Fall Bourbon Cocktails
As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to fall, there’s no better time to cozy up with a bourbon cocktail that captures the essence of the season. Redwood Empire’s bold, complex whiskeys are perfect for crafting fall drinks that bring warmth, spice, and a touch of nostalgia to your glass. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening by the fire or hosting a gathering with friends, these cocktails are sure to elevate your fall experience.
What Makes a Great Fall Cocktail?
Fall cocktails are all about celebrating the flavors of the season—think rich spices, cozy warmth, and the comforting sweetness of fall fruits. Bourbon, with its depth and complexity, is the perfect spirit for this time of year. The notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak pair wonderfully with ingredients like apple cider, maple syrup, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or just looking for something easy to whip up at home, these recipes are crafted to be approachable and full of flavor. We’ll walk you through a few of our favorite fall bourbon cocktails, each designed to bring out the best of the season’s ingredients while showcasing the unique character of Redwood Empire Whiskey.
Halloween Cocktail:
Batched Spiked Cider
As the crisp air and falling leaves of autumn set in, there’s no better way to celebrate Halloween than with a warm and spiced batched cocktail that brings people together. This Batched Spiked Cider blends the comforting flavors of bourbon, apple cider, and homemade cinnamon syrup, creating a drink that is both easy to prepare ahead of time and perfectly suited for an evening of laughter and connection with friends. The rich, seasonal ingredients wrap you in a sense of coziness, making this an ideal fall favorite for a festive night.
This warm and spiced batched cocktail is the perfect choice for Halloween gatherings. The blend of bourbon, apple cider, and cinnamon syrup is easy to make ahead, allowing you to focus on enjoying the crisp autumn evening with friends. It’s an inviting drink that wraps you in cozy comfort, making it an instant fall favorite.
This warm and spiced batched cocktail is perfect for gatherings, offering an inviting mix of bourbon, apple cider, and cinnamon. It’s easy to make ahead and serves as the ideal comfort drink for crisp autumn evenings.
Ingredients:
- 15 oz Redwood Empire Pipe Dream Bourbon
- 30 oz apple cider
- 3 oz cinnamon syrup (recipe below)
- 3 oz lemon juice
Instructions:
- In a large pitcher, combine bourbon, apple cider, cinnamon syrup, and lemon juice.
- Shake well and chill in the refrigerator for a few hours.
- When ready to serve, pour over ice and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Cinnamon Syrup (makes 16 oz):
- 8 oz sugar
- 8 oz water
- 4 cinnamon sticks
Instructions for Cinnamon Syrup:
- Bring water to a boil in a saucepan.
- Add sugar and stir until dissolved.
- Add cinnamon sticks and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Let cool before adding to a cocktail.
The Espresso Tonic is a perfect choice for those who love a twist on classic cocktails, especially during a crisp autumn evening. This drink effortlessly blends the robust flavors of cold coffee with the deep, complex notes of Redwood Empire Bourbon, creating a bold, refreshing cocktail that gives you the warmth of whiskey with an extra shot of energy. The addition of tonic water brings a lively effervescence, while the rosemary sprig garnish adds a fresh aromatic note, making each sip feel both invigorating and satisfying.
This twist on the classic highball is perfect for an autumn evening when you need a little pick-me-up. The combination of cold coffee, bourbon, and tonic water is bold and refreshing, while the rosemary sprig garnish adds an aromatic touch that makes each sip an experience. It’s a unique drink that effortlessly blends the comfort of bourbon with the energy of coffee.
A bold and refreshing twist on the classic highball, this Espresso & Tonic combines the rich, deep flavors of coffee with the smooth complexity of Redwood Empire Pipe Dream Bourbon. The addition of tonic water adds a crisp, effervescent quality, while a sprig of rosemary provides an aromatic finishing touch.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Redwood Empire Pipe Dream Bourbon
- 1.5 oz cold coffee
- 0.5 oz coffee liqueur
- 3.0 oz tonic water
- Rosemary sprig, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a shaker, combine bourbon, cold coffee, and coffee liqueur.
