Fall Flavored Cocktails Perfect for Thanksgiving

There are many things to love about this time of year – cozy sweaters, tempting food, the thrill of excitement as the holidays approach. One of the things we look forward to the most, though, is the excellent company and the special time we get to spend with the people we love the most. What better way to celebrate the season and shake off the chill than with a delicious cocktail or two?  Here are some of the top trends in fall cocktail flavors we’re seeing this year.

 

Salted Caramel

 

Salted caramel made a name for itself a few years back and is only growing in popularity. Salted caramel is an excellent option for people who are over pumpkin spice – it’s sweet and salty at once, with warm, buttery notes perfect for the chilly season. This flavor seems to be in everything these days, from popcorn and roasted almonds to candy, cake, and pie. Of course, it naturally follows that salted caramel would find its way into the beverage category in the form of delectable cocktails. For example, a salted caramel apple martini makes a wonderful addition to any holiday gathering.

 

Pumpkin Spice

 

While plenty of people feel that pumpkin spice is over, sales of pumpkin spice products say otherwise. Pumpkin spice is not pumpkin-flavored; instead, it features the flavors of the spices one would find in pumpkin pie, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Menus and store shelves are packed with pumpkin spice everything: coffee drinks, breakfast cereals, muffins, cakes, cookies, creamer, toaster pastries, roasted almonds, granola bars, and much more. There are also endless ways to incorporate this popular flavor into your cocktail hour, from fun concoctions such as pumpkin spice latte jello shots to dessert-y drinks like pumpkin spice martinis to sophisticated blends such as a bourbon pumpkin smash.

 

Apple

 

Apple is a simple flavor that lends itself well to many different applications. Most apple varieties are ripe and ready to eat in the fall, which is why apple is such a popular flavor this time of year. Apple pie is a great option when you don’t want to show up empty-handed to a holiday party or other gathering; warm apple cider is the perfect end to a walk in the brisk fall air. When it comes to cocktails, there is no shortage of ways to include the sweet, tart taste of apple. An apple pumpkin incorporates two of the most popular fall flavors. Spiked, spiced apple ciders add an adult twist to the classic favorite. Try a fall-inspired version of the famous Moscow Mule by swapping bourbon for vodka and using apple shrub, a blend of apple cider, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup.

 

From sangria, buttered whiskey, and flavored martinis to spiked ciders, mulled wine, and more, the sky’s the limit when it comes to featuring the tastes of autumn in the cocktails you serve your patrons, or the seasonal drink mixes you create. Using natural flavor ingredients is a great way to fine-tune the tastes of your latest offerings.