Flavors of the Season Inspire Fall Cocktail Creations

There’s a nip in the air. The crackle of drying leaves. Sweaters and scarves pulled from their summer slumber.

There’s no doubt about it, it’s fall.

As the days grow shorter, entertaining moves indoors. Stick-to-your-ribs savories replace lighter fare. But that doesn’t mean you have to trade in festive cocktails for heavy ales and stouts (not unless you want to.) With seasonal and local flavors you can create festive fall cocktails certain to warm your bones.

Put your produce to work with Honeycrisp Apple Sangria. This summertime cocktail gets a decidedly fall-time twist with brandy, red wine, apples and cinnamon. We found this ruby-colored cocktail recipe on Pinterest.

Looking for a libation better suited for earlier in the day? These Apple Cider Mimosas from The Cookie Rookie are as easy as they are gorgeous. Add gold and silver sprinkles to the glass -- completely optional -- for a touch of elegance when toasting. (Makes for beautiful wedding photography too - think bridal party preparations.)

Love the pumpkin-spice trend?

Try this Kahlua-Spice Pumpkin Martini. Mix Pumpkin-Spice Kahlua with rum, half and half and a bit of pumpkin puree (the undercover ingredient) from Home Cooking Memories for a spy-cy martini even James Bond couldn’t resist. Coat the rim with sugar and pumpkin-pie spice for extra 007 glam.

Whether it’s a wedding celebration or a Sunday football gathering, these autumn-inspired cocktails are sure to become fall drink classics.