Whiskey is a spirit that can be enjoyed year-round, but it really hits its stride in the cool weather months. This is because it blends exceptionally well with both warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg and fall fruit like apple cider and punchy concord grapes, and really is there a better cure for a cold than a piping hot toddy chock full of honey and lemon? Below find recipes for three simple, fall-inspired whiskey cocktails perfect for these cool and crisp days.
Concord Grape Sour
makes one drink
Concord grapes are the sweet essence of grape flavor, think Welch’s x 100. Their musky flavor blends perfectly with tart lemon juice and a whiskey with light spice notes.
2 ounces bourbon
1 ounce lemon juice
1 ½ teaspoons raw sugar
6 concord grapes
Add the grapes and sugar to a cocktail shaker and muddle well. Add the bourbon and lemon juice. Shake over ice, then serve over fresh ice with a few more grapes as garnish.
Spiked Cider
makes one drink
Spiked cider is wonderfully refreshing over ice, but you can also warm up the cider for a warm and comforting treat.
2 ounces bourbon
5 ounces apple cider
pinch cinnamon
freshly grated nutmeg to garnish
Shake first three ingredients in a cocktail shaker and serve over fresh ice. Grate fresh nutmeg over the top. For a warm treat, gently heat the apple cider then add it to the other ingredients.
Gingered Toddy
makes one drink
Nothing cures the sniffles like a good dose of ginger tea and honey, the whiskey is an added bonus.
1 ounce bourbon
4 ounces hot water
1/4’’ slice fresh ginger
½ ounce lemon juice
½ ounce orange juice
½ ounce honey
Add the hot water, honey and ginger to a mug, let steep for 1 minute. Add the other ingredients and stir gently to combine. Garnish with a slice of lemon and orange. Enjoy warm.