With school back in session and football season just around the corner, there is no denying that fall is well on its way. Fall is the perpetual “goldilocks” of seasons. Its not too warm, it’s not too cold, and—according to most—it is the time of the year that’s just right.
According to some polls, fall is the most popular season in America. The leaves changing, the holidays, and the temperamental weather are just a few of the reasons why this holiday is so exceptionally popular. But in addition to these factors, fall cocktails are what truly makes the season unique.
Fall is the perfect season for trying new beer gardens or tailgating with friends. With holidays such as Labor Day, Halloween, and—of course—Thanksgiving, there will be plenty of chances to celebrate with those you love most.
In this article, we will list fifteen revolutionary cocktails that capture the essence of fall. Whether you’re by a bonfire, a bar, or cozied up indoors, each of these cocktails offers a refreshing autumn twist.
- Apple Cider Mimosas
This drink is based of the classic mimosa, but with is specifically adapted for fall. With champagne, apple cider, sugar, and ground cinnamon, you can start your fall mornings off right. This sweet and refreshing drink is an absolute necessity for your next tailgate.
- Whiskey Sour
Fall is the perfect time of the year to indulge in your favorite whiskey drink. A whiskey sour is a perfect drink that blends the sunshine of summer with the cold of winter. The recipe is fairly simple. All you’ll need is bourbon, lemon juice, sugar, an orange slice, and a maraschino cherry.
- Pumpkin Spice Margarita
While the margarita is traditionally considered to be a summer drink, there are plenty of ways you can give it a tasteful fall twist. Considering that fall is the season where pumpkin spice thrives, there is no surprise that a pumpkin spice margarita makes this epic list. With tequila, cream, pumpkin syrup, vanilla extract, and other ingredients (like cinnamon), this is the perfect drink for a long autumn afternoon.
- Pumpkin White Russian
Speaking of pumpkin drinks that are ideal for fall, this list would not be complete without an homage to the pumpkin white Russian. All you’ll need is pumpkin spice Kahlua, vodka, and heavy cream. Any fan of the classic film The Big Lebowski will remind you of the virtues of the white Russian. At least, that’s just like our opinion, man.
- Stone Fence
The stone fence is a simple cocktail, but it is one that is undeniably perfect for any fall gathering. With bourbon, bitters, apple cider, and other optional ingredients, this may be your favorite fall drink to date (we know it’s ours).
- Maple Old Fashioned
An old fashioned is a drink that has truly withstood the tests of time. As you begin witnessing the leaves falling all around you, you may want to consider adding a twist to this classic drink. By combining bourbon, maple syrup, water, bitters, an orang peel, and a cherry, you can quickly become the life of your next big fall party.
- Autumn’s First Press
Rum is a drink that is often forgotten about by the end of summer, but that doesn’t there aren’t plenty of great fall rum cocktails to choose from. The autumn’s first press is the perfect drink for making the transition from summer into fall. With rum, Montreuil calvados, herbal liqueur, lemon, and rosemary, this is a classy drink that you’ll want to be sure to share with others.
- Autumn Fizz
The autumn fizz is an incredibly refreshing drink that will be popular during almost any occasion. With gin, lemon juice, agave nectar, and sparkling apple cider, this drink goes down easily, yet still packs quite a punch. If you are looking to add a refreshing splash to a fall day, this drink is the perfect option.
- The Optimist
These days, there aren’t too many drinks that have sherry as their main ingredient, but the optimist—for the lack of a better word—remains optimistic about sherry’s future. By adding amaro nonino, maple syrup, bourbon, and orange bitters into the mix, you’ll have a sophisticated drink with a unique autumn appeal.
- The Marguerite
While sherry plays a much smaller role in the marguerite (only .5 ounces are needed), we are glad to see it’s making another appearance. To make the perfect fall marguerite, all you’ll need is tequila, grapefruit juice, sherry, and liqueur. It’s the perfect drink for an early morning… or any other time of the day.
- Dark & Stormy
The dark and stormy is a fairly simple drink, but it is a classic that can be consumed any season of the year. All you need to do is combine rum, ice, and ginger beer in a glass, and stir accordingly. Any rum is fine, though we recommend using a darker rum. Trust us, you won’t regret it.
- Pumpkin Spice Moscow Mule
We hate to keep adding pumpkin spice drinks to this list, the problem is, they’re just too good. To make a pumpkin spice Moscow mule, all you’ll need is vodka, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and lime juice. If you have a Moscow mule glass, this classic drink is even better.
- Autumn Smash
The autumn smash is another vodka drink that is surprisingly refreshing. To make an autumn smash, you’ll need to combine vodka, lemon juice, apple juice, and maple syrup. As you might be starting to see with many drinks featured in this list, the maple syrup really makes a difference.
- Autumn Fig Sangria
“Sangria” is Spanish for blood and, accordingly, there is no surprise that this drink is bloody brilliant. To make the perfect fall sangria, combine wine, brandy, and orange liqueur into a large container. Then, all you need to do is add apples, pears, oranges, figs, and whatever else your heart desires.
- Winter’s Eve
After fall comes winter, which is why winter’s eve is the perfect fall cocktail to round out this list. This powerful cocktail combines CioCiaro, maraschino liqueur, vermouth, bourbon, and lemon. It’s the perfect way to transition from one season to another.
Conclusion
Fall is one of the best times of the year to try a new drink. The next time you are at a rooftop bar like TAKODA restaurant, give one (or multiple) of these timeless fall cocktails a try.