Sparkling Bourbon Pear Cocktail

A velvety roasted pear purée is the key to this batched bourbon drink that says fall without screaming it.

Falling Leaves

Created by New York mixological maestro Audrey Saunders, the Falling Leaves is a great autumn drink that works well as a conversation starter as guests arrive. Not only rich and flavorful, the Falling Leaves packs less of an alcoholic wallop than a typical cocktail, so you'll be able to enjoy your drink without throwing yourself off stride while putting the finishing touches on the meal--and maybe even mix a second round at halftime.

Gramercy Tavern's Goodfellow

This simple-looking cocktail from Gramercy Tavern's fall lineup boasts a surprisingly complex flavor profile. The elegantly layered drink mixes belly-warming Scotch with slightly sweet pear liqueur, plus nutty walnut liqueur and Oloroso sherry.

Pear-Cardamom Caramel

This caramel, folded with cooked down pears, has a lush, fudgy texture. Ginger and cardamom lend their herbaceous, spicy flavors which, alongside a generous pinch of salt, make for a sophisticated sweet.

Architects and Kings

Bartender Josh Relkin developed this recipe for Sable Kitchen & Bar in Chicago. It plays on the bitter side of coffee, adding herbal amaro and spicy bitters. Topped with whipped cream, it's a great way to wind down after dinner.

Eeyore's Requiem

Eeyore's Requiem, invented by Toby Maloney of Chicago's Violet Hour, starts with Campari, then adds a dose of barrel-aged Fernet Branca, which is made with gentian, chamomile, bitter orange, myrrh, and saffron, among other things.

Apple Fennel Punch

Rye adds a distinct kick to the other soothing flavors like apple, ginger, and fennel in this winter punch from Fino in Austin, Texas. Bergamot tea is the clean, earthy base that ties the flavors together.

DIY Pear Liqueur

A homemade pear liqueur made with brandy gives you the sweetness of a fruit liqueur and the dryness of brandy in one ingredient. This pear liqueur hits the "Do I DIY?" trifecta: easy, cheap, and better-tasting than the store-bought stuff.

Midnight Stroll (Rye, Campari, and Ramazzotti Cocktail)

This cocktail starts with an ample pour of rye whiskey, layered with rich red Campari. It's finished with a mix of orange liqueur and cinnamon-y, cardamom-y Amaro Ramazzotti, for a drink that's a bit less fruity than a Boulevardier, with a kick of spice.

Apricot Rhyme

Rye plus thyme (rhyme, get it?). This cocktail from Ryan Gannon of The Spotted Pig is herbal on the nose, more fruit-forward on the finish.