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Cocktail History
The Falling Leaves is an autumn cocktail that was created by Jassy Davis and was first published in her book Winter Warmers: 60 Cosy Cocktails for Autumn & Winter. It takes the familiar template of a Manhattan that calls for whiskey, a fortified wine, and bitters, and it gives it some rich, fall dessert flair with a unique alpine amaro, caramelized fig, and chocolate.
Cocktail Ingredients
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Rye: This is a type of whiskey made with at least 51% rye grain, malted barley, corn, and water. I used Sazerac Rye 18-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey.
Amaro Montenegro: This is a liqueur made in Italy with a secret blend of forty botanicals, spices, sugar, and alcohol.
Caramelized Fig Syrup: This is a sweetener made with figs, cane sugar, gum arabic power, and water. I used Liber & Co. Caramelized Fig Syrup.
Chocolate Bitters: This is a food product made with chocolate, botanicals, herbs, and alcohol. I used Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate Bitters.
Orange Slice: This is a slice of an orange that has been cut into a half wheel shape.
Bartending Tools
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:
Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. I used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Mixing Glass: This is used to hold the ingredients while they’re being stirred. I used the Viski 17 oz Cocktail Mixing Glass.
Bar Spoon: This is used to stir ingredients. I used the Barfly Stainless Steel Teardrop Bar Spoon.
Julep Strainer: This is used to strain out ice and solid ingredients after the cocktail is stirred. I used the A Bar Above Julep Strainer.
Paring Knife: This is used to cut ingredients. I used the OXO Good Grips 3.5 Inch Paring Knife.
This post contains affiliate links, meaning we make a small commission each time you purchase a product using our links. Product images sourced from Amazon Product Advertising API. Amazon affiliate links last updated on 2025-01-15.
Tasting Notes
This cocktail has the following flavor profile:
• Appearance: Dark brown color
• Aroma: Bright orange, chocolate, and spices
• Taste: Punchy rye whiskey flavor sweetened by fig syrup and complex amaro notes
• Finish: Sweet chocolate and more spices
Kendall’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kendall’s Take: “I love tiki drinks during the warm months, but if I’m honest, my heart will always belong to fall flavors. And wow, was this an incredible autumn-inspired tipple with which to start the season. I usually prefer bourbon, but rye is the perfect pairing with this recipe’s deep chocolate notes and interesting alpine amaro. The Falling Leaves is truly a delight, and I can definitely see myself drinking it a lot this season.”
Recipe
This cocktail recipe was adapted from Winter Warmers: 60 Cosy Cocktails for Autumn & Winter by Jassy Davis.
This post contains affiliate links, meaning we make a small commission each time you purchase a product using our links. Product images sourced from Amazon Product Advertising API. Amazon affiliate links last updated on 2025-01-15.
Falling Leaves
The Falling Leaves is an autumn cocktail that was created by Jassy Davis and was first published in her book Winter Warmers: 60 Cosy Cocktails for Autumn & Winter. It takes the familiar template of a Manhattan that calls for whiskey, a fortified wine, and bitters, and it gives it some rich, fall dessert flair with a unique alpine amaro, caramelized fig, and chocolate.
Ingredients
Method
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Add rye, Amaro Montenegro, toasted fig syrup, chocolate bitters, and cubed ice to a mixing glass.
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Stir for 30-45 seconds.
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Strain into a lowball glass over fresh cracked ice.
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Garnish with orange slice.
