Sip into the Season: The Best Autumn Whiskey Cocktails to Make Now

The crisp air, the crunch of leaves, and the warm glow of an evening fire—it can only mean one thing: it's whiskey cocktail season. As the weather cools, our palates naturally shift toward deeper, richer, and spicier flavors. And what better spirit to deliver that warmth than whiskey?

We've curated three essential Autumn Whiskey Cocktails that perfectly showcase the unique flavor profiles of three must-have bottles: Sweetens Cove Kennessee Bourbon, Knob Creek Smoked Maple, and Pikesville Straight Rye. Get ready to elevate your fall home bar!

1. The Tennessee Apple Butter Old Fashioned (Featuring Sweetens Cove Kennessee Bourbon)

Sweetens Cove Kennessee Bourbon is a blend of Tennessee and Kentucky bourbons, offering a wonderful balance of sweet caramel and rye spice. Its complexity makes it the perfect canvas for rich autumn flavors without getting lost in the mix.

This recipe takes the classic Old Fashioned and gives it a distinctly autumnal Southern twist with the addition of rich apple butter.

Why this is a top Autumn Cocktail:

• Flavor Profile: Sweet, Spicy, Rich, and Fruity. The apple butter delivers deep fall fruit notes while the bourbon's spice keeps the drink balanced.

Instructions:

1. In an Old Fashioned glass, muddle the apple butter, maple syrup, and bitters until the apple butter is fully dissolved.

2. Add the Sweetens Cove Kennessee Bourbon.

3. Add one large ice cube (or several small ones).

4. Stir for 20-30 seconds until well-chilled.

5. Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink by twisting it, then drop the peel into the glass.

2. The Smoked Maple Chai Toddy (Featuring Knob Creek Smoked Maple)

Knob Creek Smoked Maple is a rich, full-bodied bourbon infused with the essence of maple smoke. This bottle is practically begging to be included in a cozy, warming fall whiskey cocktail.

By combining it with hot chai tea, we create a Smoked Maple Chai Toddy that is deeply aromatic and the ideal cold-weather companion.

Why this is a top Autumn Cocktail:

• Flavor Profile: Warm, Aromatic, Spicy, and Smoky. The bourbon's smoked maple notes harmonize with the cinnamon and clove of the chai.

Instructions:

1. Pre-warm a mug by filling it with hot water, then discarding the water.

2. Add the Knob Creek Smoked Maple, lemon juice, and honey to the mug.

3. Top with the hot, freshly brewed chai tea.

4. Stir until the honey is completely dissolved.

5. Garnish with a cinnamon stick for extra spice and aroma.

3. The Harvest Blinker (Featuring Pikesville Straight Rye)

Pikesville Straight Rye is a high-proof Maryland-style rye known for its bold, spicy character and dry finish with notes of honey and clove. This robust flavor stands up beautifully to complex fruit and citrus mixers.

The Blinker is a classic rye cocktail that we're giving a fall spin with pink grapefruit and a hint of homemade cranberry syrup, creating a beautiful balance of tart and spice.

Why this is a top Autumn Cocktail:

• Flavor Profile: Tart, Spicy, Zesty, and Complex. The rye's intense spice is balanced by the bright, slightly bitter grapefruit and the sweet-tart cranberry.

Instructions:

1. Add the Pikesville Straight Rye, fresh grapefruit juice, cranberry syrup, and grapefruit bitters to a cocktail shaker.

2. Fill the shaker with ice.

3. Shake vigorously until well-chilled.

4. Double-strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.

5. Garnish with a simple grapefruit or lemon twist.

🥃 Ready to Stock Your Bar?

Don't let the cold nights catch you unprepared! Whether you crave the smoky sweetness of the Smoked Maple Toddy or the bold spice of the Harvest Blinker, these best whiskey cocktails for fall are waiting for you.

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