As the crisp air settles over the city and the leaves begin to turn, New York City’s bars and lounges have fully embraced the cozy spirit of autumn. This season brings with it a delightful lineup of fun and festive cocktails, swapping out summer refreshers for warming, spiced concoctions. These inventive drinks are crafted with the spirit of the holidays in mind, instantly setting a mood that is both celebratory and comforting, making them the perfect way to welcome the change in season.
Warming Whiskey, Gin, and Brandy Base Drinks
Kardamom Bun and Right to Roam at The KABIN bar
The KABIN bar, inspired by Norway, has introduced a standout fall cocktail called the Kardamom Bun, which transforms the comforting Nordic pastry into a silky sour. Featuring rich brown butter, stout, and spiced cardamom, this drink is designed to evoke the warmth and hospitality symbolized by the classic Scandinavian baked good.
KABIN also features the Right to Roam cocktail on its “Nordic Air & Travel” menu, an Old Fashioned twist meant to evoke a cozy campfire experience. This complex drink blends Highwest Campfire whiskey with Montenegro, calvados, apple, toasted oat, and cinnamon to highlight quintessential autumn flavors.
The Dual at Blu on the Hudson
The Dual is a refined, spirit-forward cocktail offered at Blu on the Hudson, showcasing a balanced blend of premium spirits with autumnal flavor notes. This drink layers the richness of Angel’s Envy Bourbon and Rémy Martin VSOP Cognac with the smoky depth of Laphroaig 10 Year Old Scotch, finished with maple syrup and aromatic Peychaud’s Bitters.
Cue Ball Break at BA53MENT
BA53MENT, the new cocktail lounge located beneath the MoMA’s David Geffen Wing and 53, is showcasing the Cue Ball Break as a seasonal feature. This complex drink blends Ki One Korean whisky with rye, Grand Marnier, ginseng, and demerara, delivering rich, woody, and herbal notes perfect for autumn.
Sungold’s Tipsy S’mores
At Sungold in Brooklyn, the new Tipsy S’mores cocktail offers a decadent, nostalgic take on the campfire treat by blending Maker’s Mark bourbon, banana liqueur, and coffee bitters. The drink is playfully finished with a rim of toasted marshmallow, graham cracker, and chocolate, creating a creamy, elevated sip perfect for cozy fall evenings.
Cursed with Curiosity at The Up & Up
Bar Manager Ismael Ponce created the Cursed with Curiosity cocktail for The Up & Up, serving as a vibrant twist on the classic whiskey sour. This drink features the autumnal warmth of blood orange and cinnamon, balanced by Alpine notes from Amaro Pasubio and an exotic spice finish from tiki bitters.
Breva Brighton Beach’s Coastal Comfort
Breva Brighton Beach on the boardwalk is introducing comforting autumn flavors to its cocktail menu with decadent, after-dark options perfect for cooler weather by the water. Guests can choose between the sweet and rich Didi’s Chocolate Martini or the warming, spirit-forward Breva Smoked Old-Fashioned combining bourbon, fig, and sherry for smoky depth.
Tequila, Earthy, and Tropical Fall Fusions
Clarified Chai & Biscuit at INDN
The Clarified Chai & Biscuit cocktail at INDN captures the comforting warmth of the season by blending traditional masala chai spices with subtle malted biscuit flavors. This unique preparation uses clarification to achieve an elegant, smooth, and translucent drink ideal for crystal glassware.
Bar Cima’s Sky-High Spices
Located on the 28th floor of the Grayson Hotel, Bar Cima elevates the classic cocktail experience with stunning panoramic city views and warm, seasonal spices. Their featured Rum Old-Fashioned blends dark rum with falernum, Jamaican bitters, and aromatic nutmeg, making it the ideal cozy sip for crisp autumn evenings high above the city.
Alto Voltage at Mexi on Stone Street
Beverage Director José María “Chema” Dondé has created the Alto Voltage cocktail for Mexi on Stone Street, blending bold and electric flavors that honor Mexican spirit traditions. This lush, spiced drink combines botanical rum with creamy almond horchata, chile liqueurs, and a mint garnish to deliver an unexpected flavor profile.
French Quarter at The Bedford Stone Street
Beverage Director José María “Chema” Dondé has created the French Quarter cocktail for The Bedford Stone Street, blending sophisticated flavors for a smoky drink with a bright finish. The maritime-inspired gastropub, which also houses the intimate, pirate-themed Below Deck bar for private rentals, serves this drink, which mingles reposado tequila and aged armagnac with honeyed Xtabentún and aromatic vermouth.
Middle Ground at Shinji’s
Shinji’s is offering the Middle Ground, a warming cocktail that reimagines the Sazerac and Negroni with distinctly earthy autumn flavors. This bold concoction features Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon, Grey Goose Vodka, and Campari, combined with the unique, complex notes of beet, mushroom, and licorice.
A Girl Named Autumn at The Feathered Fox
The Feathered Fox in Jersey City has unveiled a new seasonal cocktail called A Girl Named Autumn, crafted by Beverage Director Erin Green. This festive mix features Espolòn Reposado Tequila, Chai Cream Liqueur, carrot juice, and honey chai cordial, resulting in a slightly smoky, sweet, and frothy drink that’s ideal for cool-weather sipping.
Harta’s Seasonal Warmth
Harta, located near Bryant Park, welcomes autumn with inventive cocktails that embody the warmth and spice of the season. The notable L’Espresso blends dark rum, coffee liqueur, and espresso with a generous splash of cinnamon syrup for a rich, spirited sip.
The Skylark’s Off-Menu Favorite
The Skylark, a beloved Midtown rooftop lounge, features the Fort Knox, an enduring fan favorite that regulars often order off-menu for a perfect balance of smoke and citrus. This classic drink layers Old Forester bourbon with mezcal, Yellow Chartreuse, and fresh lemon, creating a surprisingly cozy yet refreshing cocktail ideal for a crisp New York fall evening.
Holiday and Seasonal Twists
Zen Hot Toddy at The Expat
In celebration of the upcoming World Shochu Day on November 1st, iichiko Shochu is partnering with Harlem’s The Expat bar to introduce a new, comforting seasonal drink. The recipe for this custom creation is the Zen Hot Toddy, featuring Uji-Houjicha green tea-infused iichiko Saiten.
Witch Please! at Moxy Williamsburg
Moxy Williamsburg is debuting a new fall cocktail called Witch Please!, available at both its Mesiba restaurant and Bar Bedford lobby lounge. This festive drink is a seasonal twist on a classic Jungle Bird, blending Bacardi Ocho Rum and Campari with lime, pineapple, and a distinctly autumnal pumpkin spice syrup.
Black Rose at Magic Hour Rooftop
Magic Hour Rooftop at Moxy Times Square is celebrating the season with the Black Rose, a new Halloween/fall-themed cocktail priced at $\$20$. This festive drink features a refreshing blend of Hendricks Gin and Raspberry Tea, brightened with lemon juice and topped with Prosecco.
ART SoHo’s Hot Toddy Twist
ART SoHo, the indoor-outdoor rooftop at Arlo SoHo, is embracing cooler temperatures with the introduction of its fall-inspired Jasmine Fig Hot Toddy. This seasonal creation features jasmine green tea and fig syrup, finished with fig whipped cream to offer a uniquely sweet and nutty warm beverage while enjoying the autumn colors of the NYC skyline.
