Fall is here along with its seasonal hallmarks: leaves changing colors, blustery days, earlier evenings, and a vast array of pumpkin spice delights. Bourbon cocktails are also a terrific way to mark autumn’s entrance. The brown liquor can evoke the season’s warmth and coziness when paired with the right seasonal modifiers, making for a smooth transition from refreshing, rooftop-worthy cocktails or whatever your “drink of summer” ended up being.
It’s easy to sink into the season’s ambiance by immediately reaching for a classic like a traditional Old Fashioned or a Hot Toddy. That’s fine, of course — those drinks are familiar and excellent. But the world of bourbon cocktails includes a host of other under-the-radar options that can deliver exquisite fall vibes. Nobody knows this hidden gem-studded landscape quite like the pros, so we asked 14 bartenders to name their favorite underrated gems. These choices are a perfect way to enjoy the chillier months — or whenever the last heat wave rolls through your town.
The most underrated bourbon cocktails for fall, according to bartenders: Spiced Old Fashioned Lion’s Tail Maple Bourbon Smash Stone Fence Midnight Stinger A Clockwork Orange Autumn Sweater Black Manhattan Lonerider Cider Bourbon Smash Cock n Bull Boulevardier Credit: Brent Hofacker- stock.adobe.com
“A Spiced Old Fashioned is a spiced-up twist on a classic. By adding the rich flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, this seasonal adaptation captures the essence of autumn, infusing the classic cocktail with cozy, aromatic notes that evoke the comfort of a
