Autumn is a wonderful time to entertain, whether you plan on hosting a simple outdoor brunch or an elegant dinner surrounded by the warm ambiance of your home. As with most parties, it is essential that you maintain a well-stocked bar that’ll allow you to create and serve a variety of drinks inspired by the season.
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Apple Cider
Cider is a great treat for autumn. Made via the fermentation of apple juice, cider oozes with the spirit of the season, matching the sweet scent of fall’s crimson leaves. Create your own version of the traditional cider by boiling store-bought cider with freshly cut green and red apples and a cinnamon stick. The apples add an extra burst of freshness while the cinnamon stick brings a touch of spice and warmth. Once all the flavors have melded together, serve the drink either warm or iced.
Seasonal Cocktails
Draw inspiration from the season when creating signature drinks for your parties. Pumpkins, cinnamon, and figs are just some of the autumn-inspired ingredients you can use. For example, you may mix sweet pumpkin puree with rum or Baileys and top it off with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a luscious cocktail. Instead of the usual cocktail garnish of olives or fruit, consider using dried figs for a unique touch.
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Wine
No party should ever go without a selection of wine. Keep your wine collection well stocked with both red and white wines. Not only will your guests appreciate the choice, but it will also give you a wide array of options when it comes to pairing your party food with wine. A sizable collection should include at least the basic reds and whites. Some examples of good, basic red wines are merlot, cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, or shiraz; for the white wines, try chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, moscato, or riesling.
Champagne
Autumn marks the beginning of the holiday season. With Halloween, Thanksgiving and ultimately Christmas, it is truly the season to celebrate family. Since champagne makes for a great aperitif, remember to keep your fridge stocked with a variety of champagne options that will pair wonderfully with your selection of desserts. Served chilled with a heartfelt toast, this drink never fails to add an air of elegance and festivity to every gathering.
Putting together a well-stocked bar menu may be daunting at first; so to make it easier, plan your party drinks alongside the food you’ll be serving. Once you have confirmed your food and wine pairings, you will be well on your way to creating a convivial atmosphere that your guests will truly enjoy.
[...] No party is complete without a carefully selected wine and bar menu. Keep in mind that the drinks should enhance the flavors of the dishes you’ll be serving. So when planning the party’s refreshments, take note of the main dishes in your menu and pair drinks accordingly. Ideally, you would want a special cocktail as an aperitif, a decent offering of wine, and a digestif or an after-meal drink. For more ideas on wonderful autumn-inspired drinks, you may want to read our blog post on Essential Fall Holiday Drinks. [...]