Apples, cranberries, pumpkins — these are all classic fall ingredients that bartenders tend to choose for their seasonal cocktail menus. And at your own home bar, with the leaves changing color outside and the approaching winter beckoning you to change your wardrobe to warm, thick sweaters and boots, you’ll also want to embrace these flavors of the season.

That includes a slight change in your spirits line-up as well. It’s time for the aged spirits, such as añejo tequila, brandy and just about any type of whiskey, that carry the rich woody and spicy notes of time spent in barrels. The characteristics imparted on them from wood-aging makes them ripe for pairing with autumnal ingredients. Look to recipes like Them Apples, made with Partida tequila and apple cider, to provide you exactly the fall treat November calls for.

Them Apples

1 1/2 oz. Partida Reposado Tequila

3/4 oz. St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur

1/2 oz. lemon juice

Top with hard apple cider

Build ingredients in a highball glass with ice. Finish with cider. Stir.

Garnish with apple or lemon slices.

— Adapted from Jacques Bezuidenhout

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