- Dry shake (without ice) the first three ingredients.
- Add tonic water to the shaker.
- Strain over a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a rosemary sprig.
For those early autumn mornings when the mist clings to the trees, the Morning Fog cocktail combines rich coffee flavors with the warmth of Redwood Empire Pipe Dream Bourbon. Topped with a creamy, salted maple whip, this drink delivers a touch of sweetness, a hint of salt, and a bold kick to start your day—or wind down your evening. Perfectly layered, it’s as satisfying to look at as it is to sip, evoking the cozy, misty feel of a fall morning.
This cocktail is perfect for a relaxing morning or an evening treat. The salted-maple whipped cream pairs beautifully with the coffee and chocolate notes, while the bourbon provides depth and warmth. The final sprinkle of coffee grounds completes this indulgent experience, making each sip taste like a warm autumn morning.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Redwood Empire Pipe Dream Bourbon
- 1 1/2 oz cold brew concentrate
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 2 dashes chocolate bitters
- Ice
- Coffee grounds, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a clean shaker, combine bourbon, cold brew concentrate, simple syrup, chocolate bitters, and ice.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain over a glass filled with ice.
- Top with a dollop of salted-maple whipped cream.
- Garnish with a light sprinkle of coffee grounds.
Salted-Maple Whipped Cream:
- 4 oz heavy cream
- 1 oz maple syrup
- 1/8 tsp salt
Instructions for Salted-Maple Whipped Cream:
- In a shaker or mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, maple syrup, and salt.
- Shake or whip until thickened.
- Set aside until ready to use.
Inspired by the lush, green canopies of Northern California, the Emerald Canopy cocktail brings together the subtle floral notes of Earl Grey tea and the brightness of Meyer lemon juice, balanced by the smooth depth of Redwood Empire Pipe Dream Bourbon. This refreshing drink is perfect for afternoons or early evenings, offering a delicate mix of flavors that evoke the tranquility of a fall forest.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Redwood Empire Pipe Dream Bourbon
- 1 oz Meyer lemon juice
- 1 oz brewed Earl Grey tea
- 3/4 oz maple syrup
- Ice
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a shaker, combine bourbon, Meyer lemon juice, Earl Grey tea, and maple syrup.
- Add ice and shake well.
- Strain over a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a lemon slice for a bright, aromatic finish.
As the nights grow colder, the Drink of Giants offers a warming and sophisticated twist on a classic whiskey sour, perfect for cozying up by the fire. Featuring Redwood Empire’s Emerald Giant Rye, this cocktail brings depth and spice, balanced by the smooth richness of egg white and the hint of maple. It’s an ideal drink for winding down on a cool autumn evening, whether spent alone or in good company.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Rye Whiskey
- 3/4 oz lemon juice
- 3/4 oz maple syrup
- 1/2 oz egg white
- Ice
- Bitters, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a shaker, combine rye whiskey, lemon juice, maple syrup, and egg white.
- Dry shake (without ice) to create a frothy texture.
- Add ice and shake vigorously (hard shake) to chill and combine.
- Double strain into a wide-brim glass for a smooth finish.
- Garnish with a few drops of bitters for aroma and visual appeal.
Tips for Perfecting Your Fall Cocktails
Creating memorable fall cocktails is about more than just the recipes—it’s about capturing the essence of the season in each glass. Here are a few extra tips to elevate your fall cocktail game.
Use Seasonal Garnishes:
Adding a seasonal garnish can make a big impact. Try cinnamon sticks, star anise, rosemary sprigs, or fresh apple slices to give your cocktails a festive, fall-inspired look and aroma.
Warm Cocktails for Extra Coziness:
If you’re hosting a gathering outdoors or just want something to cozy up with, warm cocktails are a wonderful choice. Warmed apple cider spiked with bourbon, or even a warm spiced tea mixed with whiskey, can be delightful additions to your fall repertoire.