Coffee before Cocktails with a Fall Twist

It the FIRST day of Fall YALL.

What does that mean for us living in Orlando? – that means it is still 90 degrees & humid. I will have to say, tonight it was 82 degrees and insanely amazing. I had some wine and sat on our porch enjoying a little quiet time, while finalizing my favorite fall drinks to post for you all. I hope you enjoy these cocktails with an Autumn/Fall twist- I will be adding as I try new recipes.

I am a huge fan of seasonal food coffee and cocktails. Enjoy & Cheers!

. P u m p k i n . S p i c e . I c e d . C o f f e e .

Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons ground coffee
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon*
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 4 teaspoons maple syrup
• 1/2 cup milk or almond milk
• Ice, for serving.

Instructions:

1. Mix all of the spices into the coffee grounds. Then brew the coffee using your favorite method
2. Allow the coffee to cool to room temperature.
3. To serve, place ice cubes in a glass. For each of 4 servings, pour in 1/2 cup coffee, 1 teaspoon maple syrup, and 2 tablespoons milk or almond milk (or double to make 2 large servings).

 

 

 

. A p p l e . C i d e r . P u n c h .

 

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces Gin
• 4 ounces Apple Cider
• 1 ounce Lime Juice
• 2 ounces Honey Simple Syrup
• Dash CinnamonOptional Garnishes:
• 2 Thyme Sprigs
• 1 Apple – cut into matchsticks
• Honey Simple Syrup:
• ¼ Cup Honey
• ¼ Cup HOT Water

Instructions:

1. Make the honey simple syrup: Add the HOT water and honey to a mason jar and shake vigorously until the honey dissolves.
2. For the cocktail: Combine gin, apple cider, lime juice, honey simple syrup, and cinnamon in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously until chilled.
3. To serve: Fill two glasses with ice and matchstick apples. Strain cocktail to glasses and garnish with sprigs of thyme. Enjoy!

Recipe notes: Always make your cocktails to taste-  The measurements in the recipe below are just my recommendations.  You should use the recipe as a guideline and not a rule book.  If you like a stiffer drink, use more gin.  If you really love cinnamon, add more than a dash.  Do you!

You can make the honey simple syrup one of two ways.  The quick way: mix the honey and water in a mason jar, or a container with a tight fitting lid and shake vigorously until the honey dissolves.  You just need to make sure the water you are using is HOT.  The slower way: combine the honey and water in a small saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer.  Stir until the honey dissolves.  Both methods end up with the same result – honey simple syrup.

 

 

. S p a r k l i n g . A p p l e . C i d e r .

Ingredients:

• 64 ounce apple cider
• 1 bottle sparkling cider (25.4 ounces)
• 1 liter ginger ale
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients in a large pitcher or punch bowl.
2. Stir well.
3. Serve over ice and garnish with apple slices and cinnamon sticks.

Recipe Notes: Add ginger beer instead of ginger ale, for an extra kick of spice. This drink also pairs well with caramel or apple flavored vodka for an adult drink.

 

. A p p l e . C i d e r . M o s c o w . M u l e .

Ingredients

• 2 oz Ginger beer
• 1.5 oz Vodka
• 2 oz Apple Cider
• 0.5 oz Lime juice, fresh squeezed
• Ice
• Apple slices for garnish

Instructions

1. Squeeze your lime into the mug.
2. Add desired ice.
3. Add apple cider, vodka, and ginger beer.
4. Stir to mix
5. Enjoy!