Autumnal Cocktails & Mocktails

Written By Melissa Montanari

The following recipes have been my favourites lately because of their simplicity and adaptability. They also help me use up fresh herb bunches before they go off. All of the recipes are refreshing but also feel very fall/winter friendly because they use preserved fruits. Though they are made with gin because it is what I prefer, if you’re a vodka drinker, use vodka.

The recipes below are for one single drink.

Sour Gin and Jam

A classic, easy favourite. For when you’re feeling silly but also need to hit a writing goal before dinner.

  • 2oz Gin

  • 1/2 lemon, squeezed. (Sometimes I’ll add even more lemon juice, or maybe some lime juice as well because I love a sour drink)

  • 1tbsp jam

Shake. Served on ice. I’ll often let mine chill in the freezer for a bit because I like it ice cold.

Sort of a Negroni

A Negroni is usually composed of equal parts gin, Campari and red vermouth and garnished with an orange peel. A perfectly wonderful drink by itself but sometimes I just want something with more orange and bright, and less bitter.

  • 1oz Gin

  • 1oz Red Vermouth

  • 1/2oz Campari

  • 1tbsp orange marmalade

  • orange twist

Stir on ice for up to 2 mins. Serve on ice

Pickle Martini

I’m sorry to anyone who hates dirty martinis. This is as dirty as they come. I’m not the first person to replace olive brine with pickle juice. I like to sip on this as a little aperitivo while making dinner.

  • 1.5 oz Gin

  • 1.5 oz Red Vermouth (because that’s what I have!)

  • 1.5 oz of pickle juice

Stir on ice for 2 minutes. Strain into an ice cold glass with a pickle!!

Cranberry-Lemon-Sage (No Alcohol)

Autumnal flavours that still feel bright and refreshing.

  • 3tbsp cranberry sauce

  • 1/2 tsp raspberry jam

  • 1/2 lemon, squeezed

  • 4-6 sage leaves

  • club soda

Muddle all ingredients, except for the club soda, together. Strain and pour into a wine glass with ice. Fill remaining space in the wine glass with club soda. Stir. Garnish with a lemon slice and a leaf of sage.

Spicy Lemon-Ginger Spritz (No Alcohol)

For when you’re feeling a little under the weather and need a powerful yet soothing drink.

  • 1/2 lemon, juiced.

  • 1/2tsp honey or agave

  • 1/3-1/2 chili pepper or jalapeño pepper

  • 3/4 of the cup you will be serving the drink in, ginger beer

Stir all ingredients together over ice until the honey/agave is dissolved. Strain into your serving glass being sure to remove any pepper seeds.

Melissa Montanari
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