Try these best fall bourbon cocktails, starring seasonal flavors like apple cider, maple, and cranberry! These cozy whiskey drinks are perfect for any fall occasion.
There’s something about that first chill in the air that makes me reach for bourbon (you too?). Its rich flavor pairs perfectly with the fruits of the season, like apple cider, maple, cinnamon, and even pumpkin.
I’ve spent years testing fall cocktails in my kitchen, and bourbon is always a clear winner. Here is my list of the top fall bourbon cocktails to try, from spins on classics like a Maple Old Fashioned to tried and true standards like the Hot Toddy!
My top fall bourbon cocktails
This twist on the classic Old Fashioned uses maple syrup instead of sugar, and it's become my go-to for fall! The maple adds layers of caramel and vanilla that make each sip smoother than the original. I love how it amplifies bourbon's sweetness without overwhelming it.
The bright tartness of cranberry juice transforms the classic whiskey sour into a fall cocktail that will have everyone talking! The berries and fresh citrus add a fruity, tart intensity to the finish of each sip. Paired with bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and maple syrup, it makes the best signature drink!
If I could only make one fall bourbon cocktail for the rest of my life, this might be it. Sweet vermouth and orange bitters bring a depth to the apple cider, creating something far more complex than just cider and whiskey. The surprise ingredient takes this to craft cocktail level.
This hot spiked apple cider fills your house with the most incredible scent of cinnamon, cloves, and bourbon: better than any fall candle! The bourbon blends seamlessly into the hot cider, making each sip smooth and warming. This is my favorite big batch fall bourbon cocktail!
While a classic Manhattan is traditionally made with spicy rye whiskey, I prefer making it with bourbon, especially for fall. The notes of oak, vanilla and caramel oak in bourbon are the perfect match for sweet vermouth.
This sweet tart sipper stars bourbon with sweet vermouth and cranberry juice, with a flavor that's sweet-tart and fruity without being overly sweet. The cranberry adds tartness, the vermouth brings complexity, and the orange juice ties everything together. The perfect fall signature bourbon drink!
The Lion's Tail is a 1930's cocktail that features a combination of bourbon with allspice dram, a unique allspice liqueur. You can find it at your liquor store or even make allspice dram. It makes a unique bourbon cocktail that will impress everyone!
You might be wary of using pumpkin puree in an a classic Old Fashioned, but this drink won me over! It tastes barely sweet, bourbon-forward, with notes of vanilla, maple, and warming spices. Despite its bright orange color, the pumpkin flavor is subtle.
The whiskey sour is my any-season cocktail, but I love it in fall when I swap regular simple syrup for maple syrup. The combination of sweet, tart, and that vanilla-oak bourbon finish creates perfect balance in a glass.
This bourbon hot toddy using apple cider instead of plain water adds sweetness and fall flavor! The lemon and honey (or maple syrup) accentuate the bourbon, and the drink is warming and comforting without being overly boozy.
This classy fall bourbon cocktail has a retro name and a sweet tart flavor! The Gold Rush is a modern spin on the classic whiskey sour using honey instead. The combination of the zing of the lemon, honey syrup, and a spicy bourbon finish is perfect for fall.
Last up in my favorite fall bourbon cocktails is my two-ingredient Apple Cider and Bourbon drink! I love that this works both hot and cold: as a hot drink with cinnamon and cloves, or poured over clear ice as a refreshing autumn lowball.
Tips for making fall bourbon cocktails
After making numerous whiskey drinks, I’ve learned a few things that make a real difference:
- Choose mid-range bourbon. You don’t need to splurge on expensive bottles for cocktails, but avoid the bottom shelf. I usually use bourbons in the $25-35 range.
- Fresh citrus matters. When recipes call for lemon or orange juice, squeeze it fresh. The difference between fresh and bottled citrus juice is dramatic.
- Make simple syrups ahead. I keep maple syrup on hand always: I always buy syrup marked “Dark Color and Robust Taste” for the best flavor. You can make honey syrup or apple cider syrup in advance.
- Invest in good ice. Large ice cubes or spheres melt slower and dilute your drink less, which is particularly helpful in bourbon drinks. Here’s my tutorial for how to make clear ice.
12 Fall Bourbon Cocktails: Maple Old Fashioned & More!
Pin Recipe
Print RecipeThe Maple Old Fashioned is a twist on the classic using maple syrup instead of sugar! It adds a nuance that makes it taste even smoother.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: Cockails
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 2 ounces (¼ cup) bourbon whiskey
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 4 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel for garnish
- Cocktail cherry for garnish (optional)
- Ice, for serving (try clear ice!)
Instructions
- In a lowball glass, stir the bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters. Add a large ice cube.
- Use a knife to remove a 1″ wide strip of the orange peel. Squeeze the orange peel into the drink to release the oils. Gently run the peel around the edge of the glass, then place it in the glass.
Other fall cocktails to try
Looking for inspiration beyond these fall bourbon cocktails? There are lots more seasonal drinks using vodka, rum, tequila, and more! Here are more fall drinks to peruse:
- Try my top Fall Cocktails or Fall Vodka Cocktails
- In different seasons, try Winter Bourbon Cocktails or Summer Bourbon Cocktails
- Take the chill off with Hot Alcoholic Drinks
from A Couple Cooks https://ift.tt/w9TheAF
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