Sip Into the Season: Autumn-Inspired Cocktails for National Happy Hour Day

As autumn's chill begins to settle in, there's no better way to celebrate National Happy Hour Day than with a selection of warm and inviting cocktails that capture the essence of the season. These four delightful drinks bring together the flavors and aromas of fall, making them the perfect companions for cozy evenings and lively gatherings. So, put on your favorite sweater, gather your friends, and let's toast to National Happy Hour Day with these autumn-inspired libations.

Spiced Apple Cider Moscow Mule: This twist on the classic Moscow Mule combines the crispness of apple cider with the warmth of ginger and spices, making it a delightful fall sipper.
Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka

• 4 oz apple cider

• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice

• 1/2 oz ginger syrup

• Ice

• Ginger beer

• Apple slices and cinnamon sticks for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a copper mug or highball glass, combine vodka, apple cider, lime juice, and ginger syrup.

2. Fill the glass with ice.

3. Top it off with ginger beer.

4. Garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick for a touch of autumn charm.
   
   

Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned: The Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned takes the traditional whiskey cocktail and infuses it with the cozy flavors of pumpkin spice, creating a perfect autumn nightcap.
Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey

• 1/2 oz pumpkin spice syrup

• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters

• Orange peel

• Ice

Instructions:

1. In a mixing glass, add the whiskey, pumpkin spice syrup, and bitters.

2. Fill the glass with ice and stir until well-chilled.

3. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.

4. Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink, then garnish with the peel.
   
   

Cranberry Thyme Gin Fizz: This cocktail combines the tartness of cranberries with the herbal notes of thyme and the brightness of gin, making it a perfect balance of flavors for autumn.
Ingredients:

• 2 oz gin

• 1 oz cranberry juice

• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice

• 1/2 oz thyme-infused simple syrup

• Club soda

• Ice

• Fresh cranberries and thyme sprigs for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, combine gin, cranberry juice, lemon juice, and thyme-infused simple syrup.

2. Shake well and strain into a highball glass filled with ice.

3. Top with club soda to your liking.

4. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of thyme.
   
   

Maple Bourbon Sour: The Maple Bourbon Sour is a rich and comforting cocktail that combines the sweetness of maple syrup with the warmth of bourbon for a perfect autumn treat.
Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon

• 1 oz fresh lemon juice

• 1/2 oz maple syrup

• Egg white (optional)

• Ice

• Lemon twist for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, combine bourbon, lemon juice, maple syrup, and, if desired, an egg white.

2. Shake vigorously for a good froth.

3. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.

4. Garnish with a lemon twist.

National Happy Hour Day is the ideal occasion to explore these delicious and autumn-inspired cocktails. From the Spiced Apple Cider Moscow Mule to the Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned, the Cranberry Thyme Gin Fizz, and the Maple Bourbon Sour, there's a drink for every palate. So, raise your glasses, enjoy the flavors of fall, and make this Happy Hour a celebration to remember. Cheers to the beauty of autumn!