When the air turns brisk, a frozen margarita probably isn’t your drink of choice during a fun night out on the town in Chattanooga. So, we decided to round up a few popular fall cocktails to try the next time you visit one of Chattanooga’s popular bars or nightclubs.

whiskey thiefWhiskey

Whiskey is an amazing year-round cocktail base. For the cooler months, try the Barrel-Aged Old Fashioned at the Whiskey Thief instead of a Whiskey Jam or Mint Julep. This truly simple and classic cocktail combines whiskey with demerara sugar and bitter.

If an Old Fashioned is not for you, try an Irish coffee or The Local at The Social inside Public House. This truly local cocktail blends Chattanooga Whiskey, Goodman’s coffee liqueur, orange liqueur, fresh coffee beans, maraschino cherries and burnt orange zest. Both are totally worth a chef’s kiss.

Spiced Rum

Spiced rum is a gold or dark rum infused with spices such as cinnamon, peppercorns, nutmeg, anise, cloves, and cardamom—sounds perfect for the holidays, right? If you happen to be at The Flying Squirrel, order their Traveling Mule cocktail with spiced rum. It’s served on the rocks with pure soda works habanero ginger beer. Yes, please!

Speaking of rum, this is the fall cocktail combination you never knew you needed. Until now, of course. Head over to Unknown Caller and ask for the Love Child, a unique blend of rums, ginger juice, red wine syrup, Coca Cola and candied ginger. This custom cocktail has some serious staying power on their ever-changing menu and will be an instant fall favorite. 

Unknown Caller BarPecan Vodka

Infusing the rich nutty flavor and understated sweetness of roasted pecans into vodka can spawn some wonderful fall cocktails. Ask for the Gotta Lotta Horchata if you are painting the town at Frothy Monkey. It combines pecan vodka with horchata vodka, tequila, espresso, almond milk, cinnamon, and simple syrup. Is it 5 o’clock yet?

Wine

If a glass of wine is your go-to drink order, skip the rosé one night and try the Joel Gott 815 Cabernet Sauvignon at STIR. This rich, smooth wine incorporates the aroma of black cherries with notes of vanilla, cloves, and brown sugar. It also pairs nicely with many of the rich foods enjoyed during the holiday season.

Many Chattanooga bars and restaurants offer their popular cocktails all year with a special menu for each season. So, make sure to visit their website or give them a call for seasonal recommendations before heading out, particularly if you have any food sensitivities. Cheers!


The original version of this article first appeared in a previous edition of our Magazine.