5 Fresh Fall Cocktail Recipes to Welcome the Season

The mornings are turning cooler here, and in the evenings we’ve already started reaching for hoodies on the porch. Fall is just around the corner, and with it comes the shift toward cozy flavors, deeper colors, and cocktails that feel like a celebration of the season.

Kevin and I are so excited to share five fresh fall cocktail recipes. We made sure to include one for each spirit, so whether you’re a bourbon lover, a tequila fan, or in the mood for gin, vodka, or whiskey, there’s something here for everyone.

Jump to a Recipe

• Spiced Apple Cider Bourbon Smash

• Fig & Thyme Gin Sour

• Spiced Pear Margarita

• Maple Boulevardier

• Salted Caramel Espresso Martini

Spiced Apple Cider Bourbon Smash

Warm, cozy, and quintessentially fall.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon

• 1 oz lemon juice

• ¾ oz maple syrup

• 2 oz apple cider (or spiced apple juice if cider isn’t available yet)

• 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters

• Apple slices + cinnamon stick, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a shaker with ice.

2. Add bourbon, lemon juice, maple syrup, cider, and bitters.

3. Shake until well chilled.

4. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.

5. Garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick.

   
   

Bar Notes: 

• Use fresh apple cider if available; if not, simmer apple juice with cinnamon and cloves for a quick spiced version.

• Maple syrup adds depth without too much sweetness.

• Garnish with a cinnamon stick for aroma. Bonus, it doubles as a stirrer.

Fig & Thyme Gin Sour

Elegant and unexpected. Fruit, herb, and froth together.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz gin

• ¾ oz lemon juice

• ½ oz honey syrup (1:1 honey + water)

• 1 tbsp fig preserves (or 1–2 muddled fresh figs)

• 1 egg white (optional, for foam)

• Garnish: thyme sprig + fig slice

Instructions:

1. If using fresh figs, muddle them in the shaker. If using preserves, add directly.

2. Add gin, lemon juice, honey syrup, and egg white (if using).

3. Dry shake (no ice) for 15 seconds.

4. Add ice and shake again until frothy and chilled.

5. Double strain into a coupe glass.

6. Garnish with thyme and fig.

Bar Notes: 

• Black Mission figs give rich color; fig preserves make a smoother drink.

• Honey syrup balances better than plain honey, which can seize in cold liquid.

• The egg white is optional, but it adds a silky texture and foamy cap.

Spiced Pear Margarita

Bright, smooth, and kissed with warm spice.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz tequila (reposado for warmth, blanco for brightness)

• 1 ½ oz pear nectar (or fresh pear purée)

• ¾ oz fresh lime juice

• ¾ oz simple syrup

• Pinch of pumpkin pie spice

• Garnish: pear slice or cinnamon stick

Instructions:

1. Fill a shaker with ice.

2. Add tequila, pear nectar, lime juice, simple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice.

3. Shake vigorously until well chilled.

4. Strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice.

5. Garnish with a pear slice or cinnamon stick.

Bar Notes: 

• Pear nectar gives consistency; fresh pear purée feels lighter and fresher.

• A pinch of pumpkin pie spice adds warmth without overpowering.

• For presentation, rim the glass with a cinnamon-sugar blend.

Maple Boulevardier

A spirit-forward riff on the Negroni, with fall sweetness from maple.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz rye whiskey (or bourbon)

• 1 oz Campari

• 1 oz sweet vermouth

• ¼ oz maple syrup

• Garnish: orange twist

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.

2. Add rye, Campari, vermouth, and maple syrup.

3. Stir until well chilled.

4. Strain into a rocks glass over a large cube.

5. Garnish with an expressed orange twist.

Bar Notes: 

• Rye whiskey brings spice; bourbon makes it rounder and softer.

• Stir gently and steadily. Over-stirring can dilute the drink.

• Express the orange twist over the glass to release aromatic oils.

Salted Caramel Espresso Martini

Smooth, indulgent, and just the right balance of bitter and sweet.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka

• 1 oz fresh espresso (cooled)

• ½ oz coffee liqueur (Kahlúa or similar)

• ½ oz salted caramel syrup (Monin recommended)

• Garnish: flaky salt or caramel drizzle

Instructions:

1. Add vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, and caramel syrup to a shaker with ice.

2. Shake hard until chilled and frothy.

3. Strain into a coupe glass.

4. Garnish with a pinch of flaky salt or caramel drizzle.

Bar Notes: 

• Use freshly brewed espresso — it creates the signature foamy top. If you don't have an espresso machines, a Moka Pot works great!

• Monin salted caramel syrup is balanced; Torani is sweeter.

• Garnish with a light sprinkle of flaky salt to cut through the richness.

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