Autumn time is the best time for the Ultimate Fall Cocktail. It's warm notes are perfect to enjoy over ice for the ultimate balanced drink for rain or shine, because let's face it, the fall is never predictable.
By mixing our favorite fall flavors, from cinnamon, to orange, and adding the botanical-rich sweet vermouth, and of course a extra kick of gin, we have perfected the best fall gin and vermouth cocktail of our dreams!
As we wrap up our favorite summer drinks, from blueberry gin and tonic, to blueberry lemon drop, to huckleberry margarita, and of course this spicy mango margarita, we in turn say a big warm hello to our favorite fall flavors with this autumn gin and sweet vermouth cocktail delight!
What better way to elevate a drink for all your fall festivities than with sweet vermouth cocktails that are the perfect amount of deep warm flavors. When you've had enough fall and are ready for all things peppermint, try these Christmas pudding shots that are so creamy and dreamy!
Table of Contents
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS
This autumn gin and vermouth cocktail is sweet, fruity, and warm from cinnamon, orange and sweet vermouth. It's the best combination of flavor in as little ingredients as possible!
- Warm flavors. From the sweet vermouth and bitters, it adds a great warm flavor profile that's perfect for fall. Then adding a cinnamon stick to add even more sweet notes!
- Perfectly sweet. It's not overly sweet and has the perfect balance!
- Fruity. The orange is one of my favorite fruit to add to cinnamon. It reminds me of one of orange spice tea, which is one of my favorite fall teas!
- Balanced. The flavors work harmoniously together!
- Crowd-pleaser. A pretty and delicious cocktail is a host's best kept secret!
- Easy to make for a crowd. Hosting a party or having a few gal-pals over? This drink is easy to mass produce to serve your crowd.
WHAT KIND OF GIN SHOULD I USE?
Ok, here's the scoop on gin. Most of the time (like 99%), I'm using it in cocktails because straight up is not my jam. Because we're using it as a mixer, the brand or shelf-status doesn't matter as much. It's completely personal preference.
I'd say to save your top shelf gin for drinks like gin and tonic, where it's showcased a little more.
In this case, go for an affordable bottle, or a local distillery, because local gins blend well with local flavors.
HOW TO MAKE THIS GIN AND SWEET VERMOUTH COCKTAIL
THE INGREDIENTS YOU'LL NEED
- GIN
Use your favorite gin. Go for a good mixer since you won't be tasting it as much as the other flavors. I'm using a local PNW bottle. - SWEET VERMOUTH
Oh this stuff is good! It adds the perfect amount of robust wine flavor to this fall gin cocktail and elevates it without going the sangria route. - SIMPLE SYRUP
It's super easy to make your own simple syrup! All you need is 1:1 ratio of sugar to water, mix mix mix until it has completely dissolved. We make a lot and store it in a mason jar in the fridge for future cocktails. Otherwise, store bought simple syrup works just as good! - BITTERS
Adding bitters is like adding a few drops of fall itself. Can't skip out on it! Use your favorite bitters, or pick up the one I used from Trader Joe's. - MANDARIN ORANGE
Orange is the perfect sweet and citrusy flavor to add to this cocktail. Use a lemon or lime juicer to squeeze every last drop and extract the skin of the orange! - CLUB SODA
Use your favorite brand, as long as it's plain and extra bubbly. - CINNAMON STICKS
Cinnamon sticks are a must for fall! And there's no exception in this drink!
EQUIPMENT YOU'LL NEED
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
This is an easy drink that we make straight in the glass, and skip using a shaker cup.
So, first things first, we get our glasses filled ⅔ of the way with ice and add gin.
Then, add sweet vermouth.
Add a few drops of bitters.
Cut one mandarin orange in half. Using a lemon squeezer, juice it into the drink.
Add plain club soda and stir, stir, stir.
To garnish, add a slice or two of mandarin and a large cinnamon stick.
Serve immediately. Or make the drink without ice and allow the cinnamon to seep into the drink for a couple of hours.
OUR BEST TIPS FOR THE PERFECT SWEET VERMOUTH COCKTAIL
- Serving a crowd? If you're making a large serving for a crowd, it's best to prepare the drink in a large pitcher, then pour into single servings.
- Don't forget about the presentation. Use attractive glassware, like a lowball or coupe glass, and consider rimming the glass with cinnamon sugar or for an extra touch of fall flair.
- Serve the cocktail right away! When your fall cocktail is over ice, it melts fast.
SERVING TIPS
Serve this cocktail in a stemless wine glass, or lowball glass for best presentation! I love using a rounded glass, like a wine glass for this cocktail, it seems more cozy and fall-like.
STORAGE TIPS
Is there a such thing as extras? If there is, you can store it in a large mason jar or a bottle with a lid for about 3-4 days.
Make sure you drain out all the ice so it doesn't water down your drink. When you're ready to enjoy the cocktail, add ice to your glass and pour the drink, adding garnish if you'd like.
HOW TO PREP AHEAD
If you need to make this drink in advance, you're in luck, because this drink only gets better the longer it sits.
I like to make it at least 4 hours prior to serving, but you can make it the night before, adding the cinnamon sticks in right away. The longer they sit in the drink, the more it will taste like fall!
FAQ
Yes, you can create non-alcoholic version of it by substituting gin with more sparkling water and substitute sweet vermouth with a cranberry juice.
The fall flavors will still shine, but it will taste slightly off since sweet vermouth is a shining star in this recipe.
Sweet vermouth has a complex flavor profile with a strong sweetness, balanced by a mild bitterness and a rich blend of herbal and botanical notes.
It has a subtle hint of dried fruits and spices that make it stand out from other wine.
Because of it's complexity and sweetness, it makes a great addition to cocktails.
Store sweet vermouth in a cool, dark place. Preferably in the refrigerator once opened, to prolong its shelf life and preserve its flavor.
Though, sweet vermouth is the star of the show in this cocktail, you can substitute it with other sweet fortified wines like port, or a combination of red wine and a sweetening agent, like simple syrup.
The flavor will be different, but if it's all you have on hand then give it a try!
Yes, sweet vermouth is sweetened and has a richer, sweeter flavor, while dry vermouth is less sweet and has a more herbal and savory character.
For classic fall sweet vermouth cocktails, it's a no-brainer to use sweet vermouth to get the deep, rich flavor to compliment other fall spices and botanicals.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH GIN AND VERMOUTH COCKTAILS
- Appetizer: Blueberry toast, Seacuterie board, or a warm crab dip with Rosemary parm bread.
- Side Dish: Try this Fried Feta and Strawberry Salad alongside!
- Main Dish: Pasta al salmone, crab spaghetti, or this bright beet pasta!
OTHER COCKTAILS TO TRY
I LOVE HEARING FROM YOU! When you make this dish, please RATE using the ⭐️stars, and COMMENT at the end of the page. I love connecting with you in the comments section.
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The Ultimate Fall Cocktail
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Gin
- 1.5 oz Sweet vermouth
- A few drops Classic bitters
- 0.5 oz Simple syrup
- 1 Mandarin orange , juiced
- 3 oz Club soda (about ⅓ cup)
- 1 large Cinnamon stick to garnish
- 1 slice Mandarin orange to garnish
Instructions
- Fill a glass ⅔ of the way with ice. Skip the ice if you're not serving right away.
- Directly over the ice, add gin and sweet vermouth.
- Add a couple drops of bitters. Just 2 drops is plenty potent.
- Using a lemon squeezer, juice 1 mandarin right into the glass.
- Add club soda and stir, stir, stir.
- To garnish, add a cinnamon stick and a slice or two of mandarin.
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