Photo: Arielle Vey for Barçon
Nothing announces the arrival of fall like Pumpkin Spice Everything. From lattes and lip balm to vodka and cream cheese, the blend of seasonal spices has touched pretty much everything. And if the PSL is your favorite coffee order this time of year, why not infuse a little spice into your wedding, too? Yes, we’re talking about signature cocktails for your fall wedding. Just think: Nutmeg, spiced rum, cider, cinnamon… all together in a cocktail your guests will totally rave about! We asked two fantastic mixologists from Liquid Lab NYC and Barçon in San Diego to give us their very best seasonal cocktails, perfect to warm you up as the weather cools down.
Harvest Wood
This bourbon-based cocktail [above] is all about warmth. “The combination of traditional pressed apple cider and smokey bourbon brings to mind the changing of the seasons and the falling of temperatures,” says Eric Constein, bar manager of Barçon. “The nose evokes cool nights on the farm, while the sweetness of the cider and the bite of the bourbon creates a sense of being in the woods, playing in the leaves. The aromatic bitters and carbonated water allow all of those flavors to really pop.”
Ingredients:
1.5 oz. Woodford Bourbon
1 oz. apple cider
Club Soda
1 Sugar Cube
Bitters
Muddle sugar and bitters in an Old Fashioned glass. Add ice, Woodford Bourbon and apple cider. Stir and top with soda.
Photo: Courtesy of Liquid Lab NYC
The Parkside Pumpkin
“This simple yet delicious cocktail tastes exactly like a slice of boozy pumpkin pie,” says Parker Boase, co-founder of Liquid Lab NYC. “It’s great for Halloween and Thanksgiving get-togethers, and it’s quite easy for most home bartenders to assemble.” Perfect for the bar at your fall or winter wedding!
Ingredients:
2 oz. Spiced Rum
1 oz. Pumpkin Spice Syrup (recipe below)
1 oz Pineapple Juice
.5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
Thyme & Nutmeg, for garnish
Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with thyme and a dusting of nutmeg.
Pumpkin Spice Syrup:
Add equal parts sugar and water and 1 tablespoon of ground Pumpkin Spice seasoning per quart. Boil until pumpkin spice is dissolved, chill and use.
Photo: Arielle Vey for Barçon
The Rumstick
Rum isn’t just for the summer! “Spiced rum evokes a winter wonderland spent fireside,” says Constein. “Orange from the Cointreau brings out the robust flavors of the rum, while a splash of lemon perks the palate and makes way for the robust cinnamon flavor.” Add a cinnamon-sugar rim for a little extra sweetness and spice!
Ingredients:
1.5 oz. Spiced Rum
.5 oz. Cointreau
.5 oz. Lemon Juice
.5 oz. Simple Syrup
Cinnamon Sugar (for garnish)
Cinnamon Stick (for garnish)
Rim a Double Old Fashioned glass with cinnamon sugar. Dry shake (with no ice!) the rum, Cointreau, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Add fresh ice to the glass, then strain the drink over ice. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.