There’s no reason fancy drinks should only be served in swanky cocktail bars. Creating your very own custom cocktail is easier than you think! I like to begin by choosing flavors that are in season – fall flavors like apple cider or Concord grapes will be arriving at local farmers’ markets any day now (if they haven’t already). Using these ingredients, I’ve created two multi-serve cocktails that are easy to make ahead of time and are perfect for fall festivities.
Before we start, here’s a little introduction on how I set about creating a new cocktail. I always start with a single serving, then multiply for larger amounts, adjusting as I go. For a custom flavor, it can be helpful to find a classic cocktail recipe, then switch out one ingredient. The more comfortable you get with how flavors work together, the easier it will be.

Choose Your Base Flavor (1.5-3 ounces)
This is usually a juice — the fresher the better. You can also muddle fresh fruit to create the juice.
Choose Your Booze (1.5-2 ounces)
For something warm and cozy, go with a darker alcohol like bourbon or dark rum. For a bright and refreshing drink, go with lighter alcohol like gin or vodka.
Choose Your Sweetener (.5 ounces)
If you choose to use simple syrup, mix 1 part sugar, 1 part water. This can be infused with an additional flavor like an herb or spice. Other choices include maple, honey, or agave, diluted with equal parts water (so it doesn’t just sink to the bottom of the cocktail).

Choose Your Acid (.5 ounces)
Pick either lemon or lime.
Shaken, Stirred or Neither
For most cocktails, a cocktail shaker is filled with ice, then either shaken or stirred. Generally speaking, cocktails with more than 4 ingredients are shaken; shaking encourages flavors to blend and accelerates the melting process of the ice. Stirring is generally used for cocktails that have a stronger alcohol content, like a martini or Manhattan.
Optional: Seltzer (1-2 ounces)
For a lighter, more refreshing cocktail, add a little seltzer water to the strained cocktail just before serving.
Maple Concord
(Makes 10 servings)

You will need:
3/4 cup maple syrup
3/4 cup warm water
2 cups Concord grape juice
2 cups gin
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
Fresh Concord grapes, for garnish
1/4 cup demerara sugar, for garnish
1 large serving bottle
Toothpicks or small skewers
Cocktail glasses

Step 1: Gather your ingredients. Gently stir together the maple syrup and warm water until thoroughly combined.

Step 2: Using a funnel, combine the maple mixture, concord grape juice, gin, and lemon juice in the bottle. Close the cap and give it a gentle stir to mix, about 10 seconds. Chill.

Step 3: Meanwhile, place two Concord grapes on a toothpick or skewer, then gently roll them through the demerara sugar.

Step 4: When you’re ready to serve the drink, add the garnish grapes to each glass and set the bottle of the mixed cocktail next to your glasses for your guests to help themselves.
Spiced + Spiked Apple Cider
(Makes 12 servings)

You will need:
1/2 gallon fresh apple cider
2 cinnamon sticks
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
15 whole cloves
5 cardamom pods
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, preferably freshly ground
2 cups bourbon, optional (Note: this drink also tastes great without the bourbon)
1/4 cup cinnamon sugar (1 teaspoon cinnamon + 1/4 cup sugar), for garnish
Lemon, for garnish
12 cinnamon sticks, optional
Large wide mouth Ball jar and ladle or a large jar with a spigot
8 ounce Ball jars

Step 1: Pour the cider into a large pot over low heat.

Step 2: Next, gather your spices. Place the ginger, cloves and cardamom in a tea infuser and place in the cider. The cinnamon sticks and nutmeg can be placed directly into the cider. Gently stir.

Step 3: Let the spices and cider simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 4: Just before you’re ready to serve, prepare your glasses. Place the cinnamon sugar on a rimmed plate. Rub the rim of each glass with a lemon, then gently dip the rim into the cinnamon sugar. Add a cinnamon stick to each glass.

