11 Essential Cocktails to Try in October

With the autumnal flavors of pumpkin, apple and other fall fruits starring in a range of drinks, from light and refreshing to decidedly spirit-forward, we’ve rounded up 11 cocktails to suit just about any October pursuit, from apple picking to pumpkin carving to merely curling up in front of a fireplace with a good book

Spiced Pumpkin Flip

LIquor.com / Tim Nusog

Bring the classic flip into fall with Naren Young’s seasonal spin. Two kinds of pumpkin, in the forms of both beer and butter, bring on layers of flavor that are perfectly complemented with bourbon and amaretto. An egg white adds froth, while grated nutmeg tops it all off

Two-Hit Fig Punch

Liquor.com / Tim Nusog

Make the most of the end of fig season with this punch. Muddled fresh figs are a sweet companion to orange lemon juices, while spiced rum and bourbon balance it all out with their deeply complex flavors. Serve it all in a punch bowl with a large block of ice, plus lime wheels and fresh nutmeg for serving.

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Concord Grape Margarita

Liquor.com / Tim Nusog

The sweetness and dry finish of Concord grapes make them ideal for using in cocktails. Case in point: this new take on a Margarita. Blanco tequila provides a clean and smooth base for fresh Concord grape and lemon juices, and a barspoon of Concord grape jelly adds concentrated fruit flavor and a slight touch of sweetness. Serve in a smoked-salt-rimmed glass and enjoy your new favorite Marg.

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Tender Knob

H. Joseph Ehrmann

Nothing says “October” quite like the flavors of apple, bourbon and cinnamon, and this cocktail has it all. Muddle an apple slice to release its crisp fall flavor, then shake with bourbon, hard apple cider, agave, cinnamon and ice until slightly frothy and chilled. Strain and enjoy.

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Flannel

Liquor.com

As the days cool down, reach for your flannel, both from your closet and from your bar. This cozy recipe is served cold but will warm you up as soon as you start to sip. Plus, it’s easy to make: Just shake cognac, apple cider syrup, allspice dram and orange juice, then strain and garnish with an orange peel.

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Amaretto Sour

Liquor.com / Tim Nusog

Don’t let your preconceived notions about this classic steer you away. Bartender Jeffrey Morgenthaler’s version keeps everything from being overly sweet. Amaretto stars (of course) alongside bourbon, fresh lemon juice, rich simple syrup and an egg white. Shake until it’s all frothy, sweet, sour, nutty and strong, then strain and garnish with a lemon twist and brandied cherries.

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Fall from the Tree

The Happiest Hour

Make the most of fall flavors with this cocktail from The Happiest Hour in NYC. Choose your base spirit (either applejack, bourbon or scotch), then mix it with fresh apple juice, cinnamon syrup, lemon juice and a dash of The Bitter Truth aromatic bitters. Serve in a chilled coupe glass, topped with a fresh apple slice to hint to the flavors you’ll find within.

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Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned

Max Cusimano

This twist on an Old Fashioned is a taste of October in a glass. Homemade pumpkin syrup tastes like pie seasoning in liquid form, and it pairs delightfully with the complex flavors found in bourbon. A couple dashes of orange bitters helps to bring in some classic Old Fashioned flavor, and a splash of club soda keeps it all from getting too heavy.

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