I don’t know about you, but over here at Pretty Lady, we’re all about wringing the last droplets of summer fun out of the cozy scarf that is fall. That’s where transitional cocktails come in. September to early October is the perfect timeframe to start adding fall flavors into your refreshing, icy drinks. And if you’ve been using bright, springy green grapes as a base or garnish for your summer beverages, start experimenting with rich reds like Scarlet Royals or black/mixed varieties like Autumn Royals; October will bring even more options like Scarlottas and Adoras. Looking for a few recipes to get you started? So were we! Here are a few of the tastiest ones we found…
Cranberry-orange Gin Fizz With Thyme from One Sweet Mess
Top this treat with frozen Scarlet and Autumn Royals for an unexpected pop of sweet flavor that will perfectly complement the citrus and cranberry. (Check out our guide to freezing grapes here.)
Pisco Smash from Food & Wine
Ready to get fancy? Try this elegant cocktail that relies on grape brandy and muddled fresh red grapes for its rich flavor.
Pumpkin Apple Cider Shandy from With Salt & Wit
The perfect melding of summer and fall, you can top this transitional treat with very thinly sliced grapes—both red and black/mixed varieties will complement the apple/pumpkin/orange fizzy deliciousness of this beer-based cocktail (just be sure the grapes are crisp and chilled before slicing).