7 Warming Bourbon Cocktails to Get Through Chilly Fall Days

Old Fashioneds are a year-round staple, but swapping the sugar cube for a touch of maple syrup gives them a cozier, woodsy upgrade made for sweater weather. Stir it with bourbon and a few dashes of Angostura bitters, then garnish with an orange peel.

This is, in essence, an adult-style hot cider. Bourbon, honey, fresh lemon, warm spices and hot water all come together into this spiced, hot mug full of comfort. Plus, it won’t hurt that it makes your kitchen smell like the holidays.

If you love apple-flavored anything in the fall, you’ll love this cocktail. Fresh apple cider, bourbon, a squeeze of lemon and a splash of ginger beer make this a crisp, bubbly sip that has the right amount of spice. If you’re feeling fancy, rim the glass with cinnamon sugar and garnish with apple slices.

This drink sounds a bit suspect at first, but it is in actuality, a very decadent adult upgrade on the cold-weather comfort beverage. All you need is a shot of bourbon, some rich hot cocoa (packet or homemade) and a topping of marshmallows or whipped cream.

A modern drink classic with only three ingredients: Bourbon, honey syrup and fresh lemon. It’s essentially a whiskey sour’s cozier counterpart and is best served over ice.

Negroni lovers will love this cocktail that is almost the same except swapping gin for bourbon, giving it a richer, warmer flavor palette. Equal parts bourbon, Campari and sweet vermouth create a deep, bittersweet taste that pairs well with a crisp fall evening.

Pear is perhaps the most underrated seasonal fruit, but it takes center stage in this cocktail recipe. All you need to do is shake bourbon with pear nectar, fresh lemon juice and a cinnamon simple syrup. If you want that signature frothy top, add an egg white.