The changing seasons are always something I look forward to, autumn especially so. We'll bring loved ones together, celebrating the survival of another fun filled summer, and prepare the incredible feast that will become Thanksgiving dinner.

But no feast is complete without a compliment of Fall inspired cocktails both sophisticated and varied enough to satisfy your guests' pallet. Ranging from high notes of citrus and honey, to tones of spice and smoke down below, a good Fall cocktail list will make for both great apéritifs and digestifs.

As you prepare for a memorable Thanksgiving dinner with loved ones, let Cruzan Rum, Basil Hayden’s, Knob Creek, and Laphroaig take the stress of planning the cocktail menu off your plate. With a variety of recipes and flavor profiles to choose from, these cocktails are sure to please every person (and personality!) seated at your table.

For the Seasonal Celebrator

Cruzan® Sparkling Honey Diamond

Ingredients:

1 1/2 parts Cruzan® Estate Diamond® Dark Rum
3/4 part Lime Juice
3/4 part Honey Syrup
Sparkling Wine

Method: Combine rum, juice and syrup over ice and shake for 15 seconds. Fine strain into a chilled champagne flute. Top with sparkling wine.

For the Traditionalist

Knob Creek® Old Fashioned Holiday (recipe by Celebrity Chef Michael Symon)

Ingredients:
1 1/2 Parts Knob Creek® Rye Whiskey
1/2 Part Cinnamon Syrup
1/2 Part Lemon
1 Part Wild Ale (like Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales®)
1 Egg White
Nutmeg for Garnish

Method: Combine all ingredients in a bar tin without ice. Shake for 20 seconds. Add ice and shake for another 20 seconds. Double strain into chilled lowball glass and garnish with grated nutmeg.

For the Cocktail Connoisseur

Laphroaig® Montgomerie Smoked Cider

Ingredients:
1 1⁄2 parts Laphroaig® 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
3 parts apple cider
1 part fresh lemon sour

Method: Build over ice in order. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

For the Whiskey Novice

Basil Hayden’s® Spiced Cocoa

Ingredients:
2 parts Basil Hayden's® Bourbon
1/4 part Nocello® Walnut Liqueur
2 parts Spicy Hot Cocoa* (see recipe below)
2 Chili Peppers (for garnish)

Method: Pre-heat mug by filling it with hot water - discard water after 30 seconds. Add Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon and Nocello® Walnut Liqueur to the heated mug. Add the spicy hot cocoa and gently mix together. Garnish with chili peppers.

Spicy Hot Cocoa*
Ingredients:
1/2 Tbsp. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
1/2 Tbsp. Sugar
Pinch of Salt
Pinch of Cayenne Pepper
1/4 Cup Water

Method: Mix dry ingredients together, add hot water and stir until dissolved.