Autumn Gin Sour Recipe
Bring the cozy flavors of fall into a glass with this Autumn Gin Sour. This cocktail blends crisp gin with warm autumnal notes like apple, cinnamon, and a hint of citrus for a balanced, refreshing, and slightly tangy drink. Perfect for autumn gatherings, dinner parties, or a quiet evening at home, this cocktail is easy to make, visually stunning, and full of seasonal flavor. For more festive drink ideas, check out my 10 Holiday Mocktails and Cocktails!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Autumn Gin Sour is a refreshing yet cozy cocktail perfect for fall. Combining crisp gin with seasonal flavors like apple, cinnamon, and a hint of citrus, it’s a drink that’s both elegant and easy to make. Ideal for autumn gatherings or quiet nights at home, this cocktail captures the essence of the season in every sip.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
Knowing the nutritional content of your cocktails helps you enjoy them mindfully. This drink is light, moderately alcoholic, and naturally sweetened with fruit juice, making it a balanced option for those looking for seasonal flavor without excess calories.
- Calories: 180
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sugar: 10g
- Alcohol Content: Moderate (varies by gin)
Time Breakdown
Quick preparation makes this cocktail ideal for last-minute entertaining. With just a few minutes to shake and garnish, you can enjoy a sophisticated autumn-inspired drink in under 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Shake & Serve Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients You’ll Need
Fresh, simple ingredients make all the difference in a cocktail. Crisp gin, fresh apple juice, lemon, and a dash of warming spices combine to create a well-balanced, flavorful drink that’s both seasonal and refreshing.
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz fresh apple juice or cider
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 1 dash cinnamon or allspice
- Ice cubes
- Apple slice or cinnamon stick for garnish
Condensed Grocery Checklist
A simple checklist ensures you have everything on hand for seamless cocktail preparation. From spirits to fresh juices and spices, having the essentials ready makes crafting this autumn drink effortless.
✔ Gin
✔ Fresh apple juice or cider
✔ Lemon juice
✔ Simple syrup
✔ Ground cinnamon or allspice
✔ Ice cubes
✔ Apple slice or cinnamon stick for garnish
How to Make – Step by Step
Step-by-step guidance ensures your cocktail turns out perfectly every time. From measuring and shaking to garnishing, each step helps create a balanced and visually appealing drink.
- Prepare the Shaker: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add Ingredients: Pour in gin, apple juice or cider, lemon juice, simple syrup, and a dash of cinnamon or allspice.
- Shake: Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until well chilled.
- Serve: Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish: Add an apple slice or a cinnamon stick for an elegant fall touch.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
Flexibility allows you to customize this cocktail to your taste. Experiment with different juices, sweeteners, or spices to create your own twist on the classic Autumn Gin Sour while keeping it flavorful and seasonal.
- Swap apple juice with pear juice for a different autumn flavor.
- Use honey syrup instead of simple syrup for a richer, warmer sweetness.
- Add a splash of ginger liqueur or spiced rum for an extra seasonal kick.
- Rim the glass with cinnamon sugar for a festive presentation or try some Refreshing Non-Alcoholic Mocktails for a flavorful alcohol-free alternative.
Serving Suggestions
The Autumn Gin Sour is a versatile cocktail that pairs beautifully with a variety of seasonal appetizers. Serve it alongside a cheese board, roasted nuts, or small savory bites to elevate any gathering. Its crisp, slightly sweet, and spiced flavor profile also complements lighter desserts like apple tarts or spiced cookies, making it perfect for both casual fall evenings and festive autumn celebrations.
Storing Tips
While best served fresh, understanding proper storage ensures ingredients are ready when you need them. Pre-chill juices or make simple syrup ahead of time for quick cocktail assembly.
- Best served fresh; the cocktail is not suitable for long-term storage.
- Simple syrup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Pre-chill the apple juice or cider for quicker serving.
Chef’s Special Tips
Small techniques can elevate this cocktail from good to exceptional. Freshly squeezed juice, a vigorous shake, and thoughtful garnishes like apple slices or cinnamon enhance both flavor and presentation.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for bright, balanced acidity.
- Shake well to create a frothy, well-blended drink.
- Garnish creatively with thin apple slices or a light dusting of cinnamon for visual appeal.
Conclusion
The Autumn Gin Sour is a seasonal cocktail that perfectly balances crisp gin, sweet apple, tart lemon, and warm spices. Easy to make and beautiful to serve, it’s ideal for fall gatherings or a relaxing evening at home. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a sophisticated, autumn-inspired drink in minutes.