AUTUMN IS THE SEASON when we pull on our soft sweaters, light the candles, and slow down the pace - BUT TURN UP THE COZINESS. And what suits the COOL EVENINGS better than a WELL-BALANCED LONG DRINK with THE SEASON’S FINEST FLAVOURS?
Warm and deep flavours
When the wind rustles through the trees and the last leaves swirl toward the ground, it’s time to curl up in the corner of the sofa with a wool blanket wrapped around you. With a good book and a delicious drink with deep, spicy flavours within reach.
In fact, it doesn’t take much to adapt the classic drinks so they match the mood of autumn. It’s all about making the flavours deeper and more complex preferably with a hint of warm spices.
We’ve found four examples of long drinks that pair exceptionally well with autumn and winter.
NEGRONI SBAGLIATO WITH A TWIST OF CINNAMON
Negroni Sbagliato has already achieved cult status, but the autumn version is more spiced. The classic blend of vermouth, bitters, and sparkling wine is joined here by a light infusion of cinnamon and orange peel, giving the drink an extra warm depth. Perfect as an aperitif with friends.
Recipe:
3 cl Campari, 3 cl red vermouth, 3 cl sparkling wine, ice cubes, orange peel, a small piece of cinnamon. Combine in a tall glass and garnish with orange peel and cinnamon.
HIBISCUS AND CRANBERRY SPRITZ
The deep red tones and tart notes from hibiscus and cranberries make this drink both visually striking and refreshingly flavorful. The spritz format remains popular, but this version is less sweet and has more depth - a fresh counterpoint to heavier dishes. It’s mixed with vodka, hibiscus-cranberry tea optionally a splash of cranberry juice, lime juice, and syrup. Top with sparkling wine or soda water and garnish with cranberries.
Recipe:
4 cl vodka, 8 cl chilled hibiscus tea, 3 cl syrup, 1.5 cl lime juice, ice cubes, cranberries, and optionally edible flowers for garnish.
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add vodka, chilled tea, syrup, and lime juice. Shake for 10–15 seconds. Fill a glass with ice and strain the drink into the glass. Garnish with cranberries and a slice of lime.
APPLE MULE - A NEW CLASSIC
A reinterpretation of the classic Moscow Mule, where ginger beer is joined by freshly pressed apple juice and a splash of dark rum instead of vodka. Served in the characteristic copper mugs with plenty of crushed ice and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. The combination of freshness and spice makes this drink a true must-have.
Recipe:
3 cl dark rum, 3 cl quality apple juice, 6 cl ginger beer, a dash of lime juice, orange peel, crushed ice, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
For the authentic version, fill a copper mug with crushed ice. Pour the rum over the ice, followed by the apple juice and ginger beer. Squeeze in juice from a wedge of lime, and garnish with orange peel and a light dusting of cinnamon on top.
TOM COLLINS WITH PEAR
Tom Collins is a timeless classic, but this season we’re playing with fruit and herbs. Gin, fresh pear purée, and sugar syrup are balanced with sharp lemon juice and topped with sparkling water. The rosemary adds an aromatic depth that makes this drink perfect for autumn days.
Recipe:
6 cl gin, 6 cl pear purée, sparkling water, fresh rosemary. Add ice, pear purée, and gin to a cocktail shaker and mix the ingredients. Top with sparkling water and a few sprigs of fresh rosemary.
Pear purée:
Peel and core a large pear. Warm the pear with a spoonful of lemon juice, a spoonful of honey, and two spoonfuls of water. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, then blend until smooth. Chill in the refrigerator - it’s then ready to use.