Until the rise of the craft cocktail scene in the Coastal Bend, seasonal cocktails meant margaritas in summer and Irish coffees in the winter. But as mixology evolves, new flavors describe our passing seasons and inspire the mood of the night. Created by local bartenders and mixologists, here is a roundup of seasonal cocktails to enjoy this fall.
Dokyo Dauntaun
A cocktail night at Dokyo changes vibes with the seasons, and the Yurei cocktail is coming out of the gate strong this fall as a robust spirit-forward martini with sweet vermouth, reposado tequila, mezcal and a bit of cynar. This drink gets garnished with a sprig of charred rosemary and the spritz of an orange. The Yurei has a dark, oaky taste with a smoky mezcal bite. 424 N. Chaparral St.
The Lookout
Any season is beach season on Padre Island, and The Lookout’s selection of seasonal cocktails certainly reflects that. Enter The Beach Bum, a magnificent little magenta drink that invites rum to the companionship of blackberry, yuzu and passionfruit. Sweetened with orgeat and balanced with fresh lemon juice, the craft tiki-style cocktail tastes like the sun is always shining on the island. 4242B Laguna Shores Rd.
The Goldfish
A patio cocktail at The Goldfish is the perfect beginning or end to a crisp fall evening downtown. To put some life into the night, Wake the Dead is an espresso-inspired martini with whirling flavors of orange zest, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg. Besides highlighting the cocktail talents behind the bar of The Goldfish, Wake the Dead is also inspired by the return of the Dia de los Muertos festival this month. 724 N. Mesquite St.
The Post at Lamar Park
Known for its creative craft cocktails, The Post has a full lineup of autumnal-inspired libations, and the Pumpkin King is topping our list of must-try drinks this fall. A spin on the classic old fashioned, this seasonal delight combines pumpkin and baking spice infused rye with brown sugar, black walnut, Angostura bitters and a candied pumpkin garnish. 411 Doddridge St. #102
YOLA Cocina Mexicana
Behind the bar at YOLA Cocina Mexicana, a cocktail with familiar fall flavors pops up around this time of year. The Chocolate Pumpkin Martini is just as cozy as it is boozy. In a chocolate-drizzled coupe, the mix of vodka, pumpkin spice and Godiva harmonizes in a pearlescent, creamy libation, leaning on the sweeter side but ending in a balanced, sophisticated bite. The timeless flavors of this martini make for a memorable October. 3818 S. Alameda St.
El Catrin Dine and Lounge
There’s something so comforting and familiar about a margarita. Over at El Catrin, the warm fuzzy feelings of the season are invoked in its seasonal margarita, the Luna Llena. This classic margarita with tequila and triple sec takes on autumnal flavors with apple cider and maple syrup for a little sweetness. 805 S. Staples St. Suite B
C21 Grub and Social
At C21’s southside cocktail lounge experience, the taste of autumn doesn’t fall too far from the tree. The Fallen Apple is an autumn-themed cocktail featuring Peruvian pisco and amaro nonino to create an elixir served best in a chilled coupe. With a light note of ginger, house-made apple butter, fresh lime juice and fortified wine, this egg-white sour ends with a whisper of freshly grated nutmeg. 5702 Spohn Dr. S.
