A Spicy Rye Cocktail That's Perfect For Fall Sipping

Thanks to its spicy nature, rye whiskey can warm your bones on the coldest winter nights. But that doesn't mean you need to avoid it during the milder months. Aside from rye's baking spice flavors, it can have notes of tropical fruit that offer a great flavor transition from summer to fall.

For example, in the Star Gazer, created by Leanne Favre, consulting beverage director at Winona's in Brooklyn, New York, lemon juice adds brightness and rhubarb liqueur's tartness balances the rye's sweet stone fruit flavors. “Contratto adds notes of bitter orange that support the rhubarb liqueur, and the absinthe enhances the herbal qualities of the bitter while contributing cooling spice notes, subtly enriching the cocktail without overpowering it with anise,” Favre says. The result? A rich drink that remains refreshing and bright.

Inspired by warm summer nights spent watching the stars with a drink in hand, this cocktail gives you another excuse to stay up late and soak in the night.

Star Gazer

• 1 1/4 oz. High N’ Wicked (or other rye whiskey)
• 3/4 oz. Contratto Bitter
• 3/4 oz. lemon juice
• 3/4 oz. simple syrup
• 1 tsp. Giffard Rhubarbe liqueur
• 1/2 tsp. Kübler (or other absinthe)
• Lemon twist for garnish

Add all ingredients to a shaker tin with ice. Shake for about 15 seconds or until the shaker is cold to the touch and frosty. Double strain into a coupe. Garnish with lemon twist.