At some point in October you will probably hear what most people refer to as their “secret recipe” for a fall cocktail. Newsflash: It’s usually just cinnamon whiskey mixed with fresh apple cider. It’s simple, it’s spiced and it’s delicious, but it’s getting old.
Here are five local cocktails to try that can upgrade your desires for fall-flavored libations.
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Live Oak’s Cobbler
As the warm temperatures have lingered into October, so too have the ingredients we loved from summer menus, including an everlasting summer favorite: peaches. Order up Live Oak’s Cobbler for a glass of peach tea-infused whiskey, sherry, demerara syrup, muddled peach, lime and whiskey barrel bitters, and you’ll be left feeling the ultimate balance of summer heat and fall spice. // 1603 Commonwealth Ave., Alexandria
MurLarkey Distilled Spirits’ Indian Summer
It’s time to take that spiced whiskey and apple cider cocktail up a notch, and MurLarkey Distilled Spirits has a plan. An Indian Summer offers a glass of the local cinnamon whiskey, fresh apple cider, orange juice and cranberry juice, topped off with cream soda and garnished with a cinnamon stick, apple slice and orange wedge. Step aside pumpkin spice lattes, you’ve got some tough competition. // 7961 Gainsford Court, Bristow
The People’s Drug “Chai Tai”
A twist on a 1944 mai tai recipe, this fall-inspired cocktail combines spice and citrus for a great all-day drink. Brunch? No problem, it has orange juice. Late night? The Cruzan rum will have you unwinding for the evening in no time. The “Chai Tai” cocktail features Cruzan single-barrel rum, Caperitif, chai walnut orgeat, fresh-squeezed orange juice and grated nutmeg. The People’s Drug is also offering apple cider margaritas and maple Old-Fashioneds throughout the season. // 103 N. Alfred St., Alexandria
Blackwall Hitch’s Manzanarita
As we mourn the end of frosé season, Blackwall Hitch has come up with a fall drink that’s sure to please (with a cinnamon-rimmed glass, we might add). The Manzanarita features Mezcal, spiced apple cider, Triple Sec and agave, garnished with a fresh apple slice. It may be tough to pronounce, but it will be easy to enjoy all season long. // 4 Cameron St., Alexandria
Bar Deco’s “Slumber Party” (and one-day-only punch)
Summer was sweet but now it’s time for fall spice. Although, you don’t have to transition too quickly if you’re already missing the ever-popular Negroni and aperol spritz from summer 2019’s cocktail lineup. Bar Deco put a spin on the Negroni with the Slumber Party, made with coffee-infused mezcal, Campari and Cocchi vermouth. On Halloween, don’t miss Bar Deco’s one-day-only holiday punch, served from a bowl with dry ice as an ominous and perfect finale to spooky season. It features Bar Deco’s Private Knob Creek Bourbon Barrel-aged Rum, Roku gin, angostura, lime, falernum and ginger. // 717 Sixth St. NW, Washington, DC
