It’s Fall, Y’all! Drinks with Anna

Five easy, mood-setting drinks for crisp nights—apple cider, maple, pear, espresso, and cranberry—each with a clear flavor note, straightforward method, and a polished, finishing touch.

SPICED APPLE CIDER BOURBON SMASH

Crisp apple cider, warming bourbon, bright lemon, and gentle baking spice.

2 oz bourbon
3 oz chilled apple cider (not sparkling)
1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup or maple syrup (to taste)
2 dashes aromatic bitters
Optional: pinch of cinnamon or a thin slice of
fresh ginger

Add bourbon, cider, lemon, syrup, and bitters to a shaker with ice. Shake hard for 10–12 seconds. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
Garnish with a thin apple fan or apple slice + cinnamon stick. For extra aroma, express a lemon peel over the top and discard (or drop it in).

MAPLE OLD FASHIONED
(FALL EDITION)

Rich maple sweetness with orange zest and spice—smooth, sippable, and classic.2 oz rye whiskey or bourbon.

1 tsp pure maple syrup (or up to 2 tsp for sweeter)
2–3 dashes aromatic bitters
1 dash orange bitters (optional but great)
Orange peel

In a rocks glass, add maple syrup and bitters. Add whiskey and a large ice cube, then stir for 15–20 seconds until chilled. Express the orange peel over the drink, rim the glass, and drop it in.

Optional garnish: brandied cherry or a small cinnamon stick. Make it “toasty”: lightly singe the orange peel (carefully) before expressing.

PEAR & GINGER SPARKLER

Juicy pear, zippy ginger, and bubbles—light, festive, and easy to scale for a crowd.

1 1/2 oz gin or vodka
2 oz pear nectar or pear juice
1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
2–3 oz ginger beer (to top)
Optional: 1/4 oz honey syrup (if your pear juice is tart)

Shake gin/vodka, pear juice, lemon, and honey syrup (if using) with ice for 8–10 seconds. Strain into an ice-filled highball or stemless wine glass. Top with ginger beer and give one gentle stir. Garnish with a pear slice and a thin ribbon of lemon peel. For a party, batch everything except ginger beer; add bubbles per glass.

PUMPKIN SPICE ESPRESSO MARTINI

Coffee-forward with creamy pumpkin warmth—dessert vibes, still balanced and bold.

1 1/2 oz vodka
1 oz fresh espresso (or strongly brewed,
cooled coffee)
3/4 oz coffee liqueur
1/2 oz pumpkin puree (smooth, unsweetened)
1/2 oz simple syrup or vanilla syrup (adjust to taste)
Pinch pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon + nutmeg)

Add all ingredients to a shaker with plenty of ice. Shake very hard for 15–20 seconds to fully chill and foam. Double-strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.

Garnish with coffee beans or a light dusting of pumpkin spice. Tip: If your puree is thick, shake a few seconds longer and double-strain for a silky texture.

Have fun and enjoy a cocktail in the cooler NOLA temperatures, fingers crossed.
Cheers, Anna