There are many flavors synonymous with autumn — from pumpkin-spiced everything to sweet caramel-coated apples. The ongoing debate of which flavor truly represents the essence of fall will never be solved. Yet, as the weather chills and the leaves begin to turn, there are not many things better than layering on a sweater and sipping on the flavors that only come around once a year.
Whether you are looking for a latte to warm you from the inside or a cocktail that offers sweet boozy sips, we found nine autumn-inspired drinks from around the North Fork that celebrate the plentiful tastes of the season.
Le Normand from Demarchelier Bistro in Greenport. (Photo Credit: Lilly Parnell)
FROM THE BAR
Le Normand | Demarchelier Bistro, Greenport
This signature cocktail is inspired by Normandy, France — hence the name. With vodka as its base, this drink also features pommeau — a sweet dessert wine made from calvados brandy and apple cider. The cocktail is garnished with a dehydrated apple slice and is the perfect sweet sipper for cool October weather.
Rhum Agricole | Brix & Rye, Greenport
This sweet cocktail is infused with local apples before it is combined with manzanilla sherry and lime. It is a crisp variation of a daiquiri that captures the essence of two seasons: summer and fall. This cocktail is one that Brix & Rye bartenders look forward to making (and drinking) each year around this time.
Black Margarita | Funchos, Riverhead
This dark twist on a Mexican staple returns just in time for the spooky season. Made like a traditional margarita with tequila, fresh lime juice and agave, the cocktail gets its dark coloring from activated charcoal. Rimmed with lava salt, this cocktail is the perfect Halloween drink to savor with friends.
FROM THE KEG
Whiskey Barrel Aged Sugar Skull Pumpkin Ale | Jamesport Farm Brewery, Jamesport
In honor of Jamesport Farm Brewery’s sixth anniversary, the brewery once again is bringing back its seasonal Sugar Skull pumpkin ale. This extra-limited brew is aged in Rough Rider barrels from Long Island Spirits, giving the drink a unique smoky aroma reminiscent of gathering around a campfire. Sugar Skull Pumpkin Ale comes exclusively in a collectible glass decorated with a festive calavera.
Pie All the Time | Riverhead Ciderhouse, Riverhead
With the tasting room and brewery just minutes down the road from the renowned Briermere Farms, Riverhead Ciderhouse’s new cider maker, Juan Micieli-Martinez, was inspired to create a line of whimsical pie-flavored ciders just in time for the season. Head to their tasting room to indulge in the warm cinnamon-y custard of their pumpkin pie cider, taste the notes of dark sweet cherry and Montmorency tart cherry in the cherry pie cider, and experience the refreshing acidity and crispness of their blueberry pie cider.
Local Harvest Slushie | Greenport Harbor Brewing Co., Peconic
For many familiar with Greenport Harbor Brewery, Leaf Pile Ale is probably what comes to mind when thinking of their fall beer offerings. But this year, mixing cider from Woodside Orchards and LI Spirits Bourbon, Greenport Harbor Brewing Co. will offer a refreshingly crisp and boozy twist on what is typically a summer staple. Bridging their late summer season and early fall harvest, this harvest slushie welcomes the change of season with familiar warming spices and richness with the pleasant velvety format of a frozen drink.
FROM THE BARISTA
Candied Ube Latte | Mugs on Main, Riverhead
As a part of their MILF series (“Man, I Love Fall”), Riverhead’s newest café will serve up a wide variety of classic and unique spins on fall coffees. Their candied ube latte stands out for its use of the elusive ube, a purple yam native to Southeast Asia that is popular in many sweet treats from that region. This twist on a marshmallow latte combines the nutty vanilla flavor of the ube with added toasted marshmallow syrup and is topped with cinnamon, marshmallows and graham cracker.
Caramel Crisp Apple Latte | North Fork Roasting Company, Southold
In the debate of apple versus pumpkin, North Fork Roasting Co. offers a warm beverage for lovers of each. However, those looking to venture beyond pumpkin-flavored drinks will be delighted after tasting NoFoRoCo’s caramel crisp apple latte. Using their homemade caramel syrup, baristas add a seasonal apple spice tea and some tasty fall spices which are sure to keep you warm as the temperature drops.
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Latte | Hampton Coffee Company, Aquebogue
Made to order with freshly pulled espresso shots, this latte can be served hot or cold and consists of steamed milk of your choice. The warm molasses and toffee flavors of the brown sugar and cinnamon syrup make this brew the dessert of breakfast.
