Apple cocktails for a boozy autumn 

One of the best parts of the fall season are the flavors. Pumpkin, cranberry, cinnamon, nutmeg and, best of all, apple. Apple season is truly a time to be alive. Long overlooked as an average fruit, the humble apple brings a lot to the table for the months of September and October. In autumn, we savor our apple pies, crisps, tarts, cookies and ciders. Rarely do we talk about apple cocktails. Today is the day we add some much-needed apple flavor to our alcohol.  

Apple Cider Mojito  

Ingredients:  

Ice 

2 teaspoons of lemon juice 

¼ cup rum  

1/2 cup of apple cider 

Seltzer 

Mint leaves  

Apple slices and cinnamon stick, for garnish 

While the idea of mint and apple cider might seem unappealing at first, this is a delicious combination. In order to make this mojito, muddle mint leaves in the bottom of a glass then fill with ice. Add the lemon juice, rum and apple cider. Top with a splash of seltzer and stir. Garnish with more mint leaves, apple slices and a cinnamon stick. Try rosemary or thyme as a seasonal substitute if the mint is too overpowering.  

Autumnal Old-fashioned 

Ingredients: 

1 1/2 oz. bourbon 

1/2 oz. apple cider 

3 sage leaves 

1 pinch saffron 

1 teaspoon brown sugar 

2 orange twists 

1 teaspoon orange zest 

1 amaretto-soaked cherry, for garnish 

The Old-Fashioned is one of the simplest cocktails in everyone’s repertoire. But don’t let the ingredients fool you: Making this drink fall-ready is still as easy as, well, apple pie. First, muddle the apple cider, sage, saffron, brown sugar, orange twists and orange zest together in a mixing glass. Add the bourbon, fill the glass with ice and stir well. Strain into a fresh glass, over ice. Garnish with the cherry. The notes of apple and orange add a spicy, seasonal tang to an otherwise classic cocktail.  

Crisp Caipirinha 

Ingredients: 

2 apple slices  

2 lemon slices 

1 sage leaf 

1/2 oz. agave nectar 

1 1/2 oz. cachaça 

3 oz. apple juice 

This cocktail is a Brazilian favorite. Cachaça is a white rum made from sugar cane and pairs perfectly with all the fall flavors. First, muddle the apple, lemon sage, agave nectar and a pinch of cinnamon in a mixing glass. Add this mixture and the cachaça and apple juice into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously until combined. Without straining, pour into a whiskey glass over fresh ice.  

Hot Apple Toddy 

Ingredients:  

1 teaspoon honey 

2 oz. whiskey (or apple brandy) 

5 oz. hot apple cider 

1 lemon wedge 

1 cinnamon stick 

2 to 3 whole cloves  

A hot toddy is already one of the best fall cocktails because it offers comfort and warmth. But this already hot cocktail pairs perfectly with seasonal, warm apple cider. Coat the bottom of a mug with honey. Add the whiskey or brandy (depending on taste) and fill with cider. Stir well and garnish with lemon, cinnamon and cloves. Serve while warm.  

Autumn Spiced Vodka Tonic 

Ingredients: 

For the Apple-Pear-Cinnamon-Infused Vodka: 

1 red apple 

1 pear 

1 cinnamon stick 

1 (750ml) bottle vodka 

For the Autumn Spiced Tonic: 

1 1/2 oz. apple-pear-cinnamon vodka 

1 splash simple syrup 

5 oz. tonic water 

Apple slice for garnish 

Vodka tonics are one of the easiest beverages for any occasion, so adding notes of apple and cinnamon seem like a natural decision come fall-time. To infuse your own vodka, pour vodka into a large, sealable container and add the fruit (chopped). Seal and store in a cool, dry place for three to four days. Add the cinnamon stick on the third day. Strain all fruit before using. To create the cocktail, add vodka and simple syrup into a glass with ice. Fill with tonic water and stir well. Garnish with apple slice and a dash of cinnamon. For a time-saving substitution but a slightly less rich taste, use store-bought apple flavored vodka instead. 

 “Thirsty Thursday is created by of-age students in the Daily Campus Life section. Recommendations can be sent to life@dailycampus.com. We will respond if sober.”