When is it not the season for margaritas? Spring is ushered in with a pitcher of strawberry margaritas, while blended mango margaritas can be made at any time of the year. However, the flavor of our margaritas also changes as the weather cools and we begin to consider our favorite fall dishes. A pomegranate margarita is now available. The ideal drink to satisfy a fall margarita craving, it has a fruity, almost cranberry-like flavor and is slightly sweetened with maple syrup.

The best tequila to use for this fruity, tangy pomegranate margarita is silver or tequila Blanco, but you can also use gold or reposado tequila if you prefer. Tequila Anejo, which has been aged in oak for a considerable amount of time, may have stronger flavors that overpower the citrusy notes of the lime and pomegranate.

One of the unsung heroes of mixology is triple sec. Its hint of orange flavors - both fresh juice and bitter peel - and slight sweetness usually support the other elements of a drink. Triple sec has a slight viscosity that lends a pleasant texture to cocktails while also helping to smooth out some of the sharpness of higher-proof alcohols.

Pomegranate juice and lime juice are combined to give this margarita its fruity, tart flavor. With a touch of bitter orange sweetness, triple sec helps to balance out the beverage. With its toasty, caramelized sugar notes, maple syrup gives this marg a fall coziness and softens the sharpness of the acidic lime juice. To help balance the beverage, you can use honey, agave syrup, or even simple syrup.

Recipe for 2 serving(s)

Ingredients:

• 1/4 c. salt
• 1/2 c. pomegranate juice, plus more for dipping the rim
• 3 oz. silver tequila (blanco)
• 1 oz. triple sec
• 1 oz. lime juice
• 1/2 oz. maple syrup
• Ice
• Lime slices and pomegranate seeds, to garnish
  

Directions:

• On a small plate, sprinkle the salt. Another small plate should have a splash of pomegranate juice. Dip the rims of two glasses in pomegranate juice and then in salt.
• Combine the pomegranate juice, tequila, triple sec, lime juice, maple syrup, and ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake for 10-20 seconds to thoroughly chill before straining into two glasses filled with ice. If desired, garnish with a slice of lime and a few pomegranate seeds.

Looking for the perfect cocktail to pair with your New Year's Eve dinner? Consider a French 75, a classic cocktail that should be included in your New Year's Eve party menu.

A French 75 may appear to be a light, bubbly cocktail, but don't be fooled: it packs a powerful punch! The base of a French 75 cocktail is gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake with ice, then divide among your serving glasses. To finish, pour in a bottle of bubbly and garnish with a pretty lemon twist.

A French 75 cocktail has a pleasing citrus tartness from the lemon juice, herbaceous notes from the gin, and a tinge of sweetness from the simple syrup. Champagne, prosecco, or cava are examples of sparkling wines that give a beverage a revitalizing effervescence.

Recipe for 2 serving(s)

Ingredients:

• 3 oz. gin
• 2 oz. fresh lemon juice
• 1 oz. simple syrup
• Ice, for shaking
• Sparkling wine, like champagne, prosecco, or cava
• Lemon twists, for garnish

Directions:

• Combine the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker. Add a few cubes of ice, cover, and shake for 10-20 seconds, or until thoroughly chilled.
• Strain the mixture into two champagne flutes and divide evenly. Serve immediately topped with chilled champagne and garnished with a lemon twist.

There's nothing quite as cozy and comforting as a hot toddy on a cold winter night when it comes to easy cocktails. Sure, you could make mulled cider or winter sangria, but both drinks require some planning, as they take an hour to simmer or even longer to chill in the fridge overnight. This toddy, on the other hand, takes only a few minutes to make. It's also lighter and less sweet.

You'll need hot water, whisky (or bourbon), honey, and lemon to make a traditional hot toddy. A cinnamon stick is optional but adds a subtle touch of warmth. Feel free to experiment with the ingredients to give the elixir a more spicy edge. A hot toddy would taste fantastic with one-star anise, a few whole cloves, or a slice of fresh ginger. Additionally, as in many recipes, maple syrup can be substituted for honey.

The alcohol will be the most prominent flavor in a hot toddy. The warm, caramel notes of whiskey, including bourbon, complement the honey and lemon to create a soothing, not-too-heavy cocktail. Bourbon whiskey is required to be aged in new oak-charred barrels. Though not traditional, any brown liquor, such as aged rum, brandy, or scotch, can be substituted.

Recipe for 1 serving(s)

Ingredients:

• 3/4 c. hot water
• 1 1/2 oz. whisky or bourbon
• 1 tbsp. honey
• 1/2 oz. lemon juice
• Lemon wedge and/or cinnamon stick, optional

Directions:

• Microwave the water in a mug for 1 minute on high, or until very hot (but not boiling). Whisk together the whiskey, honey, and lemon juice. If desired, add a lemon wedge and a cinnamon stick.

The White Russian is a creamy, decadent cocktail that comes together in a matter of seconds and doesn't require a cocktail shaker. It gained particular popularity in the late 1990s following the release of the film The Big Lebowski. Sip slowly. Kahlua and heavy cream help to mask the vodka's intensity. Ice melting is meant to help the beverage become smoother.

