Fall Inspiration from Brian Loukmas of Monin®

October 20th, 2019   |   By Brian Loukmas

monin Brian LoukmasTwenty-five years of hospitality experience have given Brian Loukmas, Beverage Innovation Director for Monin, a keen insight into up and coming flavor and cocktail trends. Highly regarded throughout the beverage industry, his creative expertise makes him one of the most prolific drink innovators in the world. Over 300 of his distinctive cocktails can currently be found on menus from New York City to Hong Kong. Among his many credentials and accolades, he is proud to have twice earned the coveted “Best Chain Signature Drink of the Year” award.

For fall menus, Brian draws on the classic cocktails for inspiration and incorporates seasonal fruits like blood orange, pear and cranberry, as well as turmeric and warm spice notes. “Low ABV cocktails and mocktails are here to stay, gaining popularity and their own category on drink menus,” says Brian. “Aperol Spritz is still the brunch drink. Its low ABV content is great for those looking for a lighter, more refreshing option.”

Aperol Cranberry Citrus Spritzmonin Cranberry Citrus Spritz

“For this autumn Aperol Spritz, I added cranberry syrup for color and flavor. The grapefruit brings all of the bitter and sweet flavors together into a perfect brunch cocktail.”

2 oz Aperol® Apéritif
½ oz Monin® Cranberry Syrup
6 mL Monin® Grapefruit Concentrated Flavor
1 oz club soda
3 oz. Prosecco white wine

  1. Fill 16 oz. goblet with ice.
  2. Pour ingredients into serving glass in order listed.
  3. Stir gently to mix.
  4. Garnish with cranberries and an orange slice.

monin Autumn Blood Orange BitterAutumn Blood Orange Bitter

“The Garibaldi (Campari and freshly squeezed orange juice) is a popular drink in Italy. I did a twist on the original with the addition of blood orange and topped with club soda, to keep this drink light and refreshing.”

1 oz Campari® Apéritif
½ oz Monin® Blood Orange Syrup
2 oz fresh orange juice
2 oz club soda

  1. Fill 16 oz. goblet with ice.
  2. Pour ingredients into serving glass in order listed.
  3. Stir gently to mix.
  4. Garnish with mint sprig and orange peel.

Golden Pear Cocktail monin Golden Pear Cocktail

“Using the classic Manhattan as inspiration, I incorporated Golden Turmeric to brighten up this cocktail with a bright yellow color. I also added pear that mixes perfectly with Bourbon and turmeric and is a classic fall flavor that I see making its way back onto cocktail menus.”

1 ½ oz Bourbon
½ oz orange liqueur
½ oz Monin® Golden Turmeric Syrup
½ oz Monin® Pear Syrup
2 dashes orange bitters

  1. Fill 8 oz. coupe with ice to chill.
  2. Pour ingredients in order into mixing glass with 2/3 ice.
  3. Shake vigorously to chill, and strain into chilled coupe with one large ice cube.
  4. Garnish with powdered turmeric-dusted pear slice.

monin Maple Spice Rosemary TonicMaple Spice Rosemary Tonic

“Seasonal maple spice pairs with rosemary to give this mocktail a nice fragrant evergreen note that is a perfect beverage for when you still want a fall-flavored drink but without the booze.”

½ oz Monin® Maple Spice Syrup
3 m Monin® Rosemary Concentrated Flavor
¾ oz fresh lemon juice
5 oz tonic water

  1. Fill 16 oz. Collins glass with ice.
  2. Pour ingredients into serving glass in order listed.
  3. Stir gently to mix.
  4. Garnish with lemon slice, pomegranate seeds and rosemary sprig.