This cocktail uses smooth, homemade pear-infused vodka that can be made months ahead of time. Pear nectar sweetens the drink while club soda lends it sparkle; homemade rosemary syrup adds a seductive aroma.
The American in Paris (top) adds Continental flair to the Manhattan by replacing the usual sweet vermouth with dry and adding a splash of creme de cassis.
To make the Cider Smash (top left), simply top bourbon and lemon juice with sparkling apple cider.
In Spiced Brandy Wine (front), brandy adds an extra kick to red wine mulled with cloves, lemon zest, cinnamon, and star anise.
Brandy also stars in the Apricot-Cayenne Fizz (behind), where the spirit complements apricot nectar mixed with chilled seltzer and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Serving hot cider spiced like an apple pie is a wonderful way to greet Thanksgiving guests. Add a cinnamon stick to each mug for stirring, and a measure of brandy for the adults.
One recipe for cranberry simple syrup is the inspiration for two easy aperitifs. Make a spritzer by combining it with vodka and seltzer, or add a splash to dry white or sparkling wine.
Star anise, cinnamon, and cloves perfume this honey-sweetened white-wine sangria filled with fall fruit, including apples, pears, and kumquats. Serve this mulled drink either hot or cold.
A classic cosmopolitan -- vodka, cranberry juice, and orange liqueur -- is dressed up for the season with homemade Cranberry-and-Orange Vodka, a garnish of fresh cranberries, and an orange twist.
Cranberry juice, black currant juice, grapefruit vodka, and Champagne go into this pretty ruby-hued cocktail. A garnish of frozen candied cranberries on a skewer keeps the drink cool.
A traditional blend of warm spices -- cinnamon, star anise, allspice, and cloves -- flavors this classic mulled apple cider. Ribbons of lemon zest add zing. The cider can be served directly from the stove, or kept hot in a slow cooker.
Glasses of Cognac get topped off with sparkling cider and a few dashes of bitters to create a very sophisticated cocktail. For more kick, try making these cocktails with hard cider in place of sparkling cider.
The classic gin martini is dressed up for the holidays with a garnish of boldly flavored olives skewered on a fresh rosemary sprig. The fragrance of the rosemary tickles the senses with every sip.
Pear nectar, sparkling apple cider, seltzer, and bourbon combine to create this effervescent fall drink. This cocktail can be made in big batches for easy entertaining.
