cocktail is certainly something we could get behind.
Fig and Rosemary Gin Fizz:
With their rich, luscious flavour, fresh figs are a quintessential Autumn ingredient. Combine muddled figs with gin, lemon juice and a splash of soda water - and garnish with fragrant rosemary - for a cocktail that is both elegant and refreshing.
Spiced Pear Sour:
While the classic cocktail sour typically consists of just three main ingredients: a base spirit (such as whisky or bourbon), fresh citrus juice and simple syrup, an Autumn-esque spiced pear version offers an excellent in-season alternative that balances the tartness of fresh lemon juice with the sweetness of a pear-flavoured spirit (it's easy to infuse yourself!).
Best served garnished with a slice of pear and enjoyed rugged up in an elegant blanket, this sophisticated cocktail will help you make the most of in-season pears in a way that another pear tart just could not.
Mandarin Aperol Spritz:
The end of sunny days need not necessarily signify the farewell of your fave warm weather beverages - case in point: the classic Aperol spritz made with mandarin. While the original version is traditionally garnished with orange wedges, its in-season citrusy counterpart can work just as well. You can imagine yourself somewhere in Sorrento even if a Euro Summer holiday is not on the cards.
Mulled Wine:
Prefer your cocktails to be served with a little heat to counter the crisp air outside?
Fortunately, mulled wine is here to step in where sangria said goodbye. Made with rich red wine, orange slices and the best seasonal spices - such as cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and honey (optional) - it's the perfect accompaniment to a long night lying under the doona.
