Paul Kushner
Fall whiskey cocktails are smooth, rich, and oh-so seasonal. Whiskey is a perfect base for fall-inspired cocktails; it goes well with apple cider, maple syrup, pumpkin, pear, cinnamon, cranberry, nutmeg, clove, and just about everything else that defines fall.
Whether you’d like to make your next cocktail in a hot mug or serve it over ice, there’s no denying that fall whiskey cocktails are the perfect libation for those crisp fall evenings. Enjoy these boozy libations next time you’re throwing a festive fall holiday party, relaxing by the fireside or cozying up on a night in. They’ll definitely warm you right up.
Cinnamon Maple Bourbon Sour
Smooth bourbon forms the boozy backbone of this Cinnamon Maple Bourbon Sour, balanced out with bright, fresh-squeezed lemon juice and a touch of spice. We love that maple syrup is called for instead of simple syrup–not only is maple perfectly suited for the season, but the earthy flavors pair well with the bourbon. Garnish with a wheel of lemon, orange, or apple.
Cinnamon Maple Bourbon Sour
Ingredients
Method
- Fill a cocktail shaker about two-thirds full with ice.
- Pour in the bourbon, lemon juice, maple syrup, and, if desired, a pinch of ground cinnamon.
- Securely fasten the lid of the shaker and shake well until the mixture is thoroughly chilled.
- Fill your cocktail glass with fresh ice.
- Strain the cold whiskey sour mixture into the glass. Garnish with cinnamon stick and lemon wheel.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the sweet, tangy, and spiced flavors of this Cinnamon Maple Bourbon Sour!
Apple Cider Whiskey Punch
If you’re looking for an impressive fall-inspired cocktail that’s perfect for holiday parties, you’re going to want to make this whiskey apple cider punch. Boozy and refreshing, the cocktail combines the perfect pairing–whiskey and apple cider with the added zing of sparkling wine and spicy, bubbly ginger beer. Beautifully garnished with fruit, it’s a showstopper. Consider serving in a drink dispenser.
Apple Cider Whiskey Punch
Ingredients
Method
- In a shaker, combine the apple cider and whiskey. Shake lightly to mix.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
- Add the sparkling wine and ginger beer, stirring gently to combine.
- Garnish with a fresh apple slice and serve immediately.
Maple Whiskey Sour
Another fall-inspired take on a classic, this maple whiskey sour swaps simple syrup for maple syrup another win-win combination, and an ideal change for chilly weather. Choose either bourbon or rye whiskey as your spirit of choice, add in lemon juice, maple syrup, a splash of spice via Angostura bitters, and top with egg white for a smooth, silky texture. Serve over ice and garnish as you like.
Maple Whiskey Sour
Ingredients
Method
- If using the egg white, begin by adding the whiskey and egg white to a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously without ice (dry shake) until the egg white becomes very frothy.
- Add the lemon juice, maple syrup, bitters, and a handful of ice to the shaker.
- Shake for a few seconds to combine and chill the drink.
- Strain the mixture into a glass over ice.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, frothy flavors of this delightful Maple Whiskey Sour.
Spiced Whiskey Cider Lemonade
It’s lemonade meets apple cider in this boozy fall-inspired libation that tastes as delicious as it sounds. Zesty lemonade pairs well with sweet-tart apple cider, which complements warming whiskey. Cinnamon brings it all together, adding spice and tying together the flavors of lemon and apple. Serve over ice and garnished with an apple slice or cinnamon stick.
Spiced Cider Lemonade
Ingredients
Method
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the lemonade, apple cider, whiskey, and a pinch of cinnamon.
- Add ice to the shaker.
- Secure the lid and shake well until the mixture is thoroughly chilled and the flavors are well combined.
- Strain the cocktail into your serving glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with orange slices and a cinnamon stick for a festive touch.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Spiced Cider Lemonade Cocktail!
Apple Whiskey Smash
If you love whiskey, you’re going to love whiskey-based smash drinks. This apple whiskey smash combines whiskey and citrus with juicy fall-inspired flavor via apple. Follow along for details on which kind of whiskey to use and how to make your own apple simple syrup for the drink.
Apple Whiskey Smash
Ingredients
Method
- Put the apple pieces, lemon wedges, and sugar into the cocktail shaker.
