Cozy Fall Drinks to Celebrate the Season
Move Aside Pumpkin Spice - Cozy Fall Drinks that Aren’t just PSL
There’s nothing quite like the first signs of fall. The changing leaves, the chillier air, it just makes you want to curl up and reach for a cozy drink while bundled in your favourite sweater. For as long as we can remember, fall has been synonymous with Pumpkin Spice. And while there’s nothing wrong with that, there are so many more flavours that’ll get you into the fall mood. From orange wine to stout brews, here are some cozy fall drinks to celebrate the season.
A Wine Like No Other
You’ve heard of red wine, you’ve heard of white wine, but what about orange wine? No, they’re not made from oranges but they do have a distinct orange colour to their hue. Simply put, orange wines are made from the same grapes as white wine but with their skins left in giving it that warm colour. While they’re made from white wine grapes, don’t be fooled - they have a more complex and bold palate more similar to a red, perfect for getting in the mood for fall. Some call it the funky wine, so for those who like bolder flavours, this one's for you. Orange wine pairs well with foods with strong flavours like cheeses, spicy food, as well as a variety of meats from beef to fish.
Don’t know where to start? Southbrook’s 2020 Triomphe Orange is a perfect introduction to get you exploring the complexities of this one-of-a-kind wine.
Stout Season
If there’s one beer perfect for a brisk autumn day, it would be a stout. With its velvety smooth texture and hoppy flavours, stouts pair so well with the wearing of knitted sweaters and gathering by a warm fireplace. Its roasted flavour is perfect for all sorts of hearty fall dishes; from grilled meats like burgers and sausages to desserts like dark chocolate cakes and brownies.
If you’re looking for a great stout, Red Tape’s Stout It Out is sure to become this season’s fireplace favourite. And if you want to sample this season’s special brews, check out the beer tasting with Red Tape on Friday, Oct 1st, at 6:30 pm at Spadina Museum. Gain access with your Toronto Food Film Fest ticket/pass!
Apple Cider Everything
With its sometimes sweet, sometimes dry but always crisp taste, the humble apple cider is practically synonymous with the cozy fall weather. From simple hot apple cider to the many ways to make an apple cider cocktail, it’s so versatile that kids and grown-ups will love it. Hot or cold, sangria or spiced there’s no wrong way to drink it.
For a non-alcoholic treat try Seedlip’s garden sour cocktail recipe that’s sure to complement the cool air and falling leaves
The Caramel Apple Latte
As the weather gets cooler and the days darker, sometimes it’s nice to indulge in a little pick-me-up. That’s where the Caramel Apple Latte comes in. Like drinking a freshly-baked apple pie, the Caramel Apple Latte’s unique blend of flavours is sure to warm you up. With just four ingredients (espresso, apple sauce, caramel sauce, and steamed milk), it’s the perfect way to start an autumn morning.
Be sure to try it out with RUFINO espresso to make the drink extra special.
Ingredients
1 shot – RUFINO Espresso
1 oz. – Unsweetened apple sauce
½ oz. – Caramel sauce
6 oz. – Steamed milk (dairy or alternative)
Whipped cream for topping
Ground cinnamon as garnish (optional)
*try making your own homemade, local apple sauce
Directions
Combine apple sauce and caramel
Add RUFINO coffee and steamed milk
Top with whipped cream
Drizzle additional caramel apple sauce
Sprinkle cinnamon (optional)
Rufino will also be offering complimentary espresso beverages at the Toronto Food Film Fest's in-person events at Spadina Museum between Oct 1-3, 2021.
So ditch that Pumpkin Spice cliche and grab your favourite sweater, put on that scarf and try one of these cozy drinks to get you into that fall feeling.