Step 5: If using bourbon, stir into the mulled cider or alternately, add 1 1/2 ounce bourbon to each glass. Ladle the cider into each glass and enjoy!
All photographs by Kelly Carámbula.
84 comments
Mary Lezcano from BellaBboutique said 7 years ago
Oh my, this spiked cider looks delish! Also nothing like a good mulled wine this time of year :)
Chris Evans from Plastidermy said 7 years ago
These drinks look gorgeous! We shall continue sipping on Mojitos in Miami though, our temperatures still feel like summer :(
Megan from MegansMenagerie said 7 years ago
Wow, this looks incredible! I can practically taste the Apple right now! Yum!
BluewaterStudio from CzechBeadBoutique said 7 years ago
YUMMMY!! I alway love the "food" posts - and the photos, AMAZING !!
Heather from heatherfuture said 7 years ago
Best. Blog post. Ever. But seriously, thanks for the great cocktail tips! Definitely a few steps up from the grog I typically swill.
Fred Wholley from PelekeArt said 7 years ago
They all look very yummy I would like to sample them all lol, especially the Spiked Apple : ) thanks for sharing
Lisa McGarry from PaperSynthesis said 7 years ago
I love both the art & the science of this mouthwatering post - and the styling of the photos is absolutely gorgeous... Thanks for the worthwhile pause from work - and the inspiration!
Adam Speicher from SpeicherBowTieCo said 7 years ago
yum!
Lolita from XandaRoe said 7 years ago
Everything here looks fabulous. Can't wait to try them out. Thanks for such a great DIY-er...XO
slvanderlooven said 7 years ago
Love the Spiced + Spiked Cider!! This is my first thanksgiving hosting -- this will be perfect treat :)
Patrick from EdelweissPost said 7 years ago
I'm having a Whiskey-tasting party in a few weeks ~ Three cocktails on the menu: Old Fashioned; Manhattan; And something with ginger!
Katie from efflorescentmetals said 7 years ago
These look fun and yummy, perfect for a little get together!
casa deboneca from casadeboneca said 7 years ago
can't wait to try...
Natalie from HansHolzkopf said 7 years ago
Yummy, yummy...Love the Maple Concord! thank you!
Natalie Jacob from EtymologyJewelry said 7 years ago
Looks delicious!!!
Lynsey from lmouer said 7 years ago
Delicious! Thanks for sharing!
Valerie from valeriestitchery said 7 years ago
Great ideas! I just bought an amazing set of mid-century cocktail tumblers from a fellow Etsy seller and I've been looking for an excuse to break them in!
Caroline from AnchorRoad said 7 years ago
At my house, we have fun coming up with and trying new cocktails! It's part of the creative life.
Camille Granger from RecharteJewelry said 7 years ago
Mmm yum! Makes me want to have a party just as an excuse to make these!
Aga from AgasJourney said 7 years ago
everything looks so yummy and inspiring. Thank you for sharing ideas
mazedasastoat from mazedasastoat said 7 years ago
Please, cider can ONLY be made out of pressed apples. If it's made out of pressed pears it's called perry. Calling it "apple cider" is like calling regular wine "grape wine". After having said that, please drink responsibly & remember that you don't actually NEED booze in order to have a good time!
Kasia B from ShesGUtSSY said 7 years ago
Oh! My goodness! I love these recipes! Although it's coming to summer here in Australia they just look divine!
racheal and erin from wildjuniper said 7 years ago
I love this! Perfect timing for the holidays! Thanks!
Tom and Patty Houha from ThomasHouhaDesigns said 7 years ago
Yum!
Kathy Johnson from kathyjohnson3 said 7 years ago
Love all the recipes! Thank-you for sharing!
GrowingOldTogether from GrowingOldTogether said 7 years ago
Gorgeous and I'm sure equally as tasty. In fact, I'm going to start collecting my ingredients for some of that cider!!!
Martha Layton Smith from opendoorstudio said 7 years ago
delish... who's up for a cocktail! LOVE this... always looking for a great recipe and this equation is one that is easy to remember. thanks for sharing!
paperlovespen from paperlovespen said 7 years ago
yes...please! I will take all of the above:)
unflappableproducts from unflappableproducts said 7 years ago
great ideas-beautiful photos!
Irma Galindo from iworkartwork said 7 years ago
Anything with apple cider sounds very good to me, I'll like it hot... so bad it can't be hot here in FL, I should pump up the AC and get it. Very beautiful pictures and article, thanks for sharing and make me want them, I'll try them all!
Deb Vasbinder from BabyCuteBaby said 7 years ago
Cocktail anyone?? Looks Wonderful! Thanks for sharing!
Heather from CallunaMuse said 7 years ago
MMM yum, these look fantastic, thank you for sharing!!
Linda from lovelygifts said 7 years ago
Looks great! Thank's for sharing!
Tania Persechino from TaniaMariasPlace said 7 years ago
Awesome, will try :) thanks for sharing !!!!
ChG Aquarelles from ArtbyChG said 7 years ago
hummmmm :)
Mike and Jess from JessiesOrientalRugs said 7 years ago
Those drinks look amazing, yum!
aressa from OriginalBridalHanger said 7 years ago
Thanks for the post...I really think it is neat when the bride and groom has a specialty drink for their wedding. This would be great information to use to create your own....
Denise from DeniseAnnette said 7 years ago
Great post! thanks, they look delish!
Brian McNamara from rarebeasts said 7 years ago
