Autumn is finally here, and with it comes cooler weather, changing leaves and the perfect opportunity to sip on a delicious cocktail. However, this time of year also means that you will be consuming less alcohol than in summertime. Fall cocktails tend to have lower ABV (alcohol by volume) because they're made with fruit liqueur instead of hard liquor like vodka or gin.
What is a low-ABV cocktail?
A low ABV cocktail has less than 15% alcohol. They are often made with fruit liqueurs like a nice sweet raspberry liqueur, instead of hard liquor like vodka or gin.
Low-ABV cocktails tend to be sweeter and syrupier, which makes them perfect for fall because they're not too heavy on the palate. Fruit based drinks work best as they carry fruity flavors without adding any additional bitterness from spirits such as rum or tequila. These types of beverages make great drink when you don't want to have that heavy, full-bodied feeling after one or two drinks.
Why drink less alcohol this fall?
Drinking less alcohol during the fall season can be very beneficial.
Here are a few low ABV cocktails to try this fall season:
One low ABV cocktail is the classic martini which uses gin. The classic martini has an ABV of between 15% to 18% and you can make a classic Martini by mixing 50ml of gin with dry vermouth. Add a twist of lime if you like or an olive for that classic look.
An Apple Cider Sangria is another low ABV cocktail, that offers a very refreshing and warming taste.
Mulled wine is made with red wine, orange juice and spices. It is very easy to make and offers a low ABV. The mulling process brings out the flavor in this low-ABV cocktail. This drink will warm you up during cold fall days. Add some honey to sweeten it more if desired.
Hot Toddy is usually made using whiskey, lemon juice and honey. This drink has a ABV of between 30% to 40%. The ingredients in this cocktail create the perfect balance for fall days.
A bourbon sour is a drink that can be made by mixing bourbon whiskey with lemon juice and sugar. This cocktail can have an ABV of between 30% to 40%. It has the perfect blend for fall days. The Bourbon Sour offers flavors similar to those found in hot toddy drinks but it also provides options such as being shaken over ice instead of served warm like traditional Hot Toddys. Mint leave may be added to it to give it some extra flavor and aroma.
Mint Julep is another great low ABV drink perfect for autumn nights. A mint julep contains lots of fresh mint leaves which are usually crushed together with raw sugar syrup, ice cubes, water or club soda in order to create this refreshingly cold beverage.
The Moscow Mule is a great low ABV drink served in a copper mug. It is made of vodka, spicy ginger beer and lime juice.
The Pineapple Pina Colada using a very low ABV pina colada liqueur is also a great fall drink. In fact, it is a good drink not only for Autumn, but all year around with its refreshingly sweet and creamy taste.
The perfect way to enjoy the changing seasons is with a delicious, low-ABV cocktail that provides just enough of a buzz without being overwhelming. Any recipe that uses fruit liqueur will be a great fall beverage, not too strong yet providing the light warming feeling that you so desire during this relatively cool season. In addition fruit liqueurs add a whole lot of flavor to any drink, including a simple fruit punch, so it is by far a great choice when it comes to low ABV drinks.