The leaves have started changing, and so has your palate! With winter fast approaching, you may want to challenge your home bartender skills with some spirit forward recipes to help keep you warm from the inside out! Check out this round up of the top 5 cocktails that fit the bill.

1. Orange Thyme Old Fashioned

Ah yes, the old fashioned.. this one's been around for a while (hence the name). Pretty simply, this classic is made with whiskey (traditionally rye, often bourbon), sugar, aromatic bitters, and garnished with an orange peel. This time, add an herbaceous twist to this old timer with a sprig of thyme!

This drink is perfect for fall. Say goodbye to the humidity of summer and indulge in the delicate aroma of thyme beautifully dancing over your drink with the cool dry air of autumn. Close your eyes and relax... you got this.

2. Smoked Negroni

A smoky twist to a popular classic. Negroni's are great, not only because of the taste, but also because they're classy AF but super easy to pull off. Equal parts gin, campari, and sweet vermouth, stirred and served on the rocks will do the trick. Garnish with the peel of your favorite citrus... or try this out: smoke it!

Small smoke chip guns are inexpensive and a great addition to any home bartender's kit. Choose your favorite variety of hardwood, and add a smoked infusion to your negroni for a cozy touch. More people should do this!

3. Rosemary Gin and Tonic

Did you think the G&T were a summer-man's drink? Well then they women must have it right because I hear they drink it year round... kidding! Whoever you are, garnish your favorite British beverage with a sprig of rosemary for an aromatic-yet-fizzy party in your mouth!

Rosemary is a hearty plant, so it will generally be able to survive the winter. This cocktail is so good, you may want to keep drinking it into the winter months. And if you have a rosemary plant in your garden, you may just be able to rely on that to carry you to spring!

4. Pomegranate Rum Punch

I know what you're thinking... Punch isn't spirit forward! Well, I suppose that depends on how you make your punch 😊

A staple at Halloween parties, rum punch is an old time favorite. Class it up a bit by using pomegranate juice for that blood red color, and also to make sure you're giving your actual blood enough antioxidants. I mean, it can't hurt, right!?

Taste-wise, pomegranate also seriously pulls it's weight. Punch is a sweet drink, so the tartness of the pomegranate really cuts the sweet making for a more balanced beverage. Careful with this stuff though, it's almost too good!

5. Straight Bourbon with a Special Surprise

Not into cocktails? Well nothing is more spirit forward than, well, plain spirits! Think you can't make plain spirits more interesting than they already are? Thank again! Try a custom ice cube!

That's right, often a little dilution and a cooler temperature can really help your primo spirit sing the way the makers intended it. Why not have some fun with your ice cubes though?

The Siligrams Ice Tray is the best selling made-to-order custom ice tray out there, and it's super customizable too. Add your initials, name, dates, monogram, or even a custom graphic to the surface of your ice for a really unique twist to your drink.

Check out the Siligrams Ice Tray Here

The Siligrams Ice Tray is made in the USA with US sourced premium silicone. It's super high quality, and designed to last for years and years of use. It also does a great job making super nice quality ice cubes that are easy to remove when fully frozen.

Check out the Siligrams Ice Tray Here

Psst. This makes a super thoughtful holiday gift too. Just sayin 😉