Red Lobster’s New Fall Cocktails, Reviewed by a Food Editor

• What It Is: Absolut vodka, butterscotch, caramel and cream, garnished with a sea salt chocolate caramel
• Price: $13

This reminded me of the first sip of a Starbucks iced caramel macchiato, when you get a mouthful of caramel drizzle at the front. The booziness of the vodka is very tame, thanks to the thickness of the cream base. The caramel and butterscotch bring slight nuttiness and brown sugar-y sweetness to every sip. Of course, this drink is heavier than the other two options, so I suggest having it for (or with) dessert instead of at the start of your meal.

• What It Is: Maker’s Mark bourbon, lemon, honey and sparkling gold shimmer, garnished with fresh mint
• Price: $13

Bourbon is my go-to spirit, so I knew I’d be a fan of this one. The drink was potent (certainly the most of the three), balanced and boasted just the right dose of citrus. It reminded me of a Bee’s Knees cocktail, but with whiskey instead of gin. The honey and lemon ratios were just right, so the sweet and sour notes played off each other and curbed the edge of the liquor at the same time. The shimmer was also a fun twist on this no-frills Red Lobster fall cocktail.

• What It Is: Captain Morgan spiced rum, cranberry, lemon and apple juice, topped with an apple slice and cinnamon stick
• Price: $13

This truly tasted like a spiced apple bread or muffin. The sourness of the lemon and cranberry played off the mild tartness of the apple juice, while the latter’s sweetness rounded out the overall flavor with fruity brightness. The rum’s potency all but vanished in the other components, but the warm spices of the rum complemented every ingredient and delivered all the autumn splendor. The look of the drink screamed fall too. Just be warned: It’s dangerously chuggable.