How to Make the Perfect Seasonal Cocktail
- Wendi Pairitz
- Aug 21
- 2 min read
As the seasons change and we eagerly swap out our wardrobes, our taste buds crave a shift too. Gone are the light, beachy drinks—we’re ready for something heartier! Just like a master chef, a skilled mixologist leans into what’s in season, crafting flavors that capture the moment and create a one-of-a-kind experience.
Here’s a quick look at seasonal flavors and the spirits that pair beautifully with them:
Spring brings strawberries, lemons, limes, and mint—perfect for sparkling cocktails and gin.
Summer bursts with fresh-from-the-garden flavors like watermelon, basil, cucumber, and peach. These pair wonderfully with vodka, rum, and tequila.
Fall ushers in pumpkins, baking spices, apples, and walnuts. This is where whiskey shines—bourbon, scotch, American, or Canadian, take your pick.
Winter layers cranberries, pomegranates, and oranges with a touch of cinnamon spice. Vodka works well here, as do orange-forward aperitifs like Aperol and Campari.
The Balance of Mixology
At its heart, mixology is all about compare and contrast. The goal? Balance. Two sweet components in a cocktail should be cut with acidity or bitterness to keep the drink from becoming cloying. On the flip side, a tart or sour drink benefits from a touch of sweetness to round it out. The best cocktails leave you wanting just one more sip.
Cozy Fall Cocktails at Winston’s
Our mixologist at Winston’s has been leaning into sweater season and crafted two cocktails that embody fall comfort:
🍁 Maple Old-Fashioned
A twist on our favorite classic, this cocktail swaps traditional simple syrup for maple syrup and adds a dash of black walnut bitters. The sweetness of the bourbon contrasts beautifully with the earthy bitterness of the walnut, creating a warm, spicy finish.
Recipe:
2 oz Bourbon
1 oz Maple Syrup
2–3 dashes Black Walnut Bitters
Garnish: Cinnamon Stick
Glass: Rocks
🎃 Smashing Calabaza
For those not quite ready to let go of vacation vibes, this tequila-based cocktail brings Cancun to fall. Pumpkin spice, pumpkin purée, honey, and citrus blend into a drink that’s equal parts beachside escape and cozy bonfire.
Recipe:
1 ½ oz Tequila Blanco
2 oz Orange Juice
1 oz Pumpkin Spice Honey or Pumpkin Purée
1 oz Lemon Juice
Top with Ground Pumpkin Spice
Glass: Rocks
As you wander through the farmer’s market in any season, imagine how your favorite spirit might transform with the fruits, herbs, and spices on display. Then, join us at Winston’s—we’ll trade ideas over the perfect seasonal cocktail.
Comments