When it comes to crafting fall cocktails, the typical pumpkin spice flavor can get repetitive. Instead, bartenders suggest experimenting with an array of unexpected ingredients to elevate your autumnal drinks. Here are six surprising options to consider:
1. Tomatoes
Bartenders are creatively using tomatoes in cocktails beyond the traditional Bloody Mary. Despite their summer associations, sun-dried tomatoes can bring a mellow acidity and a balance of flavors to fall cocktails. These can infuse spirits with earthy fruitiness, perfect for autumnal libations. Gianluca Passuello from BarChef New York highlights a cocktail called the Heirloom Garden, which utilizes sun-dried tomato-infused gin among other ingredients.
Heirloom Garden
- 0.25 oz celery bitters
- 0.25 oz roasted chicory maraschino
- 0.50 oz sweet vermouth
- 0.50 oz Campari
- 1 oz sundried tomato-infused Bombay London Dry gin
2. Unique Spices
Instead of relying on common fall spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, consider using spices such as cumin, caraway, and cardamom. Passuello’s Charred Strawberry cocktail exemplifies this approach, transforming traditionally summery strawberries with richer, spiced flavors.
Charred Strawberry
- 0.125 oz Laphroaig Whiskey
- 0.25 oz caraway maraschino
- 0.25 oz TCS Bitters
- 0.25 oz roasted chicory maraschino
- 0.25 oz star anise syrup
- 0.50 oz strawberry and elderberry bitters
- 1.50 oz strawberry-infused Bombay London Dry Gin
3. Beets
Beets’ earthy sweetness and vibrant colors make them excellent for creative cocktails. They pair well with spirits like tequila, vodka, or whiskey. Aidan Bowie, beverage director at The Dead Rabbit, emphasizes beets’ versatility in drinks, noting their compatibility with flavors such as apple and ginger.
4. Herbal Infusions
Herbs can significantly enhance the flavor complexity of cocktails. Bartenders are utilizing infusions with ingredients like lavender and rosemary to add aromatic qualities. Gerardo Romero from Mondrian Mexico City highlights hoja santa, a herb steeped in Mexican cuisine, as a unique choice for adding a fragrant twist to drinks.
Brujo Verde
- 2 oz mezcal infused with hoja santa
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.75 oz fresh orange juice
- 0.5 oz agave syrup
- Fresh rosemary
- A splash of soda (optional)
5. Mushrooms
Mushrooms can introduce depth and umami flavors to cocktails. Bars like Handshake Speakeasy have successfully crafted drinks such as the Butter Mushroom Old Fashioned, showcasing the potential of mushrooms in mixology.
Gallura’s Harvest
- 1.25 oz Calvados
- 0.5 oz Lustau brandy
- 0.5 oz Joseph Cartron T Thé Noir Fumé
- 0.5 oz oloroso sherry
- 0.25 oz dry curacao
- 1 tsp Laphroaig
- 0.25 oz demerara syrup
- 5-6 dashes mushroom bitters
6. Tea
Moving away from standard tea, mixologists are now focusing on specialty teas to bring distinct flavors and structure to cocktails. Tural Hasanov’s Turkish Tea Manhattan uses bold black tea to create a unique depth to the classic cocktail, blending earthy and malty flavors for a sophisticated fall drink.
Turkish Tea Manhattan
- Maker’s Mark Bourbon
- Averna Amaro
- Black tea infused Cocchi di Torino
- Orange bitters
These innovative ingredients not only break away from the standard fall cocktail mold but also allow for a fun and adventurous approach to mixology this season.