Bars and restaurants of downtown Fargo are switching things up to welcome the change in season, and crafty cocktails are no exception. The flavors of fall are here, and you deserve a lot more than just a pumpkin spice latte. Grab your flannels and sweaters and get one of these drinks in your hands ASAP, before winter arrives.
Mezzaluna
Orange, spice and everything nice is all wrapped up in this cocktail. This twist on a classic Negroni cocktail is an impeccable combination of bitter, savory and sweet notes that will leave you craving another before your glass is empty.
BLACK MARKET NEGRONI
1 1/2 oz. Fords Gin
1/2 oz. Sweet Vermouth infused with spiced orange black tea
1/2 oz. Tatersall Bitter Orange Liqueur
1/2 oz. Cynar Liqueur
Pour spirits in a mixing glass and stir, pour over ice in a rocks glass.
*Check out Mezzaluna’s new fall food menu debuting October 1, with a new cocktail menu to follow.
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Toasted Frog
This heart-warming cocktail will tap your tastebuds with a fulfilling blend of bourbon, apple and maple flavors. You’ll taste notes of maple throughout the entire drink without it being too overpowering, as well as apple-forwardness all to balance out the bourbon.
THE NORTHLANDER
1 1/2 oz. Proof’s Crooked Furrow (Harvest Blend)
1 oz. Tattersall Apple Brandy
2 dashes Abbott’s bitters
1/2 oz. pure maple syrup
Lightly shake over ice, double strain and garnish with an orange peel.
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Pounds
If you haven’t seen, had or heard about the Fruitopia drink series at Pounds, you’re really missing out. Served in a mason jar, these drinks are loaded with flavors that will take you back to the popular beverage of the ’90s. With a new fall menu on deck, you can treat your taste buds to a spiked apple cider version of this local favorite.
APPLE CIDER FRUITOPIA
1 oz. UV Apple Vodka
1 1/2 oz. DeKupyer Buttershots
1/2 oz. cinnamon liqueur
Build over ice, top off with apple cider and add cinnamon sticks and a dash of cinnamon for garnish.
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Twist
If you’re looking to cling to the sweetness of summer during your transition to fall, then this cocktail is your go-to. This one’s got an impeccable blend of sweet and spicy notes, complimented by the savory flavor of oregano to pull you back into fall.
THE GOBLET OF FIRE
1 1/2 oz. Aviation Gin
3/4 oz. tangerine purée
2 oz. pineapple juice
Jalapeño, muddled
Oregano for garnish
Muddle jalapeño in shaker and mix spirits, pour over ice and add garnish.
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Rosey’s Bistro
This take on a classic cocktail is like apple pie in a glass. It’s spirit forward, but incredibly smooth without being overly sweet, making it an approachable beverage for whiskey and non-whiskey lovers alike.
APPLE CINNAMON OLD FASHIONED
2 oz. homemade apple whiskey
Barspoon of cinnamon whiskey (try ND Sweet Crude)
2 dashes black walnut bitters
1/2 oz. apple cider
Stir with ice and strain over a whiskey ball. Garnish with an apple wedge and cinnamon stick.
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Proof Artisan Distillers
What would a fall cocktail be without using the best harvest ingredients? Ground cherries and musk melon are both fall items that are in season right now, and this cocktail pairs them with classic autumn flavors such as nutmeg and honey for an earthy, refreshing and perfectly sweet taste.
GROUND CHERRY & MUSKMELON MAGIC
1 1/2 oz. Proof’s Old Tom Gin
2 muddled ground cherries (Check out Growing Up North Farms)
1 oz. muskmelon purée
1/2 oz. nutmeg honey
Stir and strain into a chilled coupe glass.