Pumpkin Spice Lattes tend to take the spotlight come autumn, but there are plenty of other flavors and beverages to let dance across the palate as the leaves start to change. We’ve rounded up a selection of Pittsburgh bars, breweries, and distilleries offering fall-inspired cocktails and beers for those who would like something a little stronger than a PSL.
Bridges and Bourbon
With cocktail names like Autumn Mist, Bonfire, The Harvest, Scent of the Season, and Scarecrow, there’s no doubt you’ll fall headfirst into the autumn season with Bridges and Bourbon’s craft beverages.
Khalil’s
This fall, sister-owners Dalel and Leila Khalil are offering their Syrian fare coupled with traditional twists on modern cocktails. After (or while) digging into a shareable or hearty main course, try Khalil’s Pom Fig Martini with fig vodka and imported pomegranate juice from Turkey/Azerbaijan or the Damascus Nights, made with Arabic coffee, cardamom, vodka, and rose.
Arsenal Cider House
While Arsenal Cider House offers locally-made ciders and meads year-round, many turn to the apple-based beverages come autumn. Currently on tap at the original location in Lawrenceville are seasonal favorites like Arsenal’s Grant’s Flying Pumpkin and Cup Hot Mulled Cider.
Shorty’s
No need to worry about an undead attack with Shorty’s bartender-crafted Zombie Killer cocktail. If that’s a little too morbid, the reto-gaming bar’s seasonal slush flavor is much sweeter: Carmaldazed Apple, made with Disobedient Apple Brandy, caramel vodka, apple cider, and caramel.
Penn Brewery
When it’s that time of day when it’s too late for more caffeine, but you still want the flavors of a PSL, enter Penn Brewery’s Pumpkin Roll Ale. Made with real pumpkin puree, nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, and ginger are complemented with a sweet, creamy lactose sugar finish.
Ritual House
This downtown restaurant kicked off October with an extensive list of seasonal bar items perfect for embracing all things fall. While Snow White may say otherwise, we wouldn’t stay away from Ritual House’s Poison Apple Potion, a cocktail crafted with vodka, Midori, apple liqueur, lemon, and lime and served with a vial of house-infused black vodka and pomegranate grenadine. Other highlights include the Haunted Hayride Shot, Here For The Boo-Ze, and Witch, Please!
Emerson’s
The classic daiquiri gets a seasonal twist at Emerson’s this fall when crafted with Plantation Original Dark Rum, apple cider, all-spice dram, lime, honey, and ginger. Or, for something a little cozier, try their Chai Old Fashioned.
Kingfly Spirits
Apple is the keyword at Kingfly Spirits this season, with offerings like the apple cider slushie and Apple of My Eye cocktail. The local distillery also offers an Autumn Daiquiri, featuring Kingfly Orange Liqueuor, raisin brandy, lemon, sage, honey, and Absinthe.
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