Autumn Takeover: Sally’s Guide to Seasonal Sips and Bites
As the leaves turn golden and the temperature begins to dip, it’s clear that the magic of autumn is upon us. We absolutely adore this time of year – the rich colours, the comforting flavours and the crisp chill in the air balanced by lingering summer sunshine.
To help you fully embrace the autumnal spirit, we turned to RamTang’s Founder Sally (aka Mumma Cello) for some inspiration. This, our Autumn Takeover, is the first of our quarterly series that celebrates the essence of each season. We’ll be sharing Sally’s favourite seasonal cocktails, autumn recipes, food and drink pairings, hospitality tips, and more…
There’s something undeniably special about autumn flavours – they evoke a deep sense of comfort and nostalgia. From the earthy sweetness of apple to the zesty bite of ginger or the enticing aroma of cinnamon, these seasonal ingredients are the perfect companions to craft a cocktail experience that feels like autumn in a glass.
“The RamTang' team has been busy experimenting with seasonal flavours, and we discovered that the notes of autumn pair beautifully with our cellos,” says Sally.
“Whether it’s fiery ginger and tangy lime or crisp apple and lemon, the serves we have created balance warmth and refreshment. Below are a few of my personal favourites!”
- 40ml whiskey
- 40ml Lime RamTang'
- 20ml ginger beer
- Marshmallows
Stir ingredients and serve over ice in a glass or enamel mug with toasted marshmallows on a skewer.
- 40ml Bourbon
- 40ml Lemon RamTang'
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- Sprig of thyme
- Lemon slice
Stir ingredients and serve over ice with a fresh or dehydrated lemon slice and a sprig of thyme.
Sally notes: “Thyme is a versatile herb that thrives well into autumn, making it an ideal savoury ingredient for seasonal cocktails. The gentle warmth of the bourbon pairs well with the thyme and the tangy brightness of Lemon RamTang', while the maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness.”
Sally’s go-to autumn recipes
Autumn is all about embracing the richness of the season’s harvest, and Sally’s trusted recipes – from hearty soups to indulgent sweet treats – do just that. To elevate the experience, she has paired these dishes with the perfect drinks so every bite and sip seamlessly complements the season.
Homemade apple chutney
“My apple chutney (recipe here) is a real crowd-pleaser during the autumn. It’s the ultimate accompaniment to a cheese board and goes particularly well with farmhouse cheddar, Comté, or Gruyère, with their rich, nutty and slightly sweet flavour profiles,” says Sally.
“If you’re looking for autumn drinks to pair with the cheese and chutney, I’d recommend our 'Autumn Tang', the cocktail’s mix of whiskey, ginger beer and cello adds a slight spiciness and warmth that complements the buttery richness of these cheeses, while the sweetness of the chutney enhances the serve’s fruitier, tangy elements, like the lemon.”
Butternut squash soup
“There’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of soup on a brisk autumn day. My favourite part of making my butternut squash soup is adding customisable toppings. Roasted pumpkin seeds, croutons or even a drizzle of herb-infused oil – the possibilities are endless. If you’re hosting a dinner party, toppings are a great way to make a simple dish feel special and personalised for guests.”
Sally recommends pairing her butternut squash soup with a crisp, dry apple cider. “Cider adds a refreshing contrast to the soup’s velvety texture,” she suggests. “One of our favourites is Maison SASSY Brut from Normandy, which also pairs excellently with RamTang' in cider-based cocktails.”
She adds: “Alternatively, opt for a refreshing still or sparkling English white wine like The Uncommon. We’re big fans of this brand’s sustainable ethos, and their can designs are so unique!”
"I love this dish of figs and goat cheese on Breakin’Bread crispbreads. The creamy tang of goat cheese, the sweetness of figs and the bread’s incredible texture come together to create something simple yet so satisfying,” Sally explains.
"For a drink pairing, orange wine is the way to go, thanks to its rich, slightly tannic profile. If you haven’t embraced the orange wine trend yet, now’s the time. The UK is even stepping into the spotlight – a great option being Ancre Hill Estate’s Orange Wine from Wales, boasting tasting notes of nectarine, tangerine and herbs.”
Sally’s top hospitality tips for autumn
"I regularly host autumn gatherings," says Sally. “You can still enjoy a bit of outdoor hospitality before the weather gets too cold. Think fire pits, warm blankets and twinkling fairy lights to make the space feel inviting.
“Indoors, it's all about creating a cosy, comforting vibe with seasonal scents, rich textures, hearty dishes and thoughtful touches. Here are my tips and suggestions for autumn décor and ambience.”
- Design an autumn-inspired tablescape
“A beautifully decorated table immediately captures guests' attention. For a natural autumnal look, consider using foraged items such as holly, fern, and other seasonal greenery – or even fallen leaves. I regularly forage at my local Common so if you want any advice, let team RamTang' know.
- Get creative with lighting
“Lighting is key to setting the mood for any autumn gathering. Try using coloured plastic around existing outdoor lights for a warm, seasonal glow.”
- Fire up
“If you’re fortunate enough to have an open fireplace or log burner, be sure to light it as guests arrive. For outdoor entertaining, a fire pit goes down a treat during autumn. Stock up on wood and kindling – gathering and drying out fallen branches and saving cardboard packaging is a cost-effective option.”
Share your seasonal journey with us
We’d love for you to try out these recipes and tips at home. Don’t forget to share your own autumn creations and party ideas with us (tag @ramtanguk on Instagram), and be sure to stay tuned for our Winter edition where Sally will be back with more seasonal inspiration!
