As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, it’s time to swap out light summer drinks for something with a bit more heft. These cocktails bring bold flavors that pair perfectly with fall barbecues, cozy nights by the fire, or just kicking back with the game on. From smoky bourbon to a surprising peanut butter-pumpkin combo, here’s a lineup that’ll keep your glass full and your vibe right this season.
Nothing screams fall like a good barbecue, and the Cobble Hill Mule from Morgan’s Brooklyn Barbecue is the drink to match. Made with Whiskey Row’s Bottled in Bond, this mule’s got a spicy ginger kick that cuts through the smoky richness of brisket like nobody’s business. Shake it up with ice, pour it over a copper mug, and you’re set for a laid-back evening.
If you’re into coffee and bourbon, Bib & Tucker’s Gold Roast Bourbon in The Cortado is your jam. This elevated Irish coffee mixes 1.5 oz of their coffee-finished bourbon with a half shot of espresso or cold brew, a touch of simple syrup, Madeira wine, and Angostura bitters. Shake it hard with ice, strain into a glass, and garnish with a lemon peel. The coffee’s roasted depth and bourbon’s kick make it a solid choice for a crisp morning tailgate or a late-night poker game.
Peanut butter and pumpkin? Yeah, you read that right. Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey’s Pumpkin Paradise is a wild card that works. Mix 2 ½ parts Skrewball, ¾ parts Zaya Gran Reserva Rum, some orange and pineapple juice, and a homemade pumpkin cream of coconut mix (blend pumpkin puree, cream of coconut, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar). Shake it with ice, pour into a glass, and top with pineapple leaves and a dusting of pumpkin spice. It’s sweet, nutty, and just savory enough to keep things interesting—like a dessert you can drink without feeling fancy.
The Gold Roast Old Fashioned takes a classic and gives it a fall twist with Bib & Tucker’s Gold Roast Bourbon. Stir 2 oz of bourbon, ½ oz simple syrup, and a couple dashes of Angostura bitters with ice, then strain over a big ice cube. Finish it with an expressed orange peel. The coffee notes in the bourbon play off the bitters and citrus, making it a go-to for sipping while you’re grilling or just chilling on the porch. It’s simple, strong, and doesn’t mess around.
For those chilly fall nights, the Pumpkin Hot Buttered Skrew is like a warm hug in a mug. Take 2 ½ parts Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey, add a splash of pumpkin spice syrup, a sugar cube, a dab of butter, and hot water. Stir it up, toss in a star anise, and sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top. It’s rich, cozy, and just a little indulgent. Perfect for sipping while you’re watching the leaves fall or arguing over who’s got the better fantasy football team.
For something lighter, the Gold Roast Highball keeps it easy. Just 2 oz of Bib & Tucker Gold Roast Bourbon topped with 4 oz of tonic water over ice, garnished with a lemon peel. It’s crisp, refreshing, and lets the bourbon’s coffee vibes shine without being heavy. Great for those warm September days when you’re still firing up the grill but want something that won’t knock you out before halftime.
The Tennessee Stroll is a cobbler that’s got fall written all over it. Mix 2 oz Bib & Tucker Gold Roast Bourbon with ½ oz lemon juice and a rounded teaspoon of orange marmalade. Shake it well, double strain into a goblet with fresh ice, and top with soda water. Garnish with an orange wheel. The citrus and coffee notes make it a killer match for a smoky pulled pork sandwich or just kicking back after raking the yard. It’s got just enough sweetness to keep things fun without going overboard.