Turn classic drinks into fall and winter cocktails

The traditional whiskey old fashioned is arguably already made for sweater weather, given that it’s a perfect balance of sweet, vanilla and oaky flavors. Make it even more autumnal with maple syrup instead of simple syrup, apple cider for tartness, and a few dashes of chocolate bitters to highlight the richness of this Old Fashioned with maple syrup.

The martini is a classic for a reason – it’s simple, bright and elegant in both composition and presentation. This take on the drink incorporates pomegranate and apple flavors, providing a burst of sour fruit to balance out the sweet. Make a delicious pomegranate martini for a delicious drink whether you're entertaining at home or enjoying a nightcap.

The Kir Royale is another tried and true drink, made from a base of blackberry liqueur and topped off with Champagne. For this cooler weather version of the cocktail, substitute the liqueur for the fruity and tart taste of Pimm's No. 1 for a Pimm's Royale, toped with champagne. Throw a few cranberries on top for a festive touch.

Dark spirits like whiskey and rum often have warm and spicy tasting notes that make them perfect for sipping when the temperatures drop. This fall rum punch is tropical, sweet and fruity – but it has a nice undercurrent of vanilla and oak from the dark rum component. To add the fall feels, use apple juice or cider instead of pineapple, and swap the lime and orange juices for maple syrup and a splash of pear liqueur.

Tequila is a versatile spirit and therefore a champion of all seasons – whether you're bringing out tequila's sweet and fruity notes for your summer cocktails or the earthy, peppery notes for the colder months, there's a lot you can do with this spirit. Ranch water is such a popular tequila drink these days, and this minimal highball drink can be easily transformed into an Autumn Ranch Water with just a few simple ingredients. This autumnal variation adds a little apple to the mix, and a dried fruit and cinnamon stick garnish will bring some spice and sweet to the flavor profile.