It's Not Over Yet: 5 Delicious End-of-Summer Cocktails
"I spent yesterday with my feet in the sand."
Lucky me, right? Every aspect of the day truly was wonderful, except for one thing. I realized that summer is coming to an end! Therefore, thirsty readers, we need to enjoy these last days of sunshine while looking forward to cooler nights, crisper air, and the inevitable pumpkin spice. Here are some tasty end-of-summer cocktails that are sure to soften your transition from summer into autumn.
No! We aren't ready for you just yet Mr. Pumpkin!
When discussing summer flavors vs. fall flavors, we have two images. Summery images of a tropical oasis with umbrellas in our drinks contrast with autumn’s falling leaves and productive back-to-business vibe. Though these are both wonderful times to drink and make cocktails, let’s not write summer off just yet. When does the drink in your glass turn from summer to fall? This is really a matter of personal preference, but sipping something with a little of both will ease the transition for those of us trying to hang on to the “Summer Love.”
New Horizons shakerofspirits.com
1oz Aged Jamaican Rum (Appleton Signature)
0.5oz Amaro (Averna)
0.5oz Campari
0.75oz Fassionola
0.5oz Lime Juice
0.25oz Demerara Syrup
2 Dashes Bittermens Boston Bittahs
Build all ingredients in a Pearl Diver glass (collins glass also works fine)
Swizzle with crushed ice and top with more crushed ice to finish.
Garnish with long orange peel (ala Crusta style) and pineapple fronds.
This cocktail combines the flavors of a classic Italian aperitivo with some tiki magic.
Siesta Refresca Nemanya Popovich, Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co., Philadelphia, PA
1.5oz Reposado Tequila
0.25oz Cane Syrup 0.5oz Lemon Juice 0.5oz Dolin Blanc 0.5oz Chipotle Syrup 0.75oz Raspberry Syrup Shake and strain over a large ice cube in a double old fashioned glass.
Garnish with a skewer of Raspberries.
Popovich truly highlights the combination of citrus and spice here without being overbearing with the heat.
The Perfect Tan Jason Roach, Good Behavior, NYC
0.75oz Rhum JM Blanc
0.75oz Ransom Old Tom Gin (Barrel Aged)
0.25oz Allpice Dram
0.75oz Lime Juice
0.5oz Demerara Syrup
0.75oz Walnut Liqueur (Nux Alpina)
Shake and strain into a large chilled coupe with a ball of crushed ice.
Finish with Walnut Liqueur and freshly grated nutmeg.
Bartender Jason Roach describes his cocktail as "that last warm summer day."
Psicosis Dan Watson, Porco Lounge & Tiki Room, Cleveland, OH
1oz Ancho Reyes
1oz Appleton Signature
0.75oz Cinnamon Syrup
0.75oz Lime Juice
0.75oz Pineapple Juice
4 Dashes Angostura Bitters
Flash blend and pour into your favorite tiki mug.
Garnish with pineapple fronds and Luxardo cherries.
This cocktail features Watson's favorite Mexican liqueur and is named after his favorite Luchador.
Dr. Penn shakerofspirits.com
1.5oz White Rum (BLY from PA Pure Distilleries)
0.5oz Pomegranate Molasses
0.25oz Branca Menta
0.75oz Lime Juice
1oz Club Soda
Shake and strain into a collins glass.
Top with soda.
Garnish with pineapple fronds.
This is a simple cocktail with the refeshment of summer, but the Menta gives you the feeling that a sweatshirt might be in your near future.
Those were some tasty cocktails, am I right? As you can see, this time of year lends itself to so many refreshing yet spiced libations. Though we may be sad to see summer coming to an end, we have so much to look forward to with the changing of seasons. I know everyone is probably ready to break out the sweaters and the boots, but let's sip these tasty tipples and remember the fun in the sun you had this year. Stay tuned for fall flavors coming in the near future. Enjoy your cocktails responsibly, and as always.... keep shaking!