Spices—whether they come from a spiced rum, liqueur or the addition of bitters—add depth, flavor and warmth to cocktails. Libations that are heavy on the spice not only taste richer (especially when compared to the light, sour drinks we crush all summer), but they also function as internal space heaters that are cozier than the softest cashmere sweater. When autumn finally hits and that crisp chill sets in, the best cure to warm your bones are these seven boldly flavored, spiced cocktails.
Spiced with Pimento Dram—a Caribbean liqueur infused with allspice—this classic cocktail is the perfect Daiquiri to drink when you’re reluctant to leave summer behind. With bourbon at the base, Angostura bitters and fresh lime juice, the cocktail is as piquant as it is refreshing.
The Essentials
bourbon
allspice dram
lime juice
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One of the only bourbon-based tiki cocktails in existence, the Poison Dart is a layered, abundantly spiced masterpiece. Made with lemon juice, nutty orgeat (a syrup made from almonds), Cynar (an artichoke-based amaro), cinnamon syrup and bourbon, the cocktail is vegetal, bitter and robustly spicy. Once your sweaters emerge from hibernation, this autumnal tiki libation will become your cocktail mainstay.
The Essentials
Bourbon
Orgeat
Cynar
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Made with dark rum and hard apple cider, this colonial-era Highball is like a Dark ‘N’ Stormy sans ginger beer. With the addition of Angostura bitters, the cocktail becomes spicier, drier and richer. Swap out the dark rum for a spiced rum to make the peppery, autumnal flavors really shine.
The Essentials
Rum
Hard apple cider
Angostura Bitters
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Mixed with applejack (or calvados if you can find it), fresh lemon juice, orange curaçao and Bénédictine (an herbaceous, spiced liqueur made by French monks), this cocktail is vivacious and sour. Bright and boozy with a rich layer of baking spices and pepper from the Bénédictine, the Honeymoon is the perfect sipper for a crisp wintery day.
The Essentials
Applejack
combier
benedictine
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If you need a spiced, boozy pick-me-up, look no further than this iced coffee cocktail. Made with spiced rum, cold-brew coffee (the stronger the extraction, the better) and orgeat, the drink is bitter and tannic with flavors of allspice, cinnamon and creamy toasted almond on the finish. With a flamed orange twist for garnish, this abundantly spiced breakfast sipper is a decadent way to enjoy your morning cup of joe.
The Essentials
spiced rum
cold brew coffee
orgeat
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Inspired by the Rattlesnake—a Rye Whiskey Sour with a touch of absinthe—this modern-day classic was created by the bartenders at B.S Taqueria in Los Angeles. Made with overproof bourbon, Ancho Reyes (a piquant ancho chile liqueur from Mexico), lemon juice, egg whites and a touch of maple syrup, the cocktail is a frothy, creamy, spice-bomb of a drink. A hefty dash of Peychaud’s bitters for garnish takes the zest to the next level.
The Essentials
Bourbon
Maple Syrup
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With a base of smoky Scotch, a hefty dash of orange bitters and rum-heavy, spiced RumChata liqueur, this cocktail was designed to keep you warm from the inside out. Decadently rich, velvety to drink and almost fruity in flavor, this is the ultimate winter cocktail to have in your bartender arsenal.
The Essentials
Scotch
Rumchata
Honey Syrup
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