Autumn in Beijing is short but it's the best season in the centuries-old capital, with clear skies, crisp air and luxuriant foliage of all colors. The sporadic falling of a few leaves does not signify cooling of merry-making, but the beginning of a fruitful season. So why should we lament and not embrace it instead, with the seasonal comfort foods?

The symbolic golden osmanthus is blooming these days, filling the air with its sweet lingering aroma. It's not only a delight to the eyes and the nose, but a nice ingredient in foods and drinks.

Osmanthus wine, produced from quality glutinous rice wine and flavored with osmanthus flowers, is the traditional drink of choice to go with the mooncake on the Mid-Autumn Festival, when people celebrate reunion with family and friends and express gratitude for nature's abundance.