After a season of light, fruity summer beverages, fall’s bar menus blend gravitas with just a hint of whimsy. Learn what top-shelf bars and refined palates are serving and drinking across New England this autumn.
With summer squarely in the rear view mirror, bartenders across New England are shelving their fruity, tropical concoctions. Melons, margaritas, and coladas, be gone. It's time for a change.
This fall, patrons want something deeper, more complex. Something silky to sip as they linger with friends. Something that warms them from the inside, as they ponder by firelight. A summer berry simply can't fuel that. Cocktail experts at Post 1917 Lexington share the trends they're seeing at the high-end, farm-to-table eatery.
They say that this fall, in bars across New England, classic drinks are trending - but with a modern twist. These fads capture the feelings of nostalgia common in fall and winter, as darkness and cold weather drive us to seek creature comforts. Still, these aren't your grandfather's Tom Collins - these updated concoctions infuse time-tested legacies with innovative ingredients and flavors.
Old Fashioneds are back, but with twists like cranberry and apple butter. Espresso Martinis have taken the after-dinner scene by storm. These cocktails don't have vermouth or gin like a classic martini, but instead are made with freshly-brewed espresso, vodka, and coffee liqueur.
As focus on health - physical and mental - increases, many customers are seeking non-alcoholic beverages, stats show. But sober-curious patrons in fine dining establishments want more than water, soda, or Shirley Temples. They're after a more upscale experience that allows them to be a part of social occasions without including alcohol. Thus, mocktails are born.
Many popular fall mocktails are apple cider-based, like alcohol-free sangria and Cider Mule. Other seasonal favorites include pumpkin and pomegranate flavors. Sophisticated notes of ginger, cinnamon, and orange add depth and dimension.
There's a bar on nearly every corner, so finding one that's worth your Friday night can be challenging. The drink experts at Post 1917 give these helpful hints:
This fall's drink trends highlight the things we feel at this time of year - complexity, nostalgia, and a commitment to health and individuality. Finding a watering hole that values what you value - whether that self-care looks like a luxurious cocktail or a buzz-free specialty - is essential. Drink up!
