The first few weeks of autumn may have some people reaching for a sweater or rake, but here on the North Fork we make autumn-inspired libations.
While the Upper Fork loves every change of season, the fall is when things really heat up — and slow down — with the grape harvest, apple and pumpkin picking, corn mazes, fresh baked pies and fall releases from local breweries.
Here are five seasonal concoctions to get you inspired for fall on the North Fork and Shelter Island.
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Touch of Venice’s Harvest Cocktail and Figtini
Made with Woodford Reserve Bourbon, St. Germaine liquor, fresh lemon and Wickham’s apple cider, Touch of Venice’s Harvest Cocktail is a perfect North Fork cocktail. The cider and fresh lemon make this drink a refreshing surprise.
In the fall, figs also figure prominently on the menu, according to owner Brian Pennacchia.
“We do figs a couple of ways in September and October,” Pennacchia said. “We do an appetizer, an entree and now a drink with it.” The figtini features Stoli Vanilla Vodka with equal parts Figenza Vodka and Grand Marnier, served with a slice of fresh fig.
Touch of Venice is located at 28350 Main Road. Call (631) 298-5851 or visit touchofvenice.com.
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Greenport Harbor Brewing Company’s Leaf Pile Ale
If it’s autumn, that means that Greenport Harbor Brewing Company has re-released its seasonal Leaf Pile Ale. A balanced beer with hand-selected additions of ginger, cinnamon, whole bean vanilla, allspice, nutmeg and pumpkin, this aromatic brew has been described as pumpkin in a glass.
Greenport Harbor Brewing Company has two locations: 234 Carpenter Street in Greenport and 42155 Main Road in Peconic. Call (631) 477-1100 or visit greenportharborbrewing.com.
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Hampton Coffee Company’s Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte
If you’re looking for something non-alcoholic, try Hampton Coffee Company’s new pumpkin spice chai latte. It’s a sweet and mild drink that pleases your sweet tooth as it warms the stomach.
“Hampton Coffee Company’s new pumpkin spice chai latte is a deliciously spiced pumpkin latte that combines two of our fall favorites, chai tea and pumpkin,” said Edyth Collins, head of marketing and public relations at Hampton Coffee. “It’s made with chai tea, organic pumpkin flavoring and your choice of milk.”
Hampton Coffee Company is located at 272 Main Road in Aquebogue. Call (631) 779-2862 or visit hamptoncoffeecompany.com.
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The Ram’s Head Inn’s Smashing Pumpkin Cocktail
On Shelter Island, be sure to stop in at the Ram’s Head Inn and try the seasonal Smashing Pumpkin. Made with Soltado Spicy Añejo tequila, local apple cider, pumpkin spice syrup and a shot of pumpkin flavored beer, it’s then garnished with a slice of fresh apple and a dash of nutmeg.
“It’s a very refreshing cocktail, and the warm Serrano spice verses the cool sweetness of the cider and pumpkin is perfect for this season,” said Harry Brigham, the inn’s bar manager and mixologist.
The Ram’s Head Inn is located at 108 Ram Island Drive on Shelter Island. Call (631) 749-0811 or visit theramsheadinn.com.
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Long Ireland Beer Company’s Pumpkin Ale
Also back for the fall is Long Ireland Beer Company’s Pumpkin Ale, made with real pumpkin purée and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice. The pale and crystal malts help balance the flavor along with German Tettnang Hops.
Long Ireland Beer Company is located at 817 Pulaski Street in Riverhead. Call (631) 403-4303 or visit longirelandbrewing.com.
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Lucharito’s Spiked Apple Cider Margartia
With a strong apple flavor and a taste of ginger, this cocktail is sure to warm your belly on a cold day. It’s made with Smith and Forge hard cider, agave, silver tequila, triple sec and ginger liqueur.
Lucharitos is located at 119 Main Street in Greenport. Call (631) 477-6666 or visit lucharitos.com.
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