Fall Favorites: Customer-Submitted Recipes for Autumn Entertaining

As the temperatures drop and the leaves turn, entertaining takes on a cozier feel. The drinks you serve at your gathering set the tone. 

We asked our customers to share their go-to fall cocktails. And what we got back was a collection of approachable, flavorful drinks that celebrate the season. 

Apple Season Classics

Nothing signals fall quite like the crisp taste of apples!

Apple Tart 

Submitted by Michelle Aldrich-Goldstein

This sipper balances sweet apple flavor with tart citrus and warming spice. Perfect for autumn evenings.

• 1½ oz Crown Royal Regal Apple
• ¼ oz blackberry brandy
• ½ oz fresh lemon juice
• 3 dashes Fee Brothers Whiskey Barrel-Aged Bitters (or other cinnamon bitters)

Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Apple Pie Moonshine 

Submitted by Anna Nicole

This batch cocktail delivers nostalgic apple pie flavor in liquid form. Make it ahead, keep it chilled, and you'll have it ready to pour all season.

• ½ gallon apple cider
• ½ gallon apple juice
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 1 whole clove
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups Everclear
• 2 cups vodka

Combine apple cider, apple juice, both sugars, cinnamon sticks, vanilla, and clove in a large pot. Heat on high until the mixture reaches a rolling boil. Lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Take the pot off the heat and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, mix in the Everclear and vodka. Transfer to clean bottles or jars and refrigerate until ready to serve. 

Makes approximately 10-12 pints.

Applejack Sour 

Submitted by Robert Porte

This classic sour brings fall flavors front and center with the addition of maple syrup and a dusting of nutmeg.

• 2 oz Applejack
• ¾ oz lemon juice
• ½ oz orange juice
• ½ oz maple syrup
• 2 dashes bitters

Shake all ingredients and strain into a coupe neat or in a lowball glass with ice. Garnish with grated nutmeg.

Warming Bourbon Creations

When the air turns crisp, bourbon-based cocktails hit differently. 

The Hunter 

Submitted by Robert Porte

This sophisticated stirred cocktail combines Burning Chair Bourbon with cherry liqueurs for a drink that's equal parts elegant and approachable.

• 2 oz bourbon
• ½ oz Heering Cherry Liqueur
• ¼ oz Luxardo Cherry Liqueur
• 2 dashes bitters

Stir all ingredients in a cocktail beaker with ice and strain into a coupe glass, neat. Garnish with a Luxardo cherry.

For Everyone at the Table

Great entertaining means everyone feels included, regardless if they're drinking alcohol. This customer-submitted mocktail proves you don't need spirits to create something special.

Cranberry Mule Mocktail (or Cocktail) 

Submitted by Mia Grace

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Serve it as a sophisticated non-alcoholic option, or add vodka for guests who want something stronger. Either way, the tart cranberry and spicy ginger create a refreshing combination.

• 2 oz cranberry juice
• 4 oz ginger beer
• 2 oz Gray's Peak Vodka (optional, omit for non-alcoholic version)
• Fresh rosemary for garnish
• Sugar for rim

Put all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake. Rim your glass with sugar before pouring.

Tried and True

These are the recipes our customers return to again and again because they're approachable, reliable, and actually taste good. 

When you're planning your next fall get-together, skip the bartending stress and try one of these proven winners instead. That's the kind of simplicity every host needs.