Falling Leaves

The Falling Leaves cocktail is an easy-to-make vodka drink that uses Absolut Mandrin (mandarin-flavored vodka) as its base, together with cider, cranberry juice, lemon juice and simple syrup. Served in a highball, it’s made directly in the glass, without the need shaking or blending. 

It’s worth noting that there are at least two or three other cocktails that share the same name but different ingredients from the recipe here, many that feature bourbon and Italian herbal liqueur. Falling Leaves is also not to be confused with the Fallen Leaves cocktail, which is made with calvados, sweet vermouth, and dry vermouth.

The Falling Leaves cocktail is citrusy and tart, with flavors of mandarin and lemon complemented by the sweet-tart taste of cranberry juice. The cider gives the drink a crisp and dry edge with a subtle apple orchard sweetness, depending on the type of cider you use. While the cinnamon garnish undoubtedly adds a cozy fall vibe, it’s a perfect drink to sip on warmer days too.

The history of the Falling Leaves cocktail is unknown. However, Absolut Mandrin was released in 1999 and, therefore, the Falling Leaves cocktail is most certainly a modern cocktail most likely created in the early 2000s.

• Use fresh lemon juice
  We almost always recommend making your own juice for cocktails…but cranberry juice is the one exception. Store-bought cranberry juice is often a cranberry juice mix that has been sweetened and makes the otherwise extremely tart cranberries more palatable. But since you’re using store-bought cranberry juice, the case to use fresh lemon juice becomes even more crucial!

  Grab a couple of lemons and a citrus press to squeeze your own lemon juice. The sour-acidic profile from fresh lemon juice is essential to cut through the other flavors.

• Choose a dry cider
  We recommend using a cider that’s dry with just a hint of sweetness, highlighting the flavor of green apples. Come on – it’s fall and green apples are a must! For starters, be sure to pick a cider labeled ‘dry’ – the last thing you want is a sweet cider.

• Choose another citrus
  Don’t have Absolut Mandrin? Don’t worry! Feel free to substitute with another Absolut flavored vodka like Absolut Grapefruit, Absolut Lime, or Absolut Citron. Absolut Grapefruit vodka complements the lemon juice and the grapefruit garnish wonderfully, while the fresh lemon juice works sublimely with Absolut Citron. Mix it up!
• Experiment with different ciders
  Ciders vary in taste and style depending on the region For example, English cider is quite different to French cider. English cider is traditionally dry and tannic, while French cider is sweeter and more complex. Experiment with different cider types to see which you like best.¨

• We recommend serving a a Falling Leaves in a highball or a Collins glass filled with ice cubes.
• Since it’s a drink to be enjoyed during the fall, we recommend garnishing with a cinnamon stick and a grapefruit wedge for good measure.
• But if you don’t have a grapefruit at home, don’t rush out to buy a grapefruit just to garnish your drink. Instead, a twist of lemon zest or a lemon wedge, which you can prepare when you’re making your lemon juice, work perfectly.
• You can add a sweet touch by coating the rim of your highball glass with cinnamon sugar. Just mix some granulated white sugar and ground cinnamon on a small plate, rub a lemon wedge around the rim of your glass, and dip it into the cinnamon sugar mixture.