It's simple to remember the proportions of a traditional White Russian: two parts vodka, one part coffee liqueur, and one part cream. However, feel free to experiment! Here are a few of our preferred modifications to the recipe:

• For a lighter creaminess, substitute half-and-half.
• Replace the vodka with a flavored vodka that complements the coffee and cream notes in the drink - vanilla, chocolate, or even berry would work well.
• Drizzle a bit of chocolate or caramel syrup around the insides of the glass before mixing the drink for a dessert-like twist.

Simply combine vodka and coffee liqueur in a small glass with ice, then pour over cream to create the traditional White Russian cocktail. With the exception of the heavy cream, a Black Russian is essentially the same cocktail as a White Russian. The best glass to serve both beverages in is a small rock or old-fashioned glass with ice.

Recipe for 1 serving(s)
Ingredients:

• 2 oz. vodka
• 1 oz. coffee liquor, such as Kahlua
• 1 oz. heavy cream

Directions:

• In an old-fashioned glass, combine the vodka and coffee liquor. Stir it up, then add a few ice cubes. Finish with heavy cream and serve.

A classic sidecar is a classy and hassle-free cocktail that is made with cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice. Fresh lemon juice is essential to achieve the brightest and most revitalizing results. If you want to add a lemon twist as a garnish, zest the lemon first.

This recipe is quick to prepare and serves two people, but it also makes a fantastic batch cocktail for a party. The recipe can be multiplied by two, three, or four and combined in a pitcher. Shake over ice right before serving, then strain into glasses after having been stored in the refrigerator.

It's similar to a whiskey sour, but the addition of orange liqueur adds a floral, fruity note. Cointreau is the most commonly used orange liqueur, but feel free to substitute any other orange liqueur you have on hand, such as triple sec.

Although simple syrup is not typically used in sidecar cocktails, many recipes include a sugared rim for added sweetness. Brown sugar can be used to add molasses flavor, or granulated sugar can be spiked with cinnamon for a spicy twist.

Recipe for 2 serving(s)

Ingredients:

• 1/4 c. granulated sugar
• 4 oz. cognac or bourbon
• 2 oz. orange liquor, such as Cointreau or Triple Sec
• 1 1/2 oz. lemon juice
• Orange or lemon twist, for garnish

Directions:

• Put the sugar in granules on a plate. Just the glass rims should be dipped in water before being dunked in sugar.
• Combine the cognac, Cointreau, lemon juice, and ice in a cocktail shaker. To thoroughly chill, shake for 10 to 20 seconds. After that, strain it into two martini or coupe glasses. Add an orange or lemon twist as a garnish.

Enjoy your pumpkin spice latte in the morning, but when the clock strikes 5, it's time for a pumpkin pie martini. This recipe is equal parts fall dessert and cocktail, made with real pumpkin and topped with a dollop of frozen whipped cream that melts into a heavenly foam topping.

The first thing you should do is put your martini glasses in the freezer. Dollops of whipped cream or whipped topping should be frozen once that has set. The latter not only keeps the beverages cold but also gives them a delicious creaminess. Once everything is prepared, combine it in a cocktail shaker, give your arms a 20-second workout, and then strain the concoction into your chilled glasses to finish. a martini with a pumpkin pie flavor.

Though pumpkin spice alcoholic beverages are available, vanilla vodka is far more versatile. When combined with spiced rum, half-and-half, maple syrup, spices, and, of course, pumpkin puree, you get the dessert cocktail effect without spending money on a bottle that will sit in your liquor cabinet collecting dust.

Recipe for 2 serving(s)
Ingredients:

For the frozen whipped cream

• 1/4 c. whipped topping or whipped cream

For the pumpkin pie martini

• 2 1/2 oz. vanilla vodka
• 1 1/2 oz. aged rum
• 1/4 c. pumpkin puree
• 3 tbsp. maple syrup
• 1/4 c. half and half
• 1/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice, plus additional garnish
• Handful of ice cubes

A Negroni is one of the simplest classic cocktails, with equal parts gin, red vermouth, and Campari simply stirred together and served over ice with an orange peel twist. The Negroni cocktail is said to have originated in Florence, Italy, and is served as a "aperitivo," or before-dinner drink.

Vermouth is a fortified wine made with botanicals, herbs, and spices, as well as neutral alcohol such as clear brandy. That being said, the vermouth you use for your Negroni cocktail is entirely personal - try a few and see what you like. Carpano Antico (an Italian red vermouth), Martini & Rossi (slightly sweeter), or Dolin Rouge (drier) are our recommendations.

The only difference between an Americano and a Negroni is that club soda is used in place of gin. All things considered, an Americano offers all of the wonderful flavors of a Negroni but is more appropriate for daytime consumption due to its light flavor and lower alcohol content.

The Negroni is enhanced with powerful bitter fruit and botanical flavors from both Campari and red vermouth. Similar to vermouth, various gins can have a variety of herbal notes. Your best bet might be a straightforward gin so as not to overpower the other flavors in the beverage. Both the smooth, dry gins Tanqueray No. 10 and Beefeater London Dry have citrus and juniper notes that pair well with both the red vermouth and Campari.