- Muddle (smash) them together until the fruit is juiced and mixed with the sugar.
- Add the whiskey and fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake well until everything is cold.
- Strain the mix into your rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a mint sprig. Enjoy!
Honey Pumpkin Whiskey Smash
Speaking of smash drinks, this honey pumpkin whiskey smash is made with honey pumpkin syrup, lemon juice, and a splash of whiskey over ice, garnished with a sprig of mint. Follow along to make it at home, and consider garnishing with cinnamon instead of mint if you’re looking to give the cocktail an added seasonal flair.
Honey Pumpkin Whiskey Smash
Ingredients
Method
- In a cocktail shaker, add the mint leaves and a little crushed ice. Use a muddler to gently smash the mint leaves, releasing their flavor.
- Add the whiskey, honey pumpkin syrup, and a splash of lemon juice to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice cubes, cover, and shake vigorously to combine and chill the ingredients.
- Double strain the mixture over a rocks glass filled with crushed ice.
- Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg and a sprig of fresh mint for an aromatic finish.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Honey Pumpkin Whiskey Smash!
Cider and Maple Old Fashioned
It takes an old fashioned and transforms it for fall with apple cider and a splash of maple syrup in this fall-inspired take on a classic. Choose either bourbon or rye whiskey, add in maple syrup for sweetness and apple cider for fall-inspired flavor, stir together with some orange bitters and serve. Add a cinnamon stick as a garnish for a dose of extra flavor and aroma.
Cider and Maple Old Fashioned
Ingredients
Method
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the bourbon, pure maple syrup, apple cider, and orange bitters.
- Shake to combine the ingredients well.
- Strain the mixture into two rocks glasses filled with ice.
- Garnish each glass with a cinnamon stick.
- Enjoy your Cider and Maple Old Fashioned!
Cranberry Whiskey Sour
For another boozy fall-inspired sour, try out this cranberry whiskey sour recipe. Boozy, zesty and tart, the cocktail combines whiskey and fresh-squeezed lemon juice with the seasonally perfect addition of cranberry juice. Follow along for details on the best ways to garnish the drink.
Cranberry Whiskey Sour
Ingredients
Method
- In a cocktail shaker, combine whiskey, lemon juice, cranberry juice, and simple syrup.
- Add a few ice cubes and shake well until the mixture is chilled.
- Strain the cocktail into a glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a slice of lemon and a few cranberries for a festive touch.
Bourbon Pumpkin Latte
Take your favorite pumpkin spice latte recipe up a notch by switching out some of the ingredients and combining pumpkin and spice with the perfect amount of smooth and delicious bourbon. Espresso lends a wonderful, robust coffee flavor, and the addition of milk or cream makes this iced drink the perfect creamy, yet much more potent, alternative to the classic pumpkin spice latte.
Bourbon Pumpkin Latte
Ingredients
Method
- Begin by pouring the unsweetened almond milk into an ice cube tray and freezing it until solid.
- Once the almond milk cubes are frozen, add them to a blender along with the bourbon, espresso shots, maple syrup, canned pumpkin, and pumpkin spice.
- Blend on the highest setting until the mixture is smooth and fully blended, with a creamy, frosty consistency.
- Pour the blended mixture into glasses.
- Top with almond milk foam or plain whipped cream for an extra layer of richness.
- Garnish with a grated nutmeg or pinch of cinnamon to enhance the pumpkin spice flavors.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this frosty fall treat.
Maple Ginger Hot Toddy
Nothing warms you up on a cold night quite like a hot toddy. Try this take on the classic, featuring spicy notes of ginger, the perfect amount of sweet from maple syrup, and a strong, delicious base of whiskey. Aromatics like cinnamon and star anise make this drink extra special, and a squeeze of fresh lemon adds the perfect citrusy notes. Sip away.
Maple Ginger Hot Toddy
Ingredients
Method
- In a heatproof glass or mug, muddle the ginger slices to release their flavor.
- Add the cinnamon stick, star anise pods, and the tea bag to the glass.
- Pour the whiskey and maple syrup into the glass over the spices and tea.
- Pour hot water over the ingredients in the glass, filling it to your desired level.
- Let the mixture steep for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.
