Cozy Cocktails
How to Drink This Fall
BY: JOSHUA GANDEE
Beverage Director, Watershed Kitchen & Bar
It’s everyone’s favorite season, and I don’t just mean fall, I mean that short window we get as summer is receding right before the dismal display that is winter in Ohio. It basically feels like a two week period where everyone pulls out their favorite flannel shirt, their couches are draped in Pendleton blankets, and their coffee orders change from cold brew to pour-overs.
People are packing up their cars and heading out of the city to take in some nature; whether that is enjoying a day picking apples in an orchard, scanning a pumpkin patch for the perfect gourd to adorn the front porch framed between two stalks of dried corn, or taking a hike in one of Columbus’ many Metro Parks. We’re here to make sure you have the perfect cocktail to wind down after a day out in nature, or to pour up when you are cozying up in your living room to watch Good Will Hunting for the 50th time.
Hot drinks are often looked over because they fall into the rut of basic spiked cider, or mulled wine. While those can be a hit at gatherings, these recipes provide more of a personal touch with a delicious mix of autumn, baking spices, and local spirits that will have you impressing your friends, or even yourself.
Bourbon is a tried and true favorite when it comes to fall and winter recipes, and is even more exciting when it is matched with apple brandy made from all Ohio apples, or the lovely vanilla and chocolate notes you’ll get with Nocino, a black walnut liquor made from Ohio walnuts.
Recipes
For the Hot Toddy drinker:
This twist on the classic allows new flavors to express themselves, while giving you the classic satisfaction you thought you could only get with bourbon and hot water.
1.5oz Watershed Apple Brandy
.5oz Lemon Juice
.5oz Clove Honey Syrup*
4 dash Angostura Bitters
4oz Green Tea
Mix all ingredients together, and garnish with a lemon wheel. Play around with different tea variations to experience subtle flavor differences.
To make Honey syrup bring 2c Honey, 1c Water, and 3 cloves to a boil, remove from heat then stir until dissolved. Strain out cloves before serving.
For the coffee drinker:
If you are looking for a fun way to enjoy an after-dinner coffee without reaching for the Irish cream then look no further. Nocino will find a permanent place in your pantry once you pair it up with coffee and this easy to make whipped cream.
1oz Watershed Bourbon
.75oz Nocino
5oz Coffee
3oz Heavy Whipping Cream
.5oz Lavender Simple Syrup*
In a mug, or Irish coffee glass pour in the Bourbon, Nocino, and coffee. In a shaker tin add the heavy whipping cream and lavender simple syrup. Shake without ice until you reach desired consistency and use to top your coffee.
To make lavender Syrup bring 1.5c Sugar, 1c Water, and 1T dried lavender to a boil, then simmered for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and fine strain out the lavender.
Call me old fashioned:
If you’re not looking for a hot drink, and want something a little more classic, this split based cocktail is easy to make and sure to quench your thirst as you look on as the leaves begin to change in your backyard.
1oz Watershed Bourbon
1oz Watershed Apple Brandy
.5oz Chai Tea Simple Syrup*
3 dash Angostura Bitters
3 dash Orange Bitters
In a mixing glass, combine all ingredients and stir until well chilled. Pour over a large ice cube and garnish with an orange peel.
To make Chai simple, bring 1.5c Sugar, 1c Water, and 1 Chai Tea bag to a boil. Let simmer for 5 minutes, then remove tea bag.