To help you effortlessly adjust your love of cocktails to a new season, we’ve rounded up some of the best autumn cocktail recipes that are packed with full-bodied fall flavours.
Think apple, nutmeg, cinnamon, berries — the list goes on. From well-known drinks to classic cocktails with a fall twist, we’ve even included a mocktail for those taking a break from alcohol. If you’re looking for the best autumn cocktails in the UK, we’ve got you covered.
The 10 best cocktails for autumn:
- Sidecar
- Whiskey Sour
- Apple Cider Mimosa
- Old Fashioned
- Bramble
- Espresso Martini
- Damson Gin
- Negroni
- Pear Martini
- Ginger Apple Spritz
Sidecar
One of the original cocktail ‘sours’, the Sidecar is the blueprint for iconic cocktails like the Margarita. Gorgeously spiced to give you the ultimate autumn feeling, enjoy a Sidecar as an after-dinner indulgence.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Cognac
- ¾ oz lemon juice
- ¾ oz Triple sec
Our premixed Sidecar cocktail features the French Brandy St Remy XO. Crafted by distilling grapes in copper column stills, it boasts a delicate woody aroma with dried fruit, sweet spices and creamy vanilla on the palate. Cointreau, a French orange liqueur, ties the cocktail together, layering marmalade aromas amongst the brandy spice.
Whiskey Sour
The rich warmth of bourbon meets the distinct tang of lemon in the delectable whiskey sour. Smoky, subtle and sophisticated, this cocktail is not just an ideal gift for whiskey lovers but also an excellent accompaniment for after-dinner parties.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz bourbon whiskey
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 dash egg whites
- ½ oz Gomme syrup
If you’re looking for autumn cocktails that offer a distinctive flavour, our premixed Whiskey Sour uses rich Bulleit Bourbon, a smooth whiskey with spicy notes of cinnamon, nutmeg and clove.
Apple Cider Mimosa
One of our favourite autumnal alcoholic drinks, spice up brunch by bringing some autumn crispness to the already on-trend mimosa cocktail. The Apple Cider Mimosa is a great example of how to take a classic drink and reinvent its flavours.
Ingredients:
- 4 oz Brut champagne
- 2 oz all-natural apple cider
- 1 oz cinnamon whiskey
- 1 slice of apple as a garnish
Bramble
Showcasing the best of seasonal produce with fresh blackberries is the Bramble. This versatile drink is popular in summer but is just as awesome as an autumn gin cocktail. Gin can be paired with a range of foods, including meat and cheese platters — which makes it ideal for home hosting!
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- ½ oz crème de mûre liqueur
- Fresh blackberry or lemon half-wheel as a garnish
Espresso Martini
The Espresso Martini is another of our well-loved cocktails for autumn. With a rich, bold taste it’s beloved by cocktail drinkers and coffee lovers alike. While most commonly served cold, if you’re in the mood for a hot drink with a little pep, this versatile cocktail can also be made using freshly brewed espresso with a splash of hot milk.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- ½ oz coffee liqueur
- 1 oz espresso, freshly brewed (or cold brew concentrate)
- Coffee beans as a garnish
Another industry recognised favourite, our premixed Espresso Martini cocktail is a smooth, indulgent classic made with Ketel One Vodka and FAIR Cafe Liqueur.
Damson Gin
A member of the plum family, the damson is a small fruit with vibrant dark blue skin and a strong, sour flavour. Ready for picking in September and October, this is a true fall fruit. Creating this cocktail may take a little effort with some overnight prep, but once you’re done, you’ll have the taste of autumn in a glass. This recipe can also be used with vodka.
Ingredients:
- 500g damsons
- 250g golden caster sugar
- 1l bottle gin
Negroni
The Negroni, with its vibrant red colour, is classed as the king of Italian Campari cocktails. This on-trend drink is known to flourish in the spring and summer, but it actually shines just as brightly as one of your autumn cocktails.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz sweet red vermouth
- 1 oz gin
- Orange peel as a garnish
Crafted by master mixologist Patrick Pisolesi, our premixed Negroni cocktail contains equal parts Tanqueray Gin, Cocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino, Campari and Angostura Aromatic Bitters, making it a punchy, memorable drink.
Pear Martini
The Pear Martini is another fashionable drink you can turn into an autumn vodka cocktail. A fruity variation on the vodka martini, pears are delicious when teamed with a chocolate dessert, so enjoy one as a sweet treat on a chilly evening or when entertaining friends.
Ingredients:
- ½ fresh ripe pear
- 2 oz pear vodka
- ½ oz lemon juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 2 dashes orange bitters
Old Fashioned
A timeless tipple perfect for sipping while getting warm by the fire, the Old Fashioned is one of the world’s most popular cocktails. Our tip? It’s best served after a tasty dinner of duck or pork chops.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz Bourbon or Rye whiskey
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 sugar cube
- A few dashes of water
Our premixed Old Fashioned cocktail is industry recommended and contains a dash of orange bitters designed to liven up your palette. If you’re more of a rum drinker, swap the whiskey for a traditional Caribbean rum, like Mount Gay, for a light autumn rum cocktail.
Ginger Apple Spritz
The spiciness of the ginger is best balanced with super sweet apples while using ginger beer instead of ginger ale gives a prominent flavour. This mocktail may be non-alcoholic, but it delivers just as much kick as its alcohol-infused counterparts. Ginger and apples make a great pairing.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh apple cider
- 1 cup ginger beer
- 1 cup sparkling water
- 1 medium apple, chopped
There you have it: our top picks for autumn-themed cocktails. Now, find the best glass to use for your drinks, throw on your cosiest jumper and toast to all fall has to offer.
Looking even further ahead to the festive season and in need of Christmas cocktail gifts and inspiration? Check out 10 Warm Winter Cocktails to cosy up to.