Shake things up

As the days get shorter and the weather finally stops serving heatwave, it’s officially time to refresh your bar cart. Whether you are hosting or just having a cozy night in, these recipes are absolute Ws for your autumn mood.

The lineup

First up, if you need that "millionaire" energy, grab some vodka from the freezer, dry vermouth, Angostura bitters, and top it with sparkling wine for a luxe martini. If you are in your tequila era, a quick mix of blanco tequila, lime, salt, and Mexican lime soda hits that sweet spot between a paloma and a margarita.

For the zero-proof crowd, the blackberry ginger shrub is highkey elite. You’ll need to macerate blackberries with sugar, spices, and apple cider vinegar for up to 48 hours, but the resulting syrup mixed with ginger beer and rosemary is a total vibe. If you’re feeling nostalgic for summer, try an Aperol blend made with freshly whizzed orange juice for a frothy, bittersweet treat.

Looking for something warm? Mulled apple juice with orange peel, cloves, and cinnamon is basically fall in a mug, especially when paired with a toasted marshmallow biscuit sandwich.

Why it matters

Curating your own drinks is a total flex and way cheaper than hitting the bars. Plus, these recipes are easy enough that you don't need a professional mixology degree to nail the aesthetic.