As the leaves change color and the air becomes crisp, there’s nothing like cozying up with a glass of bourbon and some perfectly paired fall flavors. Whether you’re gathering around a fire with friends or hosting a fall dinner party, these autumn-inspired bourbon pairings are guaranteed to elevate the season.
And before you ask a controversial question, yes, pumpkin spiced items often go very well with anything bourbon because of the prevalence of baking spices in each sip of bourbon.
1. Bourbon & Spiced Nuts
Start your fall pairing journey with a simple but flavorful snack—spiced nuts. The warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves on toasted pecans or walnuts marries beautifully with the caramel and vanilla notes of your favorite bourbon. Try a wheated bourbon to complement the spice while keeping things smooth and slightly sweet. Like spice, try cajun spiced nuts with a barrel strength rye and see how savory and spicy marry well with a bold whiskey.
Pro Tip: Toast your own nuts at home for added warmth and freshness. A sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper can add an unexpected kick that’ll play nicely with higher-proof bourbons.
2. Bourbon & Apple Pie
Is there anything more quintessentially fall than apple pie? The buttery crust and cinnamon-laced apples pair perfectly with bourbon’s sweet, oaky character and complex character. Go for a rich bourbon with bold, fruity notes to match the pie’s sweetness—something like a bourbon finished in sherry casks can enhance the depth of this pairing. If you love cheddar on your apple pie, you may also enjoy a savory, spicy 95% rye mash bill rye with your slice of pie.
Pro Tip: Let the bourbon warm up in your hand to bring out even more rich, caramelized flavors that will complement the pie. Or, use an atomizer to add a spritz of bourbon to the serving plate before you set the pie on it.
3. Bourbon & Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
A savory pairing for cooler nights, roasted butternut squash soup offers earthy, sweet flavors that are perfect alongside bourbon. Choose a bourbon with spicy undertones—think rye-adjacent bourbons like classic high rye bourbons that balance the velvety richness of the soup with a hint of pepper and baking spice.
Pro Tip: Drizzle a little bourbon into the soup for added warmth, or top with crispy sage and roasted pumpkin seeds for a gourmet touch.
4. Bourbon & Pumpkin Bread
Pumpkin everything is in full swing come fall, and pumpkin bread is no exception. The spiced sweetness of pumpkin bread pairs wonderfully with a bourbon that leans into rich,deep flavors like toffee, molasses, and dark fruit. A bourbon with secondary aging in a highly toasted or charred barrel will elevate the smoky, autumnal vibes even more.
Pro Tip: Serve the pumpkin bread warm with a side of spiced butter mixed with a splash of bourbon. To room temperature butter, add cinnamon, nutmeg, clove and allspice. Add a bit of bourbon to build up the vanilla notes in the butter. You’re welcome.
5. Bourbon & Aged Cheddar
For a savory-sweet combo, try pairing bourbon with a sharp aged cheddar or a rich,dens gouda or havarti. The rich, tangy bite of cheese cuts through bourbon’s caramel and vanilla notes, while the bourbon’s spice complements the cheese’s depth.
Pro Tip: Add sliced apples or pears on the side for a flavor combination that hits all the fall notes—sweet, savory, and spiced.
6. Bourbon & S’mores
If your fall plans involve a bonfire, don’t forget the s’mores! The gooey marshmallow, melted chocolate, and crunchy graham cracker are the perfect partners for a smoky, bold bourbon. Opt for a bourbon with toasted oak or chocolate notes, which will enhance every bite of this childhood favorite.
If you really want to make an incredible experience, use nutella instead of Hershey’s chocolate, or pivot to individual dove chocolate caramels.
Pro Tip: Upgrade your s’mores by using dark chocolate or spiced chocolate, and try a smoked bourbon to really bring out those fireside vibes. You could even go crazy and add a touch of smoked bacon to the dessert. Bacon makes everything better. Even bourbon.
7. Bourbon & Cranberry Brie Bites
For a more sophisticated pairing, serve mini cranberry brie bites alongside your bourbon. The tartness of cranberry paired with the creamy richness of brie balances well with a high-rye bourbon that cuts through the richness with spice and a bit of heat.
Pro Tip: Make the bites with puff pastry and top with a drizzle of bourbon-infused honey to bring the flavors full circle. If you don’t have brie, goat cheese is another excellent choice that will bump up the tartness of the
cranberry flavors.
Whether you’re planning a cozy night in or an autumn gathering, these bourbon pairings will give you the perfect excuse to embrace fall and celebrate with a glass in hand. Happy sipping!