The days are shorter but the nights are longer. Autumn is a great time to explore cozy wines and crafty cocktails. Happy to lean into that. Here’s what we’re drinking as we fall into Fall.
Varietal of the Month
It’s the 20th Anniversary of the movie Sideways. Set in Santa Barbara wine county, its main character was the wine snob Miles. His disdain for Merlot weilded so much influence that it affected perception of the varietal for years. In truth, Merlot is one of the five noble grapes used in French Bordeaux blends. It’s a soft, sensual red that goes with fireplaces, football, and ski houses. We say give Merlot another chance while the frost is on the pumpkin.
Cocktail of the Month
Fall is the season where we turn from clear spirits to the brown kind. A classic that you should have in your bag of home bartending tricks is the Old Fashioned. With a base of bourbon, savory from the Angostura bitters, citrusy from orange peel garnish, no wonder this cocktail’s appeals spans generations.
Mocktail of the Month
There’s a growing trend for low or no alcohol alternatives which deliver all of the vibe with none of the buzz. We’re obsessed Love to Know’s Alison Freeman’s creative ideas on how to take cocktails to mocktails this season.
