Things to Do: Fall Sips

THINGS TO DO

IN THE VALLEY

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7Sensational Seasonal Fall Sips

Temperatures may be dipping, but Valley nightlife has never been hotter, thanks to these fabulous

fall cocktails. ALISON BAILIN BATZ

1 CHARLIE BROWN

Paying homage to the holiday classic It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, this autumnal offering starts with a coffeeinfused pumpkin reduction and top-shelf bourbon. The dreamy duo is then combined with sweet amaro and Vecchio Amaro Del Capo, which is an Italian liqueur with bittersweet tastes of orange, chamomile, and peppermint. Bonus: There’s a candy-coated rim and touch of caramel, too! $13 at www.nookkitchen.com

2 CAFÉ DE FUEGO ESPECIAL

As much a show as a sweet sipper, this hot cocktail is made using coffee, Bailey’s Irish Cream and Frangelico. The kicker: it is combined tableside in a glass that has been prepped with cinnamon and spices so it can be flambéed in front of the guest’s eyes. Once the fire dances around the glass it simmers down, and a topping of fresh whipped cream is dolloped atop the sizzling concoction as a creamy, cooling garnish. $20 at www.scottsdaleprincess.com

3 CIDER & SAGE

Subtly sweet with just a hint of bubbly effervesce, this herbal offering starts with house-made pear purée and Gruet Blanc de Noirs sparkling wine. It then adds Ketel One Vodka to the mix, followed by a touch of rich maple syrup, an inspired complement to the pear, and garnishment of sage, which adds an earthiness and complexity without overpowering. $15 at www.jgsteakhouse scottsdale.com

4 VARIATION ONE

This savory vibrant plum brandy cocktail benefits from rum that has been aged in whiskey barrels, as well as elderberry mesquite honey syrup and rosemary sage bitters, which together add a complexity and viscosity that is contrasted by the bright and fresh combination of citrus and herbs. The sexy garnishment of dehydrated plum sugar, as well as actual sliced plums, takes it over the top. $17 at www.theamericano restaurant.com

5 MAPLE JOSE

Hello, adult apple cider! A celebration of some of fall’s best flavors, this cocktail starts with the so-wild-it-works combination of smoky mezcal and sweet Grand Marnier. Fresh apple cider, maple syrup, and lime juice are then added, providing both sweet and spicy notes that complement the mezcal and create a sip that warms the soul. $14 at www.thecraftsmanaz.com

6 HERMOSA NIGHTCAP

With five fireplaces from which to choose, there is no place better to enjoy an after-dinner drink—or happy hour—than on the patio at LON’s. This nightcap, which is a smooth blend of brandy, Licor 43, Kahlua, and cold brew that has been shaken with ice and topped with foam and chocolate shavings, is out to make each of the evening’s sips as spectacular as the site itself all season long. $12 at www.lons.com

7 ANTI-SOCIAL MAN

You will be anything but anti-social when this conversation-starting fall cocktail arrives at the table. A truly evocative recipe and pristine presentation, it starts with ginger snap-infused scotch and a hint of banana syrup. Nutty walnut liqueur, Giffard Banane du Brésil Liqueur, and white vinegar are then added before it is strained into the glass and garnished with a Turkish tea cookie. $16 at www.centurygrandphx.com