Recipe for 1 serving(s)

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz. gin
• 1 1/2 oz. red vermouth
• 1 1/2 oz. Campari
• Orange twist, to garnish

Directions:

• Gin, vermouth, and Campari should all be combined in an ice-filled mixing glass. To combine, thoroughly stir. Into a rocks glass, transfer. Add an orange twist as a garnish.

Cocktail parties are a natural fit for sangria. It's fun, simple to make, and suitable for a crowd. You'll always be ready for a social gathering with friends if you know how to make sangria, whether it's a book club get-together, an afternoon pool party, or a backyard dinner. This traditional red sangria is a great place to start if you've never tried sangria before. The best thing about sangria is that you can completely customize it depending on the season and your preferences. It's light, refreshing, and summery. Sangria is essentially a fruit-flavored wine punch. Red, white, or rosé wine are all acceptable. Add your favorite fruit, a splash of sweetener, or a splash of seltzer for a fizzy variation. For Christmas, try a cranberry-packed winter sangria, or a watermelon sangria for the Fourth of July.

Given that sangria is frequently associated with Spain, a Spanish red wine (such as Tempranillo or Grenache) would be the most appropriate choice here (but you can also use a Merlot or Beaujolais). The best red wine for sangria should not be overly sweet, which is an important consideration. There will already be a lot of sweetness in the cocktail because you'll be adding fruit juice and fresh fruit. Choose a cheap wine that you would enjoy on its own if you don't want to spend a lot of money. A light to medium-bodied, fruit-forward, low-tannin wine is ideal for sangria.

One of the reasons sangria is such a fun cocktail is that it also makes an excellent snack! You've got your wine and your fruit in one glass. This red wine sangria incorporates some traditional fruits (such as apples and oranges) to add bright, citrusy flavors to the wine. Then, depending on the season, add seasonal fruits such as fresh berries, peaches, or plums in summer. Looking for something with a tropical twist? Add chunks of mango or pineapple. Try a winter sangria with blood oranges, cranberries, or pomegranate seeds on cooler nights.

The patient gets good sangria. Despite how simple this recipe is to make, it does take some time and patience. For the flavors to meld, give the fruit and sangria at least eight hours to soak. Except for the fruit and fruit juice, this recipe contains no additional sweeteners. Sangria gains its natural sweetness from the juice of pineapple and orange (mango and pomegranate juice would work nicely, too). To taste, you can add simple syrup, agave, honey, or even maple syrup to your sangria to make it even sweeter. Add a shot of fruity liqueur, such as brandy, Grand Marnier, or triple sec, for an extra boost of flavor (and booze), or use your favorite hard liquor.

Recipe for 6 serving(s)
Ingredients:

• 1/2 c. brandy or fruit-based liqueur
• 1 6 oz can pineapple juice
• 1 orange
• 1/2 c. sliced strawberries
• 1/2 green apple, cored and sliced
• 1 peach or nectarine, pitted and sliced
• 1 750 mL bottle of red wine, chilled

Directions:

• Combine the brandy and pineapple juice in a ½-gallon sized container. Make a thorough stir to combine.
• the orange in half. Slice the remaining orange in half, then squeeze one-half of it into the pitcher. Put the orange, strawberry, apple, peach, and apple slices in the container. Red wine should be added on top, then mixed. 8 hours or overnight cooling Serve with a small amount of fruit in each glass over ice.

Sangria is an excellent make-ahead cocktail for entertaining. The fruit-filled wine punch can be made with red or white varietals (or rosé!) and is infinitely customizable with your favorite fruit combinations. But, especially if you're new to the sangria game, starting with a tried-and-true recipe is always a good idea. Cranberries, apples, and oranges, as well as orange liqueur and Campari, are used in this wintery version. It's festive and cheery. Simply combine everything in a pitcher and chill - all that's there is to it!

Plan ahead because sangria is best served chilled! You'll need plenty of time for your pitcher to chill in the fridge. Do you yearn for a comforting wine cocktail? Instead, think about Ree's cranberry mulled wine.

Although only 2 to 8 hours in the refrigerator are required for this recipe, you are welcome to leave it there overnight. That way, the fruit will absorb more liquid, which is always a good thing.

The type of fruit you use for sangria, whether red or white, should be seasonal. When it's cold outside, make this recipe again, but in the summer, try Ree's red wine sangria with pineapple juice, strawberries, and nectarines.

Recipe for 12 serving(s)

Ingredients:

• 2 750-ml bottles of dry red wine
• 1 c. cranberries (thawed if frozen)
• 1 c. orange liqueur (such as Cointreau)
• 1/2 c. Campari or Aperol
• 2 oranges, thinly sliced and quartered
• 2 apples, cut into 1-inch pieces

Directions:

• In a sizable pitcher or punch bowl, combine the wine, cranberries, orange liqueur, Campari or Aperol, oranges, and apples.
• Before serving, chill the sangria for two to six hours.