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Bringing a Tropical Vibe to Fall Cocktails
with Falernum, Tamarind, and Apple Spice Cocktail Syrups
As the leaves begin to fall and the cool air sets in, it's easy for our cocktail menus to transition into the typical warm spices, brown spirits, and deep flavors associated with the season. But what if we could capture the essence of tropical summer and blend it with the cozy vibes of fall? With the right cocktail syrups, it's not only possible—it's an innovative way to keep your menu fresh and exciting. Let’s talk about how Liquid Alchemist Premium Cocktail Syrups can help you bring a vibrant, tropical twist to your fall and holiday offerings, featuring falernum, tamarind, and apple spice syrups.
For members of the United States Bartender’s Guild (USBG), the fall season offers an opportunity to break away from the expected and explore new flavor profiles that excite your clientele while celebrating the warmth of the season. With premium ingredients and high-quality syrups, creating tropical-inspired fall cocktails is easier than ever. Below, we explore how to use falernum, tamarind, and apple spice syrups in three standout cocktails designed for fall menus, including a special Winter Old Fashioned, a Tamarind Whiskey Sour, and a non-alcoholic Apple Sage Smash.
Falernum: The Secret to Elevating Fall Cocktails
Falernum is an exotic syrup that brings flavors of the Caribbean, with its mix of lime, ginger, almond, and clove. Traditionally used in tiki drinks, falernum can surprisingly enhance autumnal cocktails with its balance of sweetness, spice, and citrus. The syrup’s inherent warmth complements fall’s richer, darker spirits—like bourbon and rum—while the subtle tropical notes give drinks an unexpected twist. Let’s start with a cocktail that does just that.
Winter Old Fashioned
- 2 oz Bourbon
- ¼ oz Liquid Alchemist Falernum
- ¼ oz HipStirs Old Fashioned Syrup
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters
- 1 dash cacao bitters
The Winter Old Fashioned combines the comforting, earthy richness of bourbon with the unique warmth of falernum. The hint of ginger and clove from the falernum brings a tropical brightness to this classic drink, transforming it into something fit for colder weather but with a nod to warmer shores.
Instructions: Stir all ingredients together in a mixing glass with ice until well chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with a dried orange wheel for added citrus aroma and an attractive visual touch.
The result is a cocktail that invites warmth and richness but keeps things intriguing with layers of spice and the tropical undertones of falernum. It's a great way to put a creative spin on the familiar old fashioned while staying within the boundaries of a fall-forward drink.
Tamarind: A Bold and Unexpected Ingredient
Tamarind brings a distinct, slightly sour and tangy flavor that adds a refreshing counterbalance to the sweetness of many cocktails. Its complex flavor profile is ideal for bartenders looking to introduce something new to their fall menus, especially when paired with whiskey. Tamarind syrup can take traditional cocktails and elevate them with a bold tropical character.
Tamarind Whiskey Sour
- 2 oz Whiskey
- 1 oz Lemon Juice
- ½ oz Liquid Alchemist Tamarindo Syrup
- ½ oz Liquid Alchemist Simple Syrup
- 1 Egg White
Tamarind might not be the first flavor that comes to mind for fall cocktails, but its unique tang and tartness pair beautifully with whiskey, especially when balanced with the citrus of fresh lemon juice. The egg white adds a creamy texture, making this drink as smooth and comforting as it is surprising.
Instructions: Dry shake all ingredients to emulsify the egg white, then add ice and shake again. Fine strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with two dashes of aromatic bitters and a cherry.
The Tamarind Whiskey Sour provides a delicious contrast of flavors. The tartness of the tamarind and lemon highlights the depth of the whiskey, while the egg white adds a silky mouthfeel. It’s a bold, tropical-inspired twist on the classic whiskey sour that’s perfect for chilly nights when your guests still crave something bright and refreshing.
Apple Spice: Cozy Comfort with a Tropical Twist
Apple spice is a quintessential flavor of fall, but it doesn’t have to be paired with heavy flavors. Instead, apple spice can work beautifully in light, refreshing cocktails, especially when combined with sage and club soda for a low-proof or non-alcoholic option. This syrup captures the essence of fall while remaining versatile enough to mix into a variety of drinks.
Apple Sage Smash
- 2 oz Optimist Fresh or Whiskey Alternative
- 1 oz Liquid Alchemist Apple Spice Syrup
- ½ oz Lemon Juice
- 2 oz Club Soda
- 3-4 Fresh Sage Leaves
For guests who prefer non-alcoholic options or a lighter cocktail, the Apple Sage Smash is the perfect choice. The apple spice syrup delivers the familiar warmth of fall, while the lemon juice and club soda keep the drink light and effervescent. Fresh sage adds a herbal touch, making this cocktail a sensory delight.
Instructions: Combine all ingredients (except club soda) in a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Fine strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Top with club soda and garnish with a few sage leaves.
This drink offers all the cozy flavors of autumn with the brightness and freshness you might associate with the warmer months. The combination of apple, lemon, and sage creates a balanced, refreshing cocktail that’s perfect for those looking to enjoy fall flavors without the heaviness of a traditional spirit-forward drink.
A New Take on Fall and Holiday Cocktails
As bartenders, it's important to keep pushing the boundaries and offering something new to your guests—whether that’s using tropical ingredients to breathe life into fall staples or creating seasonal variations on classic cocktails. Premium syrups like Liquid Alchemist Falernum, Tamarindo, and Apple Spice open up endless possibilities for experimentation and innovation in your fall cocktail menus.
Whether you're behind the bar at a high-end cocktail lounge, running the program at a bustling restaurant, or crafting menus for a special event, these syrups help you stand out. Their premium quality and unique flavor profiles allow you to create tropical-inspired fall cocktails that are both unexpected and perfectly in tune with the season.
If you're ready to bring new life to your cocktail program this fall, download our complete holiday cocktail guide for even more inspiration. The guide is packed with recipes, tips, and techniques to help you craft a standout fall and holiday menu. Visit https://liquid-alchemist.com/holiday-cocktail-recipe-guide/ to get your free download and start shaking up something extraordinary this season.
By introducing tropical flavors like falernum and tamarind into fall drinks, bartenders can create something truly memorable. Pair these exotic notes with the familiar comforts of fall ingredients like bourbon and apple spice, and you'll have a winning formula for a seasonal menu that stands out and keeps guests coming back for more. Check out our lineup of 15 premium cocktail syrups at liquid-alchemist.com.