8 Beverages to Embrace Fall Weather

It’s hard to know what to drink during autumn in the South. Will the weather be hot? Cold? Cold and hot in the same day? (Yes.) Will there be a hurricane? (Let’s not even ask.) If you think this is crazy, congratulations: You still have seasons.

The solution, of course, is simple. We have our still-summer drinks, and we have our cozy sweater weather drinks, most by Southern makers who understand what it’s like to wake up to a 45-degree morning and end the day sweating, or to plan your Halloween costume to include layers. 

Canned and Simple: Warm Weather Vibes

Silent Flower THC Sparkling Rosé

Atlanta

For those who can’t decide what they’re in the mood for, this is the answer. It’s sparkling. It’s wine. It’s nonalcoholic. It’s infused with your choice of 2, 5, or 10 milligrams of THC. And it’s perfect for those warm afternoons by the pool, even if you don’t get in the water. 

The Pearl Oyster Pilsner

Asheville, North Carolina

You’ll have to get in the car for this one, but it’s worth the drive for this unique beer. The limited release from Fonta Flora Brewery and Jettie Rae’s Oyster House is back for a second year. The mash is steeped with whole oysters, including shells, for a crisp, mineral-driven beer designed to be the perfect pairing with seafood. Available in Fonta Flora’s taprooms, Jettie Rae’s, and select restaurants.

Tip Top Proper Cocktails Tia Mia

Atlanta

Just when we thought Miles MacQuarrie and Neal Cohen couldn’t get any cooler, they initiated the new Proper Establishment Series of cocktails connected to iconic bars. First up is the Tia Mia, a mezcal-driven riff on the mai tai created by Ivy Mix when she was at Leyenda. This canned version uses the original custom orgeat made by Tiki Adam of Orgeat Works.  

Hello Soju Sparkling Soju

Venice, California, now available online and in Texas

Move over, White Claw! If you’re bored with seltzers, a six-pack of these gluten-free fun flavors like lemon yuzu, Asian pear, and lychee is just the ticket. It’s made from soju, a distilled rice spirit with a subtle but unique flavor, traditionally from Korea but now being made in the US. 

Devil’s Backbone Smash on the Beach

Lexington, Virginia

Keep the summer vibes going with this crushable sparkling blend of peach, cranberry, and orange juices and vodka. Devil’s Backbone is our go-to for a crowd. 

Keep It Cozy: Cold Weather Cocktails

Weber Ranch Vodka

Jalisco, Mexico, and Muenster, Texas

Made from 100 percent blue weber agave, hand-harvested and distilled in Jalisco before being shipped to Texas, where it is further distilled into vodka by master distiller Antonio Rodriguez, this fruity, additive-free vodka takes cocktails to a whole new level. Try it in an espresso martini and swap out the simple syrup for agave syrup.

Hello Soju and Minhwa Spirits Yong Soju

Los Angeles and Doraville, Georgia

We’re excited to see this distilled-rice spirit being made traditionally in the US, and with vodka going the way of tequila, it’s the perfect opportunity to try soju in your favorite cocktails. Give it a shot in a martini with a bianco vermouth and orange bitters, or try our original cocktail below for fall vibes. (Hello Soju is available online and at retailers in Texas, Colorado, California, and Nevada; find Minhwa Spirits stockists throughout Georgia.)

Recipe courtesy of Emily Havener

So-Juicy

yields

Makes 1 cocktail

ingredients

• 2 ounces soju
  

• 1 ounce Heering cherry liqueur
  

• ½ ounce lemon juice
  

• 3 ounces pineapple juice
  

• 3 drops grapefruit bitters

steps

1. In a cocktail tin filled with ice, combine all ingredients. Shake until well chilled, about 20 seconds, and serve in a rocks glass over ice.

Angel’s Envy Port-Finished Bourbon

Louisville, Kentucky

With a raisin and maple syrup nose and notes of ripe fruit and bitter chocolate added to the classic bourbon palate, this is a perfect-for-fall bourbon that goes extremely well in fruity cocktails. Keep it simple in a classic Boulevardier or a Stone Fence (2 ounces bourbon with 4 ounces sparkling apple cider). We also love pairing it with another Louisville brand, Make & Muddle, using their Smoked Persimmon Black Forest Syrup.

Recipe courtesy of Emily Havener

Simmering Envy

yields

Makes 1 cocktail

ingredients

• 2 ounces Angel’s Envy port-finished bourbon
  

• ¾ ounce Make & Muddle Smoked Persimmon Black Forest Syrup
  

• ½ ounce lemon juice
  

• ½ ounce simple syrup

steps

1. In a cocktail tin filled with ice, combine all ingredients. Shake until well chilled, about 20 seconds, and strain into a coupe.

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