I can't wait to try this stuff.
Carter Seibels Singh from WomanShopsWorld said 7 years ago
Mmm...Cardamom, apple cider, and bourbon?! What's not to LOVE! I know what's going to keep me warm this winter ;-) Awesome recipe, thanks for sharing!
Samantha from DesignerPillowShop said 7 years ago
YUM!
Andrea Hughes from PopLoveHers said 7 years ago
Now HERE is a blog article I need to bookmark! Lately my sweetie and I have taken to preparing yummy cocktails on the weekends, but we can always use some fresh ideas. I like the scientific breakdown for making your own - that's definitely going to come in useful!
Felt K from feltk said 7 years ago
Looks delish! love it!
Leda Design from LedaDesign said 7 years ago
Yumm!
Michelle Brown from JustJaunty said 7 years ago
Oh my these look delicious and fancy!
D George from GeorgieGirlLLC said 7 years ago
Yummy!! Thanks for sharing!! Just remember, No Drinking and Driving!!! Drink responsibly!!
8point8 from ThinkEco2 said 7 years ago
I love your creations. In particular, the Maple Grape looks awesome! If I was you, I'd design my own cookbook of cocktails.
ClassicMemories from ClassicMemories said 7 years ago
Cheers!
Galina Bernadskaya from NiceKnittingClothes said 7 years ago
Very tasty!
Feather Sisters from FeatherSisters said 7 years ago
i am so ready to try that apple cider recipe! thanks for sharing!
Billy Bubbles from FireIslandSoap said 7 years ago
I don't drink, so I'll leave out the alcohol - Cant wait to try this! Thanks for the share, and great photography by the way
BeelightfulCreations from BeelightfulCreations said 7 years ago
This is great! I especially like the graphic of what goes into a cocktail. I'm not a huge fan of sweet drinks. Can I leave the sweetener out if I'm using juice?
MidwestAlchemy from MidwestAlchemy said 7 years ago
Yum!
Nerrissa W from RecycledWares said 7 years ago
Thanks for showing the ratio image. This is very helpful.
Jennifer Johnson from VintageLoot said 7 years ago
Delicious looking!!
Dee from craftbliss said 7 years ago
Sparkle makes everything better! Yum! ~Dee
Barbara from ionesAttic said 7 years ago
well done Kelly! now all you need is some vintage barware to serve it in!
Mel Zuydgeest from StunwithFun said 7 years ago
That cider sounds,or better reads...delish. Pity I only have about a cup left of some. On the other hand, that's all I need, forget about the rest of the family ;o)) Thank you for sharing this handy ratio and the tasty looking examples.
T T from TiffaneeTwisted said 7 years ago
Thanks! Both recipes look delicious!
VINTAGE NOW from ESTATENOW said 7 years ago
WOW.. I'm making some...
Burgess Smith from RiegelGoodsCompany said 7 years ago
Can't wait to try these - sound so good!!
Vintage Minnow from VintageMinnow said 7 years ago
So tasty. can't wait to make them!
accentonvintage from accentonvintage said 7 years ago
Great article! Love those drinks!
ladan sajadi from HeliaHerra said 7 years ago
I made the apple cider cocktail and it was perfect and everyone enjoyed thanks for sharing
NostalgicSummer from NostalgicSummer said 7 years ago
Great article...and just in time for holiday entertaining!
Lauren Magpie from MissMagpieShop said 7 years ago
Yum!!
Happy Yellow from HappyYellowTradingCo said 7 years ago
Ohh, I am totally going to make the apple cider! My husband and I are going to have our own Halloween party (yup, just the two of us!) watching all the Scream movies on the 31st - this will be the perfect accompaniment to pumpkin soup and yummy candy apples!
Caroline and Brandon Matey from TheMissingTagVintage said 7 years ago
Hard apple cider is my newest favorite thing! Love hot holiday cocktails. Cheers!!
Anemone from AnemoneReadsVintage said 7 years ago
Fantastic tutorial! The drinks look mighty good - might have to try some w/o the spike
Dickson Lee from Favormaking said 7 years ago
Wow! Delicious looking!!
Nicole from KarmaCodeOne said 7 years ago
stunning photo's , inviting and warm
Zeynep from ZeyJewel said 7 years ago
Love it!
Jessica Hinkle from LucyBellesCharms said 7 years ago
I will certainly be trying the spiced cider! Sounds delicious!
Lisa from NirvanaRoad said 7 years ago
OK Kelly- these look absolutely scrumptious!
Amber from BambuEarth said 7 years ago
♥♥♥ can't wait to make these!
Joanna Sargent from jojobeandesigns said 7 years ago
Mmm! Great post! I always make hot spiced cider for our annual holiday parties, but I do it in a crockpot like a 50s housewife:) A little cheesecloth bag full of star anise, cinnamon sticks, orange peel, and cloves makes a nice spice mix, too! We top it off with spiced rum.
HooksDoDesign from HooksDoDesign said 7 years ago
Wonderful recipes!
Christine Lavdovsky from BohemianFringe said 7 years ago
LOVE the little formula you start out with! Thank you for this post!
Create The Cut from CreateTheCut said 7 years ago
Mmmmm!
Bethany Petri from InfusedSoap said 7 years ago
This all looks fabulous! I can't wait to try these tips and recipes out! Thank You for sharing!
Kam from RiverGoddessBoutique said 7 years ago
I am so going to try this the next time the girls come round! : )
WHEATSHEAFaccessory from WHEATSHEAFaccessory said 7 years ago
SPICY <3
Katrina Dzerkale from Dominna said 7 years ago
Just in time for a ladies night :)
Koren Kwan from GarasuWonderland said 6 years ago
yum!