No high society event or celebration is complete without a deliciously decadent cocktail. And these 6 cocktails are sure to inspire your next autumn party.
As the seasons turn, a perfectly balanced seasonal tipple can warm the blood and feed the soul. Think hot cider, hot chocolate, and mulled wine. This autumn-winter, elevate your cocktail game at your next soiree or celebration with these flavourful seasonally inspired drinks.
Read time: 3 – 5 minutes
Key takeaways:
- Three spicy, amber-coloured Autumn cocktails for a seasonal celebration
- Three cheery, bright and exciting cocktails for winter gatherings and events
3 Autumn party cocktails:
“Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree.” Emily Brontë.
1. Fallen Leaves Cocktail
Reminiscent of walking through a misty forest on a chilly day, the smoky apple notes and amber tone of this elegant cocktail make it the perfect aperitif or after-dinner drink at an autumnal event.
Recipe in brief: Apple Brandy such as Calvados is mixed with both sweet and dry Vermouth and Cognac or smoky bourbon for a well-balanced cocktail. Mix together over ice, garnish with a twist of lemon peel and serve – sans ice – in a Coupe or Martini glass.
2. Toffee Apple Martini
Against a backdrop of a bonfire, a sky full of breathtaking fireworks or an evening in front of a roaring blaze, this cocktail evokes the delicious sweetness of that childhood favourite, the toffee apple.
Recipe in brief: Into an ice-filled shaker, pour cloudy apple juice, bourbon, lemon juice and honey. Double strain into a Coupette or Martini glass, and garnish with an apple fan. A smoked bourbon is a perfect match for the sweet apple juice.
3. Apple Cider Mimosa
If you’re looking to serve a seasonal twist on Champagne, this autumnal take on the original Mimosa elegantly brings together well-rounded apple flavours with warming cinnamon and sweet caramel syrup.
Recipe in brief: Take a Champagne flute and dip the rim into caramel syrup before dipping into a mixture of cinnamon and brown sugar. Gently add chilled Champagne followed by chilled apple cider. Before serving this punchy sparkling cocktail, garnish with an apple fan.
3. Winter party cocktails:
“In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy.” William Blake
1. Christmas Gingerbread Martini
Perfect for after dinner, this cocktail brings together espresso, gingerbread syrup and cinnamon for a fun, yet elegant mid-winter warmer.
Recipe in brief: Dip the rim of a Martini glass or Coupe in a sugar syrup, before dipping in a sugar-cinnamon blend. Mix vodka, espresso coffee and gingerbread syrup in a chilled shaker, before straining into the glass and setting 3 coffee beans gently afloat on the top.
2. Poinsettia Cocktail
The brightness of Champagne and the tanginess of Cointreau are beautifully offset against dry cranberry juice for a cocktail that’s as perfect for a Christmas lunch as any winter party or event.
Recipe in brief: Take a chilled Champagne flute, and add the Cointreau to the bottom. Then add the chilled Champagne before finally adding the chilled cranberry juice and allowing it to bleed through the cocktail. Garnish with dehydrated orange peel or a sprig of rosemary and a few plump cranberries.
3. White Lady Cocktail
With the scent of snow in the air, this uplifting gin cocktail is full of bright lemon and orange notes while the frothy egg white gives it a wintry edge.
Recipe in brief: In this bright cocktail, gin, Triple Sec, lemon juice and egg whites are shaken vigorously in a shaker full of ice. The ice is then removed, and the mixture gets a second – dry – shake. Strained into a chilled Martini or Coupe glass, and garnished with a twist of lemon zest, this drink is the picture of a winter wonderland.
Alcohol-Free Cocktails
Today, more of us are choosing to cut back on our alcohol consumption or to cut it out altogether. So, it’s a good idea to have a repertoire of appropriate twists on classic cocktails to please all your guests. Check out our article, 8 delicious alcohol-free cocktails for your next luxury party to find ideal zero-alcohol tipples for all seasons, including cocktail recipes.
A Luxury Autumn – Winter Party With All The Right Ingredients
If you’re looking for more inspiration for your next social or celebratory event or would like to book a consultation, visit our blog or speak to one of our dedicated event planners. You can either complete the form below or call 01932 22 33 33. You can also email hello@mgnevents.co.uk.
Further reading:
Hosting the luxury event of the season: 7 essential considerations for briefing your event planner
2 immersive must-haves for exclusive social events
9 tips for hosting an immersive experience your guests will love
How to create immersive experiences that engage the 5 senses
How experiential luxury is emerging to meet the expectations of wealthy consumers in a post-pandemic world
