Fall is here — which means it’s time to trade your rosé spritzes for rich, smoky, spiced cocktails that warm you from the inside out. This season, I’m featuring three incredible spirits that elevate any at-home bar: Rosa Luna Mezcal, Ferrand Cognac Ambre, and Smoke Wagon Bourbon from Las Vegas.

Each one tells a story — from the agave fields of Oaxaca to the vineyards of Cognac and the desert stills of Nevada — and each inspired a seasonal cocktail worth sipping slowly by the fire.

A Modern Mezcal Made for Fall

Mezcal is Mexico’s smoky, soulful spirit — distilled from roasted agave hearts, or piñas, and crafted mostly in Oaxaca. It’s known for its complexity, mineral tones, and depth of flavor.

 

What makes Rosaluna Mezcal different is its smooth, floral character and approachable smoke. Made from 100% Espadín agave, it’s designed for balance — perfect for sipping neat or mixing into cocktails that highlight seasonal ingredients like pumpkin, cinnamon, and citrus.

 

 

Pumpkin Mezcal Margarita Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Rosaluna Mezcal
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • 1 oz Cointreau or orange liqueur
  • 1 ½ tbsp pumpkin purée
  • ½ oz agave or maple syrup
  • Cinnamon-sugar + pinch of salt for rim

Directions:

  1. Rim your glass with lime juice, then dip it into a mix of cinnamon, sugar, and salt.
  2. In a shaker with ice, combine mezcal, lime juice, orange liqueur, pumpkin purée, and syrup.
  3. Shake until well chilled, strain over fresh ice, and garnish with a cinnamon stick or dried orange slice.

 

Fig Jam Sidecar with Ferrand Cognac Ambre

Cognac is a type of brandy from the Cognac region of France, distilled twice from white wine and aged in oak barrels. Ferrand Ambre stands out because it’s crafted from a blend of 10-year-aged eaux-de-vie, giving it a golden hue and notes of honey, dried fruit, and vanilla.

It’s the ideal cognac for cocktails — smooth, aromatic, and beautifully balanced — making it perfect for my fall favorite: the Fig Jam Sidecar.

Fig Jam Sidecar Recipe

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
  2. Shake until the jam is fully incorporated and the cocktail is frosty.
  3. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.
  4. Garnish with a lemon twist or dried fig slice.

The result? A luscious, layered sip — tart, slightly sweet, and velvety. It’s fall luxury in a glass.

 

Smoked EVOO Espresso Martini with Smoke Wagon Bourbon

Straight out of Las Vegas, Smoke Wagon Bourbon delivers bold character with a velvety finish — think caramel, vanilla, baking spice, and oak warmth. It’s so smooth, I often sip it neat, but it also transforms into the base for one of my favorite seasonal indulgences: the Smoked EVOO Espresso Martini.

State Line Coffee Liqueur is made from locally roasted coffee, and  is ideal for this martini too, it’s deep and rich, perfectly “coffee driven” without being too bitter or too sweet. It hit’s the right spot and I can’t wait to make more content with it!

Yes, EVOO — Extra Virgin Olive Oil. The addition of my Somm In The Grove Picual EVOO adds an unexpected silkiness and complexity that ties everything together.

Smoked EVOO Espresso Martini Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Smoke Wagon Bourbon
  • 1 oz State Line Coffee Liqueur
  • 1 oz fresh espresso (or cold brew concentrate)
  • ½ oz simple syrup
  • ¼ tsp Somm In The Grove Picual EVOO
  • Cherry wood chips for smoke

Directions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
  2. Shake until chilled and frothy.
  3. Strain into a coupe glass.
  4. Using your Crafthouse by Fortessa Smoking Cloche, smoke the cocktail with cherry wood for 20 seconds.
  5. Lift the cloche and serve immediately — it’s show-stopping.

The EVOO adds a beautiful mouthfeel while the smoke enhances the bourbon’s caramel notes — a perfect fireside cocktail that pairs stunningly with cigars or dessert.

Fall Mixology at Its Finest

These three cocktails capture what I love most about the season — warmth, creativity, and connection. Each spirit brings its own story and sense of place:

  • Rosa Luna Mezcal — smoky, modern, and made for cozy gatherings.
  • Ferrand Cognac Ambre — elegant and timeless with fall fruit undertones.
  • Smoke Wagon Bourbon — bold, smooth, and unforgettable by the fire.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner, gifting a bottle, or just unwinding after a long day, these recipes will bring a touch of sommelier-approved sophistication to your fall nights. Please pair responsibly!