Leaves are turning. Temperatures are cooling. And your Fantasy Football commissioner is in relentless pursuit of “a draft time that works for everyone.” And that can only mean one thing:
Fall is here.
But if you think this year’s flavor trends are just another pumpkin-spice rinse-and-repeat, then you’ve gourd another thing coming.
Let’s Start with the Stats
- 73% of consumers say they’re more likely to try a new alcohol product if it’s tied to a seasonal ritual
- 69% of Gen Z and millennials say alcohol “enhances” sports viewing
- And 39% of consumers 25-44 are “burnt out” on pumpkin spice.
Which begs the question: What flavors stand poised to de-throne the perennial fall-flavor champ?
The Top Contenders
Data from Drizly shows a 22% increase in sales of herbal and botanical liqueurs this time of year, with ingredients like sage, thyme, and ginger leading the way.
Rising Challengers
Interest is rapidly growing in alternative fall flavors:
- Brown Sugar
Named the 2025 Flavor of the Year (*New York Post) thanks to its molasses-rich, nostalgic flavor. Expect it to be a mainstay in sweet cocktails and cozy fall drinks.
- Burnt Honey
Bartenders are caramelizing honey to pull out deeper, almost toffee-like notes. It’s perfect for drizzling into bourbon old fashioneds or smoky mezcal sours.
- Smoked Pear
Its gentle sweetness takes on a new dimension when kissed with smoke, making it a natural partner for rye whiskey highballs and gin spritzes.
- Spiced Yuzu
The bright, floral zing of yuzu is getting a seasonal makeover with warming spices like cinnamon, clove, and star anise.
- Roasted Fig
Roasting brings out the fig’s jammy sweetness and caramel edges, giving cocktails a rich, velvety foundation.
- Miso
Savory-salty miso is moving from the kitchen to the bar, lending an umami punch to tiki drinks and creative whiskey sours. Pair it with maple in an old-fashioned, and watch the heads turn!
- Mushroom Umami
Aromatic mushroom infusions are showing up in everything from vodka martinis to amaro-based highballs. They give drinks an earthy depth that feels perfect for cooler months.
All in all, it’s shaping up to be a flavorful kickoff to cold weather. And many prognosticators are looking for a pumpkin-spice upset.
As for who’ll take the crown?
Only time will tell.
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