- After steeping, add the lemon juice and give the drink a gentle stir.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Maple Ginger Hot Toddy!
Irish Coffee
The perfect after-dinner or just plain nighttime drink, Irish coffee is made with a combination of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, brown sugar, and a hearty helping of lightly whipped heavy cream on top. This recipe will teach you the perfect method for whipping cream to create the perfect float for your irish coffee, giving each sip a rich, silky finish. Sip this classic drink by the fire on a cold night and feel transported to Ireland.
Irish Coffee
Ingredients
Method
- Start by warming your glass with some hot water, then dump the water out.
- Add the brown sugar to the glass.
- Pour in the hot coffee and stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Add the Irish whiskey and stir again.
- Gently float the whipped cream on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon.
- Enjoy your Classic Irish Coffee.
Apple Cider Cinnamon Whiskey
Perfect for fall entertaining, this cocktail is the ultimate in easy to make. Sweet apple cider and cinnamon whiskey come together to make a perfect autumnal libation that’ll have your friends and family begging for the recipe. Bright notes of fresh lemon juice and a slight carbonation from the addition of seltzer water make this drink well-rounded and unique. Raise a glass.
Apple Cider Cinnamon Whiskey
Ingredients
Method
- In a glass, combine the apple cider, cinnamon whiskey, seltzer, and lemon juice. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are mixed.
- Add your choice of garnish, such as cinnamon sticks, star anise, orange slices, or cubed apples, to enhance both the flavor and appearance of the drink.
- Pour the cocktail over ice for a refreshing beverage.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Apple Cider Cinnamon Whiskey Cocktail!
Spiced Honey Bourbon Old Fashioned
Smooth and delicious bourbon is the backbone of this fall/winter perfect old fashioned. Instead of sweetening the drink with simple syrup, we’re using a spiced honey syrup that adds depth of flavor to the cocktail. Brightened up with citrus and garnished for success, this cocktail is the perfect addition to your seasonal libation repertoire. Sip away.
Spiced Honey Bourbon Old Fashioned
Ingredients
Method
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon, lemon juice, orange juice, spiced honey syrup, and orange bitters.
- Add ice to the shaker and shake the mixture vigorously.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with an orange slice and a rosemary sprig, if desired.
Juicy Apple Bourbon Fall Cocktail
Maple syrup makes a delicious alternative to simple syrup in cocktails in cooler months. Combine that with a kick of bourbon and juices of apple and lemon, and you’ve got a cocktail you’re going to reach for time and time again this fall. Serve over ice garnished with fresh apple slices for a cocktail you’ll reach for time and time again this fall; feel free to top with sparkling water for a slightly lighter take on the drink, too. Cheers!
Juicy Apple Bourbon Fall Cocktail
Ingredients
Method
- In a rocks glass, pour the lemon juice add the simple syrup and a dash of maple syrup to the glass.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Pour in the bourbon and apple juice.
- Stir with a long bar spoon until completely combined and chilled.
- Garnish with thin slices of fresh red apple or a little orange peel.
- For a sparkling touch, top off with a splash of sparkling water.
- Serve chilled and enjoy your Juicy Apple Bourbon Fall Cocktail!
Fireball Thanksgiving Punch
Looking to shake things up this Thanksgiving? Skip the sweetened, store-bought juices and mix up a batch of this deliciously boozy Fireball Thanksgiving Punch in a large punch bowl or drink dispenser. Apple cider and Prosecco form a bubbly base for the sweet and spicy Fireball whiskey. Frozen apples and orange juice concentrate give this drink color, seasonal flair, and zingy notes that’ll be perfect alongside your Thanksgiving meal. Decorate the dispenser with decorative ice rings and spices and serve away.
Fireball Thanksgiving Punch
Ingredients
Method
- The day before serving, freeze thin apple slices or small apple chunks in water to make decorative ice cubes.
- In a large punch bowl or dispenser, stir together the apple cider, cinnamon whiskey, orange juice, cranberry juice, and maple syrup until combined.
- Just before serving, pour in the chilled sparkling apple wine and stir gently.
- Float apple and orange slices along with cinnamon sticks, cranberries, and star anise in the bowl.
- Ladle into glasses filled with ice or frozen apple cubes for a crisp, spiced sip that’s perfect for fall gatherings.
