September officially marks the end of summer and the beginning of fall. But you can often feel that summer breeze one day, and the next get hit with some evening autumn chill. The changing weather also means transition into different beverages. While the weather starts to cool off and the days get shorter, our taste for what to drink changes.
Put down the flavored tequila and lime juice, and pick up a pumpkin flavored ale and spiced cider or just-chilled red wine. To solve the confusion of what to drink as the seasons change, we gathered up five transition drinks to slip into fall with this September.
2017 Diffraction Red Wine Blend » Cairdeas Winery
Start your night-in with this delicious red blend. Made by Cairdeas Winery from Manson, Washington, this wine is best served after being chilled in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. The word cairdeas means friendship in Gaelic and Cairdeas Winery believes its wine is best when shared with others. The red blend — 32 percent Syrah, 20 percent Grenache, 16 percent Cinsault, 11 percent Counoise, 7 percent Petite Sirah, 6 percent Alicante Bouschet — brings bold and robust flavors of plums and cherries, with earth and spice, and is ripe for a night in with friends and family.
Night Owl Pumpkin Ale » Elysian Brewing Co.
The OG of pumpkin beers, Elysian Brewing Co.’s limited release of its Night Owl Pumpkin Ale is not to be missed. Night Owl is blended with roasted pumpkin seeds, ginger, cinnamon and other spices before being brewed. Elysian has logged the creation of over 350 craft beers in its tenure and the Night Owl is the made for anyone who wishes the seasons could change faster.
Apple Reserve » Clear Creek Distillery
Based in Hood River, Oregon, Clear Creek Distillery has been distilling brandies and liqueurs for over 30 years. Yakima Valley-grown Golden Delicious apples are crushed and fermented then distilled into a brandy that is full is full of apple flavor as well as oak flavor. The Apple Reserve is aged for eight years in French Limousin barrels before bottling. Paired well with a cheese platter or chocolate, this spirit is a great drink to have during apple season.
Spiced Chai Dry Hard Cider » North Idaho Cider
Known for dry and crisp ciders, North Idaho Cider in Hayden, Idaho, produces a Spiced Chai sip that is ideal for anyone who drinks a chai tea latte. Cinnamon, clove and cardamom are added to the cider, then it is finished with a touch of ginger and vanilla to give a well-balanced flavor for fall. Bake cinnamon rolls or simply have chocolate with this cider for a delicious ending to your day.
Moscow Mule » Dry Fly Distilling
Just released in August, Dry Fly Distilling’s latest canned cocktail is made with its award-winning vodka to create a fun and easy way to drink this classic cocktail. Based out of Spokane, Washington, the distillery got its namesake from the craft of fly fishing, which the team believes is similar to the craft of distilling — both requiring time and patience. The Moscow Mule is distilled with craft ginger syrup along with lime juice before going into the can. Made for any occasion, take the beverage on any hike this month before the weather turns.
