Four Fall Cocktails to Welcome Whiskey Weather
At Brother Justus, we believe you can enjoy a good whiskey year-round, but something about that crisp fall air feels like perfect Whiskey Weather. (Shameless plug: we combined Whiskey Weather and Sweater Weather into one amazing fall sweatshirt, for sale in our tasting room!) Each change of season opens the door to new flavors and new cocktail concoctions, and BJWC Bar Manager Taylor Davis knows exactly where to look for inspiration. We recently released our new fall cocktail menu, featuring some new originals with distinctly autumnal flair, like apples, spice, and cocoa.
“[Our fall menu is focused] on baking spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, in particular,” Davis says. “It’s pie season and I always crave those flavors this time of year.”
The great thing about baking spices, apples, and cocoa? You probably already have them at home, so you’re halfway to making some delicious fall drinks for yourself! We’ll walk you through a few cocktails inspired by our fall menu that are great additions to your home bartending repertoire.
What You’ll Need
Before you put your mixologist hat on, you’ll need to make sure you have some barware essentials in your drink-making supply kit. In terms of glassware, when it comes to whiskey cocktails, you’ll need a rocks glass. Rocks glasses are generally used for – you guessed it – liquor served on the rocks, but some cocktails fare best in this shorter style glass, including a couple of our fall favorites. You’ll also need a mug for hot beverages. It doesn’t have to be a fancy mug, just whatever mug gives you all the #fallvibes.
You’ll also want to get a cocktail shaker, used to mix drinks with vigor for a beautifully incorporated beverage. Our bar staff loves a Boston shaker, especially those of the stainless steel variety that are less prone to leaks and fare well in a dishwasher. When you’re not making a drink for James Bond, you’ll want a standard stirring pitcher, like a Yarai mixing glass that’s just as pretty as it is functional.
As with any other home bar, you’ll need a bar spoon and a jigger. They may not be the flashiest bar accessories, but if you want your home cocktails to really stand out, they’re absolutely necessities.
There are plenty of additional barware staples to consider, but we recommend mastering the basics before deciding what to add to your bar cart next!
The Cocktails
With three specialties featuring our American Single Malt Whiskey and one bonus to showcase our Silver Whiskey, these four cocktails are sure to please even the pickiest palates.
When You Want Fall Spice…
The Pomona
Inspired by the Pomona on our menu, here’s how to make your own at home with common pantry ingredients.
Combine maple syrup, lemon juice, a pinch of cinnamon, and our American Whiskey. Shake vigorously, then strain over ice in a rocks glass. If you’re leaning extra fancy, add a dash of spiced apple bitters - we love the Dashfire brand at Ombibulous Liquor Store and Maker’s Market. This tart, lemon flavor of this cocktail makes it pair well with baked, warm dishes, like a roast or Shepherd’s pie.
When You Live for Cider Season…
Mulled Hot Cider
This is the kind of cocktail that requires a little bit more time and prep, but it’s so worth it. Add apple cider, whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise pods, and whole nutmeg to a pot on the stove. (Optional: you can also add dried lemon and/or orange peels!) Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, uncovered, for at least an hour. Strain out the spices and fruits, then reduce heat to low and return cider to the stove (or transfer to a crockpot or warming carafe!). When ready to serve, pour 6 ounces of cider into a mug and top with 2 ounces of Brother Justus American Whiskey. Pairs well with apple cider donuts or slices of apple with sharp cheeses and dried fruits.
When You’re Craving Something Bitter…
The Boulevardier
We love a classic Boulevardier, the whiskey cousin to the now-trending Negroni (hold the prosecco), and while it might take a special trip to the liquor store, its rich and warming flavor is totally worth it. Add our American Whiskey with sweet vermouth, and a red bitter liqueur like Campari to a mixing pitcher and stir until well-chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice and enjoy this herbal, bitter classic. Pairs well with a baked brie en croute or other, nuttier flavored cheeses like aged Gouda.
When It Snows on October 14…
Hot Buttered Yum
Le sigh. The chilly coating on our grass got us nostalgic for last year’s Hot Buttered Yum, a winter warmer made even better with our Silver Whiskey. Make a batter by beating together agave, brown sugar, butter, and ground spices like cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg until blended and smooth. Combine one part batter with two parts Silver Whiskey, then top with hot water and stir until ingredients are incorporated; garnish with a cinnamon stick. Store the remaining batter in the refrigerator for future use. Pairs well with one more piece of pie.
Whether enjoyed in front of a roaring fireplace or al fresco in bonfire attire, these four fall cocktails are sure to make your house the most popular destination on the block! And when your drinks hit the ‘gram, make sure to tag us @justuswhiskey to let us know which cocktail you’re mixing up!
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