Cocktail of the Month: Autumn Walk with Hazelnut and Cinnamon

Autumn doesn’t begin with a date on the calendar – it starts with scents that signal the season’s arrival. Outside, the air suddenly carries that familiar mix: damp leaves, the first hints of smoke evoking evenings by the fireplace, and warm spices like cinnamon drifting by.

You pull your scarf a little tighter, think of hot tea – and then crave something else entirely: a drink that tastes like blankets, firelight, and adventure.

«Sit down, let me tell you a story»

That’s when you stumble upon it: the Hazel Cinnamon Rum Highball.

It doesn’t shout, it doesn’t push itself forward – but it carries that aura of «sit down, let me tell you a story.» And indeed, it does.

The Caribbean with cinnamon...

Its story begins in the Caribbean, where rum draws its soul from sugarcane. But once in the glass, it packs its bags and travels to Europe’s forests, where hazelnuts ripen and are transformed by skilled hands into a creamy, seductive liqueur. That pairing alone could rescue a rainy afternoon. But our Highball wants more.

So it knocks on cinnamon’s door. A spice as much a part of autumn as colorful leaves on the pavement. A spoonful of cinnamon syrup – and suddenly a Christmas market springs to mind, complete with candied almonds, sweet aromas, and a gentle touch of nostalgia.

... and citrusy vibrance

But before it turns too sweet, Bitter Lemon enters. Crisp, slightly tart, a little cheeky – almost like a cold gust of wind in your face while gathering autumn leaves.

That’s what makes the difference: while rum, nut, and cinnamon want to wrap you up like a warm blanket, Bitter Lemon keeps you awake. The drink stays vibrant, with bite – autumn, yes, but autumn full of energy.

Perfect with Kinley Bitter Lemon

This is where the unique strength of Kinley Bitter Lemon shines. A staple of bar culture for decades, it delivers precisely that balance of freshness and depth needed for autumn cocktails.

While rum recalls sunshine, hazelnut liqueur brings comfort, and cinnamon warmth, Kinley adds clarity – like a crisp autumn morning where your breath hangs in the air and the atmosphere almost crackles.

A playful spark

One might say: without Bitter Lemon, the Hazel Cinnamon Rum Highball would be like a fireplace without sparks. Sweet, warm, pleasant – but predictable. Only through that citrusy bitterness does it gain its vibrancy, its elegance, its playful wink.

Picture it: a tall glass filled with ice cubes clinking like chestnuts rattling in your pocket. A cinnamon stick perched on top, as if it had just escaped grandma’s spice drawer. And somewhere in the glass, a citrus zest whispering: «Hey, life is fresh – even in autumn!»

The perfect balance

The Hazel Cinnamon Rum Highball isn’t one of those cocktails that overwhelm you. Nor is it a fleeting summer spritzer. It strikes the perfect balance: a drink for autumn afternoons when the world feels like it has slowed down. A companion for long evenings while rain taps against the window.

And best of all: it works even better in company. Imagine friends gathered around a table, a pot of pumpkin soup simmering in the kitchen, a bowl of roasted nuts within reach – and in every hand, this Highball. One person tells a story that runs too long, someone else laughs too loudly, and everyone realizes: this is exactly the moment that makes you love autumn.

A season of indulgence

The Hazel Cinnamon Rum Highball is more than just a drink. It’s a promise: that even in the grayest season, there can be color, warmth, and a touch of the Caribbean in your glass. One sip – and you know: autumn isn’t something to endure. It’s something to enjoy.

Nutty, spicy, with a hint of freshness. The cinnamon syrup amplifies the hazelnut aromas, making this a true autumn comfort cocktail – without tipping into sweetness, thanks to the balance of Bitter Lemon.

Recipe for a Hazel Cinnamon Rum Highball

Ingredients:

… 3 cl rum liqueur (spiced or aged)
… 2 cl hazelnut liqueur (e.g., Frangelico)
… 1 cl fresh lemon juice
… 1 cl cinnamon syrup
… Top up with Kinley Bitter Lemon
… Garnish: cinnamon stick & lemon zest

Preparation:

… Shake rum liqueur, hazelnut liqueur, lemon juice, and cinnamon syrup vigorously over ice.
… Strain into a highball glass filled with ice cubes.
… Top up with Bitter Lemon and stir gently.
… Garnish with a cinnamon stick and lemon zest.

#Cheers!

Peter Jauch is…

… a spirits sommelier with a penchant for top-class cocktails, often paired with fine food.
… author of coffee-table books on GIN & CHAMPAGNE.
… an experienced spirits and champagne tasting host.
… and, together with friends, organizer of an immersive festival experience.