Blood Orange and Rye Make a Perfect Fall Cocktail

Some cocktail ingredients just scream “fall”—like spicy rye whiskey, warm ginger, and sweet citrus. The Main Character, created by Amy Walsh, mixologist at The Lodge at Woodloch in Hawley, Pennsylvania, incorporates all of these into a complex, refreshing sip that takes the chill off.

Like most delicious cocktails, this drink came about by letting the ingredients lead the way. “Blood orange is one of my favorite purees, so I knew I wanted that citrus in this cocktail. The flavors of Dad's Hat rye are the perfect complement to that, with notes of cinnamon spice, vanilla, green apple, and fig. It is robust, herbaceous, and has a mild barrel character,” Walsh says. “For a little added dimension, I added a mild floral flavor from the elderflower liqueur and then a little extra spice with ginger beer.”

As for the name, this bold, memorable cocktail will steal the spotlight—just like the main character in a book or show.

The Main Character

• 2 oz. Dad’s Hat (or other rye)
• 1 oz. The Perfect Puree blood orange concentrate
• 3/4 oz. elderflower liqueur
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• 1 oz. ginger beer
• Orange peel and rosemary sprig for garnish

Combine whiskey, blood orange concentrate, elderflower liqueur, and lime juice in a shaker with ice. Hard shake for about 35 seconds. Strain into a rocks glass and add fresh ice. Top with ginger beer. Garnish with orange peel and rosemary.