Fall is finally here and now is the time to change your seasonal menu, if you haven’t done it already. Adult beverage trends come and go and it’s a good idea to ride the wave whenever possible. Don’t miss the opportunity to add delicious and trendy fall cocktails to your beverage menu!
Offering trendy seasonal drinks and updating your menu more frequently will keep your customers interested. Old ones will be coming back and you can also earn a bunch of new ones, thanks to all the new unique cocktails you offer. Increasing customer satisfaction is the side effect every restaurant and bar owner wants to get!
To help you make your menu more enticing to customers at this time of the year, we have made a list of some great, trendy fall cocktails. Get some inspiration on what you can include in your offers or get creative and make your own fall cocktails. Either way, this article can be used as a starting point. Let’s jump right into it!
15 Trendy Fall Cocktails to Try
Although it may seem strange at first, when creating fall drinks, it’s good to think about the colors associated with this time of the year. Warm reds, yellows, oranges, browns - all of them bring a cozy feeling, even only by seeing them.
Now let’s think about the ingredients that scream “Fall!”. Pears, apples, and pumpkins come up in people’s minds a lot when we are talking about fall foods and beverages. To add layers, as we all do when the weather gets colder, different types of alcohol are needed.
To finish up most fall drinks you need cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, clove, and ginger. They are the perfect top layer that adds warmth and beauty. Here’s how you can put all of these ingredients into action!
Key Takeaway: There are plenty of amazing trendy fall cocktails that deserve to be considered when you are creating your seasonal beverage menu. Many of them have an apple, pear, cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin flavor, creating a warm and cozy feeling.
Maple Old Fashioned
Old Fashioned is one of the most popular cocktails in the world. That’s why any variations of it are intriguing to customers. To create this delicious and very pretty red cocktail, you need to swap the dark rum for bourbon. Add a little bit of maple syrup to make it really fall-appropriate.
Apples & Pears
This cocktail drink is for everyone who loves apple-flavored vodka. It’s a mix of it and pear and lime juice, and vanilla-nutmeg syrup with Angostura bitters and hard cider. The bright orange color of the drink and the great aromas make it perfect for the fall time.
Great Pumpkin
Anything with pumpkin can easily go into the list of trendy fall cocktails! This tasty drink combines rye whiskey, apple brandy, maple syrup, as well as pumpkin ale, and a whole egg. This gorgeous-looking fall cocktail is garnished with grated nutmeg to boost the pumpkin spice flavor.
Spiced Apple Fizz
Fruit brandy is a common drink of choice in the colder months. But do you know what’s better? A unique blend of pear brandy with hard apple cider. When you add vodka to these ingredients, as well as lemon juice and honey syrup, the result can brighten up even the darkest fall day.
Applejack Rabbit
Continuing with the great brandy cocktails, you should try Applejack Rabbit to see why it’s worth adding it to your drinks menu. It’s a beautiful blend of apple brandy, orange and lemon juice, and maple syrup. The pretty yellow color makes it even more eye-catching and fall-friendly.
Forbidden Sour
For this cocktail, you need pomegranate liqueur and quality bourbon. Mix them with simple syrup and lemon juice and you will get a fall version of the Whiskey Sour so many people love.
Goldwyn Follies
Gin cocktails are not just for the summertime! A great one that comes on our trendy fall cocktails list is the Goldwyn Follies, a mix of gin, apple and cranberry juice, black tea, and spiced cinnamon syrup. It’s an elegant fall cocktail that can be garnished with thin apple slices for extra sophistication.
Fall from the Tree
For this cocktail, you can choose your own base spirit. From scotch to bourbon and applejack, it’s all up to you! Once you select a base, mix it with lemon and apple juice, as well as cinnamon syrup, and aromatic bitters.
Autumn Rum Old Fashioned
Yet another twist of the popular Old Fashioned that deserves attention. It’s a combination of aged rum, Angostura bitters, and apple cider syrup. The mix of these ingredients has the perfect fall flavor.
Pumpkin Buck
This gorgeous burnt orange cocktail is ideal for Thanksgiving, too. It’s a blend of applejack, whiskey, and pumpkin soda. To finish it off, garnish it with candied ginger and some grated nutmeg.
Tender Nob
Muddle some apple and add it to a base of bourbon. Pour spiked cider, and agave nectar, and finish off with cinnamon. This is how you make the stunning Tender Nob that will fit perfectly into your menu. It’s one of those trendy fall cocktails that you need to try!
Pumpkin Sazerac
A great fall spin of the Sazerac cocktail is the Pumpkin Sazerac. Use real pumpkin in spice syrup, cognac, and Peychaud’s bitters. There’s no specific cocktail garnish to use for this one, so feel free to experiment with different options.
Jubilee
Perfect for any fall celebration, the Jubilee is a cocktail that combines dry red wine, vodka, pear liqueur, lemon juice, seltzer, and maple syrup. Top it off with grated nutmeg and some thin pear slices to add elegance to the drink.
Pumpkin Toddy
Although the Classic Hot Toddy is among the most popular winter cocktails, there’s a way to make it more fall-friendly. To create it, you need apple brandy, lemon juice, rye whiskey, maple syrup, and pumpkin puree, as well as Angostura bitters. It’s a must-try!
Falling Leaves
Last, but not least, one incredible pear brandy cocktail that your customers will enjoy in the fall time. Stir the brandy together with honey syrup and Peychaud’s bitters. Add a touch of white wine, such as pinot gris. Enjoy watching the leaves fall while sipping on this deliciousness!
Frequently Asked Questions about Trendy Fall Cocktails
If you want to know more about the trendy fall cocktails in 2023, read the questions and answers below. You will find some interesting information!
What Makes a Cocktail “Fall-Inspired”?
Fall-inspired cocktails often incorporate seasonal ingredients like apples, pears, and pumpkins. Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are commonly used, too. Overall, fall cocktails have warm flavors that bring a cozy, autumn feeling.
What Types of Glassware Are Best for Fall Cocktails?
Lowball or rocks glasses, mugs, and stemless wine glasses are often used for serving fall cocktails. The choice of glassware can enhance the presentation and experience. Don’t shy away from vintage-style glassware and unique options.
What Are Some Creative Garnishes for Fall Cocktails?
Fall cocktail garnishes can include apple slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, orange twists, and even mini pumpkins for a festive touch. However, you can experiment with other garnish options and make your trendy fall cocktails look unique. You can also rim the glass with flavored sugar, but not sugar substitutes.