Many people are enjoying a long weekend with family, friends, or just downtime to relax. Food, football, and a fireplace make it all a bit warmer.
When you’re ready for a change from beer and wine, there are some flavorful autumn liqueurs such as pumpkin spice (with or without cream), hazelnut, almond, walnut, and Kahlua that make a variety of nutty, spicy cocktails. Try any of these mixed with vodka, bourbon, half-and-half, water, or on their own, either neat or over ice.
If you’ve already read my romantic suspense, Becker Circle, you know Gillian, the heroine, tends bar part-time in her neighborhood pub. Here are a few simple, tasty cocktail recipes she would serve her pub regulars. Gather some friends, play bartender, and try them. Or if you have a crazy aunt or babbling brother-in-law, make up your own using these autumn ingredients. And after they leave, curl up with your favorite novel and try another.
White Pumpkin
If you’re a fan of a good White Russian, you might like my twist on the Pumpkin Spice White Russian.
2 oz Vodka
½ oz Kahlua
1 oz Pumpkin Spice (or Pumpkin Pie) liqueur
1 oz half-and-half
Pour over ice in a low ball glass. If you want a little more sugar and spice, dip the glass rim in Kahlua and a cinnamon sugar mixture. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
A Little Nuts
1 oz hazelnut liqueur such as Frangelico
1 oz bourbon
½ to 1 oz water (depending on your taste)
This makes a nice after dinner cocktail. Pour over ice in a low ball glass and enjoy. You can also try this blend with other liqueurs such as walnut or amaretto.
Steph-‘n-Spice (on right in photo)
1 ½ oz vodka
2 ½ oz pumpkin spice cream liqueur
Shake with ice. Pour into a martini glass. Top with a sprinkle of nutmeg. Alternative: Skip shaking and pour over ice in a lowball glass and top with a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Nutty Nicki (on left in photo)
2 oz hazelnut liqueur
1 ½ oz vodka
2 oz half-and-half
Shake with ice. Pour in a martini glass. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon. If you love sweetness, dip glass rims in a little hazelnut liqueur. Mix a couple of teaspoons of sugar and a dash of cinnamon. Dip the edge of each glass into the mixture to coat the glass edges.
Cheers to cocktails, friends, and giving thanks!