Leaves aren't the only thing changing colors during fall. It's time to start imbibing some deeper-hued spirits. Here are five great liqueurs to spice up your autumn. They're all certified organic, but that's just an added benefit. Quality comes first, and these are all welcome additions to any cocktail.
Crop Organic Spiced Pumpkin Vodka
If you want to save time baking a pie, just pour your dinner guests a glass of this Spiced Pumpkin Vodka instead. The nose is elegant — picture a jack-o'-lantern in a tuxedo — and the taste sublime. It'll turn any cocktail into its autumn counterpart, but it's delicious on its own. Crop does a full line of flavored vodkas, all made from American grain and distilled and bottled in Minnesota.
Green Mountain Distillers makes organic vodkas and gins, but how could you be in Vermont and not take advantage of all that maple syrup? This liqueur has a very subtle nose — the maple really comes through on the palate. It's sweet and, of course, a little syrupy tasting, but not cloying. Perfect for adding some fall flavor to your cocktails, but keep them simple or you'll overpower the maple taste.
Art In The Age Root
Philadelphia's Art In The Age makes an interesting range of spirits, and their Root is perfect for fall. It's based on "Root Tea" — which your ancestors were partying with in the 1700s until the temperance movement put an end to those shenanigans. People then had to start settling for root beer. This revival is made with birch bark, smoked black tea and a number of spices like cardamom, clove, nutmeg and anise. While the nose will be familiar, this is not an attempt at making an alcoholic root beer. It's a unique spirit that, according to the company, was taught by Native Americans to European settlers. There's enough going on in it already — drink it neat if you want the real experience.
Crusoe Organic Spiced Rum
Yes, flavor is most important. But how good will you feel knowing every time you drink a bottle of rum a tree has been planted? This practice makes Greenbar Distillery carbon negative — they reduce carbon emission rather than produce it — and the company also uses lightweight glass. The nose on this is another dessert-in-a-glass experience. It's flavored with cinnamon, cloves, vanilla and nutmeg — the rum then comes through when you taste it. Best for cocktails.
Square One Basil Flavored Organic Vodka
OK, this one may not be exactly autumn. But if you're missing your summer pestos, this is the most fun way to remember the flavor. Square One has been making top quality vodkas since 2006, all from rye. And, unlike most other vodkas, they brag that their product only needs one distillation, since with their organic methods "Square One never contains those impurities, so it doesn't have to distill them out." After tasting the vodka, it's hard to argue. A pure clean vodka with organic basil essences.
