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As the leaves are starting to fall and we are getting ready for all the autumn festivities, it’s time for restauranteurs to work on their seasonal menus. If you are a business owner in the hospitality industry, the end of summer is the perfect time to start releasing your fall beverages and meals. Once Labor Day weekend rolls around, people are ready to say goodbye to the warm, summer weather and embrace the pumpkin season and all the delicious things that come with the fall time.
If you want to make a statement with the items on your beverage menu this year, we have good news for you. This article is dedicated to the must-have fall beverages that will bring in new people and keep customer satisfaction levels high. Some of them are different types of alcohol, while others are cocktail drinks and mocktails that deserve attention.
To get inspiration for your fall beverages and start implementing them into your menu, you should read our recommendations. We have narrowed down the trendiest fall beverages that people will be looking for this upcoming season and will help you maximize profit while keeping your bar or restaurant relevant. Let’s jump right into it!
Alcoholic Fall Beverages to Serve in Autumn 2024
There are plenty of alcoholic drinks that you should have in your beverage inventory at all times. These include the most common types of alcohol like whiskey, gin, rum, tequila, vodka, etc. However, at certain times, some alcohols are trendier than others, and bar and restaurant owners should know when to jump on the bandwagon.
The great thing about alcoholic drinks is that they can be enjoyed neat but also can be used to create different types of cocktails. Typically, when an alcoholic drink is trending, the cocktails where it is used as a base are trending, too. So now let’s look into the types of alcohol that need to be on your fall beverages list!
Key Takeaway: Trends for fall beverages are changing every year, which is why you should stay informed and change up your offerings with each new season. High-quality, trendy alcohol can help you serve more fall-inspired drinks and increase customer interest.
1. Cognac
Cognac and cognac-based drinks are expected to make a huge comeback this fall. The comeback is expected due to the increasing appreciation of craftsmanship in the liquor industry. Cognac is one of the alcohol types that haven’t been that popular in the last few years but the appreciation of heritage and everything older is bringing it back. The drink with its amber color and complex flavor profile is among the fall beverages that bring warmth in the cooler weather.
Since customers are now also more inclined to spend money on higher quality items in every aspect of life, cognac is gaining popularity again. Cognac’s sophisticated taste is well-loved by many and it's expected to be consumed a lot more this coming fall.
2. Smoky Tequila
This type of tequila which is frequently associated with mezcal (see: tequila vs mezcal) is gaining popularity because it's a twist of the traditional tequila. Smoky tequila appeals more to people who are looking for new experiences, who are more adventurous, and who love a complex flavor profile. The smoky flavor of this tequila is perfect for the cooler fall evenings. It brings a feeling of being around the campfire and it’s perfect to add in different types of tequila cocktails.
3. Amaro
Amaro is a bitter herbal liquor that has only been rising in popularity recently. The flavor of this Italian liquor is complex and it’s raging from sweet to bitter. Another great thing about Amaro being among the trendy fall beverages is that it pairs perfectly with robust foods. It can be enjoyed on its own as a digestif or it can be put in many different cocktails.
4. Maple Whiskey
We don’t think that fall can be completed without the amazing flavor of maple! You can use maple syrup to create all kinds of delicious fall cocktails. However, we have a better recommendation for you. Maple whiskey is an alcohol that combines the smoothness of whiskey with the rich and sweet maple notes, which is why this drink is an embodiment of fall. The maple whiskey can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, and even as the base of delicious whiskey cocktails.
5. Craft Gin
Craft spirits are also gaining popularity in recent years and craft gin is no exception. There is no way the trend of craft gin is going away any time soon, so if still don’t have any bottles of craft liquors in your inventory, now is the time to change that. Add this drink to your fall beverages list as it can be enjoyed neat but if mixed with other fall ingredients, it can be the base of some of the most amazing fall drinks. Gin spices mixed with high-quality craft gin can create true magic!
Fall Beverages 2024: The Must-Serve Cocktails
Although stocking on great alcohol that you can serve neat or use as a base in cocktails is a great start, you should also have some cocktail recipes in mind. Here are the top fall beverages that will be very popular this year.
- Maple Whiskey Sour - Whiskey Sour is one of the most popular cocktails in the world. It’s a timeless classic that should be on any cocktail list. However, this fall season, you should try the Maple Whiskey Sour. All you have to do is use maple whiskey as the base for the drink.
- Pumpkin Spice White Russian - Every bartender knows the original White Russian recipe but this year, when curating the fall beverages menu, make sure you discuss this alternative with your staff. Pumpkin spice is a must-have during fall, so this cocktail will surely become a hit with your customers. Just use pumpkin spice cream and cinnamon in the drink and you will get a fall perfection.
- Spiced Pear Martini - Combine pear liqueur with vodka and a touch of cinnamon and you will get this incredible Spiced Pear Martini. This cocktail is fall in a glass and will be a crowd favorite without a doubt.
- Smoky Maple Old Fashioned - The Old Fashioned has been a favorite around the world for many years. That’s why this fall twist will be among the most popular fall beverages this year. Combine whiskey, bitters, sugar (or sugar substitutes), maple syrup, and smoky tequila. The cocktail perfectly balances sweetness with a hint of smokey, which makes it ideal for cooler fall evenings.
- Cranberry Amaro Spritz - The Amaro versatility shows in this great drink. The cocktail combines the bitter complexity of the liquor with the tartness of cranberries. Top off the cocktail with prosecco wine and garnish with a few fresh cranberries. This drink will be a perfect one to toast with during the whole festive season!
Frequently Asked Questions about Fall Beverages
If you want to know more about the trendy fall beverages for 2024, you should check out the answers to these common questions listed below.
What Spices Should I Use for Fall Beverages?
Common spices for fall beverages include cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and ginger. These spices add warmth and depth to drinks and are often used in both hot and cold fall-themed beverages.
What Are Some Fall-Themed Garnish Ideas for Beverages?
Fall-themed garnishes include cinnamon sticks, star anise, apple slices, orange peels, cranberries, and rosemary sprigs. These garnishes add visual appeal and complement the flavors of fall beverages.
How Can I Make Fall Beverages Healthier?
To make fall beverages healthier, you can reduce sugar content by using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, opt for plant-based milks, and incorporate fresh fruit or vegetable juices. You can also infuse teas or water with seasonal fruits and spices for a light, flavorful option.