Fall-Inspired Scotch Cocktails to Savor This Season

There’s something about the rich, warming flavors of Scotch whisky that makes it an ideal choice for autumn cocktails. With its smoky, earthy notes and complex layers of spice and sweetness, Scotch is perfect for cozy, fall-inspired drinks. From spiced highballs to warming sours, these Scotch cocktails capture the essence of fall and pair beautifully with the season’s flavors.

And for those looking to dive deeper into Scotch mixology, join us on November 12 for our Art of the Cocktail class—a hands-on experience where you’ll explore the nuances of Scotch, create unique cocktails, and enjoy an evening of autumnal flavors. Until then, here are some of our favorite Scotch cocktails to mix up at home this fall.

1. Spiced Apple Highball

This refreshing yet warm cocktail combines Scotch with spiced apple syrup and ginger ale, creating a drink that’s both autumnal and easy to enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz blended Scotch

• 3 oz ginger ale

• 1/2 oz spiced apple syrup (see below)

• Ice

• Apple slice and cinnamon stick, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a highball glass filled with ice, pour the Scotch and spiced apple syrup.

2. Top with ginger ale and stir gently.

3. Garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon stick.

Spiced Apple Syrup: Simmer 1 cup of apple juice with 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 cinnamon stick, and a few cloves until the sugar dissolves. Let cool, then strain.

The subtle smokiness of Scotch blends with the sweetness of apples and the warmth of spices, making this highball the perfect companion for cool autumn evenings.

2. Maple Old Fashioned

A fall twist on the classic Old Fashioned, this cocktail uses maple syrup instead of simple syrup, adding depth and richness to each sip.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Scotch (lightly peated or unpeated)

• 1/4 oz maple syrup

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

• Ice

• Orange peel, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a rocks glass, combine the Scotch, maple syrup, and bitters.

2. Add ice and stir until well-chilled.

3. Express the oils of an orange peel over the drink and garnish with the peel.

The hint of maple brings out the Scotch’s woodsy character, while the bitters and orange peel add a touch of warmth that makes this Old Fashioned ideal for fall gatherings.

3. Rusty Apple Cider

The Rusty Nail is a classic Scotch cocktail, and this fall-inspired version adds a touch of apple cider for a sweet, spicy twist.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Scotch

• 0.5 oz Drambuie

• 1 oz apple cider

• Ice

• Apple slice and star anise, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a rocks glass with ice and add the Scotch, Drambuie, and apple cider.

2. Stir to combine and garnish with an apple slice and a star anise pod.

The Drambuie’s honey and herbal notes meld beautifully with apple cider, creating a drink that’s cozy, slightly spiced, and perfect for sipping by a fire.

4. Honeyed Ginger Scotch Sour

This twist on the classic Whisky Sour combines Scotch with ginger and honey, giving it a rich, warming profile that’s ideal for autumn.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Scotch

• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice

• 1/2 oz honey syrup (equal parts honey and hot water, mixed until dissolved)

• 1/2 oz ginger liqueur or fresh ginger juice

• Ice

• Lemon wheel and candied ginger, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Add Scotch, lemon juice, honey syrup, and ginger liqueur to a shaker with ice.

2. Shake well and strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.

3. Garnish with a lemon wheel and candied ginger.

This sour is refreshing yet grounded by the ginger and honey, making it a sophisticated yet cozy choice for a fall cocktail.

5. Smoky Cinnamon Rob Roy

A classic Rob Roy gets a fall makeover with a hint of cinnamon, bringing out the Scotch’s warm, smoky notes.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz single malt Scotch

• 1 oz sweet vermouth

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

• 1 dash cinnamon bitters

• Ice

• Cinnamon stick, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a mixing glass, combine the Scotch, sweet vermouth, Angostura bitters, and cinnamon bitters with ice.

2. Stir well, then strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.

3. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

The addition of cinnamon bitters adds a touch of spice, perfectly complementing the Scotch’s smokiness and making this Rob Roy a sophisticated autumn sipper.

Learn More at Our November Art of the Cocktail Class

Eager to explore more Scotch-based cocktails and dive deeper into the art of mixology? Join us on November 12 for our Art of the Cocktail class, featuring Famous Grouse and Highland Park Single Malt. You’ll learn hands-on techniques, explore seasonal Scotch cocktails, and gain a new appreciation for this classic spirit—all in the cozy setting of our November class.

Reserve your spot today and enjoy a memorable evening of Scotch, cocktails, and autumnal flavors.