Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic34.7% ABV6 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderatestirred drink
Why: 6 ingredients, stirred drink, requires mixing glass, bar spoon
Best for: Charcuterie, BBQ / Cookout, Winter / Cozy
Ingredients & Tools
BaseModifierBittersGarnish
- 0.75 ozStraight Rye WhiskeyBase
- 0.75 ozApple BrandyBase
- 0.75 ozSweet VermouthModifier
- 0.75 ozStrega
- 2 dashesAngostura BittersBitters
- 1 garnishOrange TwistGarnish
Tools:mixing glassbar spoon
How to Make It
StirGarnish
- Stir with ice and strain into ice-filled old-fashioned glass.StirStirring chills and dilutes while keeping the drink clear and smooth.
- Add orange twist.GarnishGarnish changes aroma, presentation or final flavour impression.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Try alcohol-freeBrowse mocktails and zero-ABV alternatives.Make it lighterTry a longer serve style, more ice, soda, tonic or a lower-ABV alternative.Lower the sugarCompare with drinks that use less estimated sugar per serve.Lower the caloriesCompare with drinks that sit lower on estimated calories per serve.
Swap notes
Base spiritsThis drink uses more than one base spirit, so changing one bottle can shift the balance quickly. Keep the total spirit amount similar and swap within a similar style if you want the drink to stay close to the original.CitrusA citrus twist mostly changes aroma, not acidity. Lemon, orange and grapefruit twists each push the drink in a different direction.BittersAngostura bitters add spice, clove and cinnamon warmth. Orange bitters swap in cleanly if you want a brighter, more citrus-forward result. Peychaud's is lighter and more floral โ it works well in spirit-forward drinks where you want less spice weight.
GarnishA citrus twist adds aroma and oils to the surface of the drink without changing acidity. Lemon is sharp and clean, orange is softer and sweeter, grapefruit is more bitter. Express the peel over the glass and wipe the rim for maximum impact.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Autumn Leaves?
- The Autumn Leaves is a cocktail made with 6 ingredients, traditionally served in a Old-Fashioned Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 34.7%. A standard serving contains approximately 220 calories.
- What does a Autumn Leaves taste like?
- Autumn Leaves has a flavour profile featuring Spice, Oak, Bitter, Apple. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Autumn Leaves?
- Autumn Leaves pairs well with Charcuterie. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Autumn Leaves?
- The Autumn Leaves has an ABV of approximately 34.7%. That's approximately 1.27 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 220 calories, 8.9g sugar, 12.0g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Autumn Leaves typically served?
- Autumn Leaves is a popular choice for BBQ / Cookout, Winter / Cozy. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Autumn Leaves?
- If you enjoy Autumn Leaves, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a Autumn Leaves at home?
- Yes. The Autumn Leaves uses 6 ingredients, making it more involved to prepare at home. You will need a Old-Fashioned Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Autumn Leaves with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.

