As the days become shorter and the temperature starts to drop (however not this week), we could be mistaken that winter is well and truly on the way and the festive season is nearly upon us.
However, I feel we are missing some serious flavour opportunities.
As you walk around local woodlands and amble down country roads, the last few blackberries have just been picked, the shiny black Sloe berries are ripe for foraging and the “pick your own” pumpkins are primed for carving.
Flavours in my world that shouldn’t be forgotten.
I have a few drinks ideas that can really utilise these fabulous flavours, as well as some cocktails and mixed drinks that are perfect for pre-winter drinking. You can have a go at making these drinks at home, or by asking around some of the fine establishments in Chester, most should be able to whip something up for you (or at least similar).
Sloe Gin & Clementine Tonic
Sloe Gin has to be one of my favourites, the juicy sweetness followed by the Botanical gin-hit, never fails here.
Any Sloe Gin works, but Sipsmiths and Plymouth are my preferred options. Fevertree Clementine and Cinnamon is an amazing addition, but your favourite tonic would work nearly as well. Always remember, plenty of ice and a slice of orange would finish this off perfectly.
“Amaro” on the rocks
Amaro (Italian for “bitter”) is a family of Italian herbal liqueurs, commonly drank after dinner as they have a wonderful warming bitter-sweet flavour. If you like Aperol then think of this as its darker seasonal cousin. Montenegro and Averna are the two main brands you will see in bars at the moment. Perfect over ice (on the rocks) and with a zest of orange really lifts it!
Orange and Nutmeg Negroni
A classic Negroni should be a staple of any true drink lover in my opinion. An Italian masterpiece of equal parts gin, sweet vermouth and Campari dating back to the late 1800s. I rarely advise people to mess around with this drink, but the addition of “Kingdom Recommends” Orange and Nutmeg Gin, truly brings this into the perfect ‘go to’ Autumn cocktail selection.
Sloe 75
This is for the Prosecco drinkers that may struggle to “seasonilise” (if that’s even a word?) the fizzy joy of a good glass of Italian fizz. Try adding a measure of Sloe gin and a good squeeze of fresh lemon juice, which may just give you the seasonal lift you are looking for. Any good cocktail bar should be able to rustle this up for you.
Blackberry Collins
A ‘traditional Collins’ again dating back to the 1800s is made from gin, lemon juice, a touch of sugar and topped with soda water. If you have foraged the last of the blackberries, then the dark sweet berry goodness will be perfect in this. Just muddle (press) the berries in a shaker or in the glass if you don’t mind the bits. Add a large measure of your favourite gin, a measure of lemon juice and sugar over plenty of ice and top with soda, or even an elderflower tonic would be incredible! The rich purple colour and flavour will have you hooked.
El Diablo
Not just a “hat tip” to Halloween, this tequila-based, 1940s cocktail has made a big comeback in recent years, and for very good reason. A good measure of tequila (only good tequila please), crème de cassis (blackcurrant) or crème de mure (blackberry) if we are continuing the theme…. Half a fresh lime, topped with warming ginger beer, served long over ice. If you’re not a tequila fan, then I urge you to try it…a perfect excuse to get you drinking seasonally or just to drink more tequila!
Side Car
Probably the best story of how a drink got its name…it ends with an Army General in WW2 getting drunk on this beautiful cocktail, and getting escorted home by motorbike and …… Side Car! Cognac, Cointreau, lemon juice, a whisp of sugar and a dash of angostura bitters. No need for fancy twists or tricks, as all the full-flavoured ingredients do the talking! This is definitely in my top three drinks of all time, regardless of the season.
Hazelnut White Russian
A “We Love Good Times” favourite. A classic White Russian: Vodka, Kahlua (or any coffee liqueur) with cream or milk, has never really decreased in popularity during my bartender days, and that’s because it is absolutely delicious! If we add Frangelico (hazelnut liqueur) to this or even a hazelnut syrup which is very easy to get hold of, then we are making a seriously moreish beverage! Some bars may carefully float the cream to give it a real elegance, but mixed together over ice is far easier, and just as amazing!
Everleaf & Ginger Ale
This non-alcoholic mixed drink has to be my pick of all the drinks mentioned here. Everleaf is an incredible range of non-alcoholic products that are seeing a huge surge in popularity in the UK at the moment. Non-alco gins are everywhere right now, but this “Forest” edition from Everleaf is an intriguing, complex and bittersweet aperitif, with flavours of saffron, cassia bark, vanilla and orange blossom. Mind-blowing with ginger ale served over ice, and with an orange wedge. Alcoholic or not, just really great, seasonal flavours!
Pumpkin Sour
I couldn’t create a seasonal drinks list without including a pumpkin drink. You could create your own spiced pumpkin puree, but you could also just buy one instead – Spiced Pumpkin Re’al is my favourite, and is fabulous in a latte or hot chocolate, as many coffee shops serve at this time of year. But a combination of Bourbon or any whiskey of choice, lemon juice, Angostura bitter and spiced pumpkin puree just works – and is everything you want in an Autumn drink. In fact, I’m going to make one right now! Cheers!
Rick Warrier- Oct 2021
