Fall attire in LA = t-shirts and lightweight cashmere sweaters. Ok, to be accurate, it’s actually ‘summer adjacent.’ But that doesn’t mean we can’t get into the autumn spirit — especially when it comes to cocktails. At Smith & Berg Partners, we love any reason to craft a new specialty drink, and fall is the perfect time to blend cozy evening vibes with traditional seasonal flavors. Whether you’re having a laid-back night in or hosting your BFFs, these are some of our go-to cocktails for making the most of LA's ultra-mellow autumn evenings.
1. The Smoky Maple Old Fashioned
Maple syrup and bourbon? Yes, please. This spin on the Old Fashioned is all about those smooth, rich fall flavors. It’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket...but for your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1/4 oz maple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel for garnish
- Smoked wood chips (optional)
Instructions:
In a mixing glass, stir together the whiskey, maple syrup, and bitters with ice. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. If you’re feeling fancy, light up a few wood chips in a smoker or on a stovetop and place a glass over them to capture the smoky flavor before pouring the drink in. Garnish with an orange peel, twisting it over the glass to release the oils.
2. Pomegranate Mule
This one’s a fall twist on a classic Moscow Mule. The pomegranate gives it a bright, tart kick that pairs perfectly with the warm ginger beer. Light, refreshing, and 100% fall-ready.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz pomegranate juice
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- Ginger beer
- Pomegranate seeds and lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a copper mug (or glass) with ice. Add vodka, pomegranate juice, and lime juice, then top with ginger beer. Stir gently to combine. Garnish with a few pomegranate seeds and a lime wedge.
3. Spiced Pear Martini
Want to feel a little fancy? This pear martini hits all the right notes — subtle sweetness from the pear, a bit of spice, and that smooth martini vibe. It’s great for a laid-back dinner party or just treating yourself after a long week.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz pear vodka
- 1 oz spiced simple syrup (cinnamon and cloves)
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- Pear slice and cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions:
Shake the pear vodka, spiced simple syrup, and lemon juice with ice in a cocktail shaker. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a thin pear slice and cinnamon stick for a little extra autumn flair.
📸: @thatchersorganic
4. Cider Bourbon Fizz
Apple cider and bourbon are a match made in fall heaven. This cocktail is crisp, refreshing, and just the thing for sipping while watching the sun set over the city.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 3 oz fresh apple cider
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- Club soda
- Cinnamon stick and apple slice for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a shaker with bourbon, apple cider, and lemon juice, and shake with ice. Strain into a glass over fresh ice, then top with club soda. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and an apple slice to complete the look.
📸: @jennygoycochea
5. Pumpkin Spice White Russian
Yeah, we went there — pumpkin spice. This twist on a White Russian is creamy, dreamy, and full of fall flavor. Think of it as dessert in a glass.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
- 2 oz pumpkin spice creamer
- Whipped cream and cinnamon for garnish
Instructions:
In a rocks glass filled with ice, pour in the vodka and coffee liqueur. Slowly add the pumpkin spice creamer, stirring gently to create a swirl of flavors. Top with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon for an indulgent autumn treat.
6. Autumn Margarita
[Tacos] & Tequila lovers, rejoice. With a splash of apple cider, this Autumn Margarita is salty, sweet, sour…basically everything you love about a classic marg, just fall-ified. Goes great with your fave fall taco bar recipes.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila (reposado is great here)
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 2 oz apple cider
- 1/2 oz agave syrup (adjust to your taste)
- Cinnamon and sugar for rimming the glass
- Apple slice and cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions:
Start by rimming your glass with a mix of cinnamon and sugar for a sweet touch. In a shaker, combine the tequila, lime juice, apple cider, and agave syrup with ice. Shake it up, strain into the prepared glass filled with ice, and garnish with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick.
📸: @acouplecooks
