From apple to cinnamon, nutmeg and more, fall flavors are hard to resist—check out our editors’ guide to the top seasonal cocktail picks. 
Fiola Mare
Old Fashioned Falling
Fiola Mare is known for its signature martini menu, but the seasonal sips are not to be overlooked. The Old Fashioned Falling is a unique take on a classic sip featuring Knob Creek bourbon, Laird’s apple brandy, bourbon barrel maple syrup and Angostura bitters. This seasonal cocktail pairs beautifully with the restaurant’s views of fall foliage on the Potomac. 3050 K St. NW, fiolamaredc.com
Balos
Autumn in Athens
You know it’s fall when cinnamon takes center stage. The Autumn in Athens cocktail from Balos in DuPont Circle blends Diplomatico rum with Roots cinnamon liqueur, pumpkin spice, apple cider and lemon for a refreshingly spiced flavor. Pair it with favorites like the Balos chips or the spanakopita for a true taste of Greece this fall. 1940 N. St. NW, balosrestaurants.com
Death & Co
Harvest Club & ForeFather
Death & Co serves up autumn in a glass with their must-try seasonal cocktails. Warm up with the Harvest Club—a mix of Wild Turkey 101 Rye, 15-year Clear Creek apple brandy, exclusive to Death & Co, Brucato Orchards, raspberry, lemon and egg white. For a richer profile, the ForeFather blends Laird’s Bonded apple brandy, three-year Calvados Reserve, Grand Marnier, Benedictine, and Bittermens xocolatl mole bitters, offering notes of apple and spiced chocolate. Add Death & Co’s moody, intimate ambiance, and you have the ideal setting for a fall evening. 124 Blagden Alley NW, deathandcompany.com
KILN
Soul Kitchen
Looking to warm the soul? KILN’s Soul Kitchen cocktail will do the trick. The bourbon tipple, infused with peach, honey and black tea and topped with a delicious red wine foam, makes every sip as bold as it is smooth. Pair this soulful drink with shareables like ember-roasted sweet potatoes and shaved ham. 699 Prince St., heronalexandria.com
L’Ardente
Fig Cobbler
Nothing says fall quite like a good cobbler or L’Ardente’s fig cobbler cocktail. The delectable sip blends caramelized fig, Fino sherry, grappa, lemon and sparkling Lambrusco to perfectly capture the flavors of autumn. Pair with their butternut squash ravioli, boasting sage brown butter, for a warm, comforting dish that compliments the cocktail’s sweetness. 200 Massachusetts Ave. NW, lardente.com
Nina May
Smokey the Pear #2
The flavors of fall shine with every sip of Smokey the Pear #2. Featuring a delightful blend of mezcal, pear brandy, pear purée, lime and ginger, this drink is the ideal balance of smoky and sweet. For a truly autumnal experience, pair it with the merguez sausage stuffed lamb loin and sweet potato crisps. 1337 11th St. NW, ninamaydc.com
Off the Record
Lincoln’s Ghost
Rooted in history and style, Off the Record at The Hay-Adams presents Lincoln’s Ghost—a bourbon cocktail blended with honey aromatic bitters and a hint of smoky rosemary for a cozy layer of warmth. This seasonal sip pairs perfectly with the bar’s charcuterie, inviting you to spend the evening in the storied ambiance of one of DC’s most iconic spots. 800 16th St. NW, hayadams.com
Apple Highball
Residents Café & Bar
Corn Fashion & Apple Highball
Residents Café & Bar offers a taste of fall with expertly crafted cocktails. While sitting below colorful fall branches, sip the Apple Highball or Corn Fashion. The former is a refreshing combination of applejack brandy, Claque Pepin calvados and St. George apple brandy with Rockets botanical liqueur, Mundet apple soda and club soda, while the latter features Angostura bitters, Buffalo Trace bourbon and tequila reposado with Nixta corn liquor and Siete Misterios. 1306 18th St. NW, residentsdc.com
The Society
Blood & Sand & Black Magic
Tucked in the Hamilton Hotel, this microbar inspired by secret societies invites guests to toast fall with a lineup of creative, seasonal cocktails. Savor one of its keystone cocktails, Blood & Sand, featuring a masterful blend of smoky scotch, Cherry Heering, sweet vermouth and fresh blood orange juice, delivering a bold flavor palette. For those craving something a little darker, Black Magic is a concoction of overproof and dark spiced rum, vanilla vodka and pineapple topped with allspice dram, black sesame and a sprig of mint. 1001 14th St. NW, thesocietydc.com
Urban Roast DC
Peach Cobbler Margarita & Apple Ginger Paper Plane
As the air turns crisp, Urban Roast invites you to come on in and stay awhile with its extravagant autumn decor and lineup of delicious fall cocktails. The peach cobbler margarita does not disappoint, featuring tequila, orange liqueur, sour mix and peach with a hint of vanilla. For a mix of sweetness and spice, try the Apple Ginger Paper Plane with Irish apple whiskey, ginger, Aperol and sour mix. 916 G St. NW, urbanroastdc.com
Photography by: Christie Allison; Basaric Photography; Lia-Alexi Manfredi; Courtesy of Brands
