Fall Cocktails That Celebrate Flavors of the Season

From apples and cranberries to pomegranates and pears, autumn always delivers big on flavor. Experience the bounty of the season by way of these creative fall cocktails, which highlight the best of the harvest.

Apple

Mount FujiA refreshing sour that makes apple the main attraction.

The SinsearSweet apple cider and spicy ginger highlight the warming qualities of bourbon. 

Weekend’s PrizeSmoky scotch complements flavors of apple, sherry, and walnut.

Cranberry

Miller’s TaleSpanish cider pairs perfectly with ginger and cranberries.

Northern LightsThis sparkling cocktail gets saucy, thanks to several barspoons of a favorite seasonal condiment.

Ply & PinCranberry and Peychaud’s brighten up this whiskey cocktail.

Fig

L’Eminent FigIn this French 75 twist, Chris Hannah starts with a base of Cognac and adds layers of richness with fig jam and black tea.

Memento MoriThis split base of Cognac and bourbon sings with layers of dark fruit and chocolate while a spiced fig and balsamic syrup and touch of amontillado sherry richen the mix.

Pear

Pera’disePear and spice lend a seasonal vibe to this cocktail accented with grappa.

The OfferingA spiced pear shrub complements the oaky character of reposado tequila.

The WarthogSpiced Pear liqueur adds richness, while fresh lemon juice brightens the mix in this fall cocktail.

Truly ScrumptiousPear eau de vie and unaged South American grape brandy combine their fragrant forces in this luscious cocktail.

Pomegranate

El Pavo RealA split base of mezcal and tequila meets the bright, floral flavors of violet liqueur and a pomegranate-hibiscus syrup.

Murder by NumbersPomegranate and coffee give this raicilla cocktail grip.

Riad StarThis take on the French Martini subs in pomegranate juice for the raspberry liqueur, spices it up with jalapeño, and adds aquafaba for a velvety mouthfeel.

Waldorf Gloom-LifterRaspberry and pomegranate add an undercurrent of fruitiness to a duo of aged spirits.

Pumpkin

FiresideThis pumpkin spice cocktail with a tropical twist uses Jägermeister to give the pumpkin flavor a boozy and spiced backbone.

Harvard SourThe warming notes of Sfumato Rabarbaro, applejack, Armagnac, and spiced pumpkin syrup lend autumnal character to this cocktail.

Headless Horseman CocktailAiming for a pumpkin spice–inspired cocktail, Leyenda bartender Ryan Lilioa devised this delicious blend.

Walnut

Brass ElephantNocino brings a balancing bittersweetness to this seasonal recipe.

Rum Walnut AlexanderWith aged rum, demerara syrup, and walnut liqueur, the Rum Walnut Alexander is a decadent, nutty take on the Brandy Alexander.

Walnut Old FashionedThe Walnut Old Fashioned is an old favorite gussied up with the warm complexities of walnut liqueur.