Published 29 September 2026 | Last Modified 29 September 2026

Sue's Drinks for Autumn Days

As the leaves begin to crunch and there's a slight chill in the air, it's time to put down the summer spritzes and trade them in for more comforting flavours. 

From country walks and race meetings to lunches that turn into suppers, autumn has no shortage of occasions for a good drink. Here, Sue Jones, our Co-Founder and Creative Director, shares a few of her favourites - from easy-to-take along tipples to drinks best enjoyed around a well-laid dining table, each paired with the OKA glassware she'd serve them in.  

Spiced Apple Highball

Pair with our Twisted Tall Glass Tumblers 

"Apple feels synonymous with autumn, making this a fitting choice for crisp days in the countryside", says Sue. Fresh, warming and easy to serve, a Spiced Apple Highball is just as suited to a flask tucked in the car as it is to a table outside after a country walk. "The tall proportions of our Twisted Tall Glass Tumblers make plenty of room for ice and a generous pour, while the twisted, ribbed detail adds a little character to outdoor gatherings".  

You'll need: 

  • Apple juice 
  • Spiced whisky or bourbon 
  • Ginger 
  • Cinnamon 
  • Lemon 
  • Soda water 

Method: 

Fill your glass with ice and pour over the whisky or bourbon, followed by the apple juice. Top with chilled soda water, then add the ginger and cinnamon. Stir gently to combine and garnish with a lemon wedge or wheel.  

Sloe Gin Spritz 

Pair with our Pulcinella Large Wine Glasses 

A bottle of sloe gin is always worth having to hand. Here, its rich berry flavour is lightened by a little fizz, giving it a distinctively British feel without seeming old-fashioned. Sue suggests, "I love serving it as an aperitif for seasonal dinner parties. The generous shape of our Pulcinella Large Wine Glasses gives the spritz room to breathe, with a silhouette that feels equally at home indoors or out".  

You'll need: 

  • Sloe gin 
  • Prosecco or sparkling wine 
  • Soda water 
  • Lemon 
  • Fresh berries or citrus, to garnish 

Method: 

Fill your glass with ice, then pour in the sloe gin and add the Prosecco or sparkling wine. Top with soda water and stir gently, before garnishing with fresh berries or an orange slice.  

Old Fashioned 

Pair with our Ginepro Short Stem Gin Glasses 

The Old Fashioned is widely considered the epitome of an autumn cocktail. Rich, warm and made for sipping slowly, it's the sort of drink that works well after a day spent exploring the countryside. Rather than reaching for a traditional tumbler, Sue pairs hers with our Ginepro Short Stem Gin Glasses. "The distinctive shape of our Ginepro gives a familiar drink an unexpected twist, making it the perfect choice when you want to add a little ceremony to the occasion."   

You'll need:  

  • Bourbon or whisky  
  • Bitters 
  • Water 
  • Sugar cube 
  • Orange 
  • Maraschino cherry 

Method:

Muddle a sugar cube with the bitters and a splash of water, then add the bourbon or whisky and a large ice cube. Stir gently to combine, then garnish with orange peel and a Maraschino cherry.  

French 75 

Pair with our Ranelagh Champagne Flutes 

Some occasions call for something a little extra special. A French 75 has just the right sense of occasion for an autumn race meeting, a long country lunch or an afternoon that calls for just one more. "Serve a French 75 in our Ranelagh Champagne Flutes for a classic finish. Elegant without feeling overly formal, they make even an impromptu toast feel worth raising a glass to".  

You'll need: 

  • Gin 
  • Lemon 
  • Sugar syrup 
  • Champagne or sparkling wine

Method:

Pour the gin, lemon juice and sugar syrup into a cocktail shaker and fill with ice. Shake well, then strain into a Champagne flute and top with Champagne or sparkling wine. Garnish with a lemon twist.  

Moscow Mule 

Pair with our Chaar Tumblers and Decanter 

"I think the Moscow Mule is the perfect transition drink", explains Sue. "It has that bold, zesty heat that mimics the warming spices associated with autumn, while continuing to be a refreshing choice on crisp, sunny afternoons when it is still too warm for hot ciders". For serving, Sue chooses our Chaar Tumblers alongside the coordinating decanter. Together, they bring a little polish to a relaxed occasion while making it easy for guests to help themselves.  

You'll need: 

  • Vodka 
  • Ginger beer 
  • Lime 
  • Fresh mint 

Method:

Fill the glass with ice, then add the vodka and lime juice. Top with ginger beer, stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge or sprig of fresh mint.  

Pear and Ginger Fizz 

A non-alcoholic pairing with our Ampelos Red Wine Glasses 

"For something a little lighter, pear and ginger make a lovely combination for autumn," says Sue. "The sweetness of the pear works beautifully with the warmth of ginger, while a little fizz keeps it fresh". Served in our Ampelos Red Wine Glasses, it makes an elegant non-alcoholic option for autumn lunches, afternoon gatherings or drinks before dinner.  

You'll need:  

  • Pear juice 
  • Ginger beer or ginger ale 
  • Lemon juice 
  • Ground cinnamon 
  • Fresh pear slice for garnish 

Method:

Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour in the pear and lemon juice. Top with the fizzy ginger beer, stir gently and add a pinch of ground cinnamon. Finally, garnish with a fresh pear slice.  

For drinks on the go 

Our travel-ready Ocellus Leather Mini Bar comes complete with bar accessories and a practical surface, making it easy to take your favourite tipples beyond the dining table.  

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