There are the telltale signs of fall in the air like those gorgeous golden, red and orange leaves or the number on the thermostat dropping each day. But some of our favorite indications that autumn is upon us are the smells of pumpkin from the local bakers and the new brews — whether that’s the bean or the booze variety.
‘Tis the season to try all of the pumpkin products in abundance on the North Fork. Here are some of our picks:
Woodside Orchards, 729 Main Road, Aquebogue, 631-722-5770
Woodside Orchards has been making hard cider since 2012 and has a seasonal pumpkin apple flavor available now — “like pumpkin pie in a glass” — with the flavor of fall spices and the sweetness of apples. The Aquebogue tasting room offers pints for $10 and growlers for $20; flights, which include four flavors of your choice, are $10.
Hampton Coffee Company, 272 Main Road, Aquebogue , 631-726-2633
Pumpkin-packed beverages are on lock at all Hampton Coffee Company locations. On top of the brand’s medium roast pumpkin pie beans with hints of nutmeg and cinnamon available regular or decaf, order a pumpkin pie coffee or latte at the counter. Plus for some refreshing fall flavors, try the pumpkin crème shaken cold brew and for a sweet treat, grab a pumpkin cake pop.
Riverhead Ciderhouse, 2711 Sound Ave., Baiting Hollow, 631-591-0217
The seasonal Pumpkin Pie hard cider, with an ABV of 6% and a hint of cinnamon, is made in house, as are all of the ciders here. Riverhead Ciderhouse will also serve Pumpkin Ale from Five Boroughs Brewing Co. in Brooklyn for the season, available from September to November. A pint of either will run you $10.50.
Greenport Harbor Brewing Co., 234 Carpenter St., Greenport & 42155 Main Road, Peconic, 631-477-1100
In both brewing rooms find The Leaf Pile, an autumn ale, 5.2% ABV which puts a copper color smelling of warm malts. This bev was brewed with a blend of light and medium crystal malts and a touch of hops providing a foundation for fresh crushed cinnamon, allspice and ginger goodness. Also try the Leaf Pile Pie, an imperial pastry ale, 8.5% ABV a pastry-style take on the previously listed booze. Insertion of Madagascar vanilla beans, cocoa nibs, Vietnamese cinnamon, lactose and brown sugar bring notes of vanilla frosting, graham cracker crust and caramel-toffee.
Macchiato Espresso Bar, 13175 Main Road, Mattituck, 631-298-7255
It doesn’t get much more pumpkin how Macchiato is serving up the season’s signature latte. Thanks to the suggestion of one of the café’s regulars, their classic pumpkin spice latte will come right in a GardenWorx Riverhead Farm & Garden (1017 Main Road, Riverhead, 631-779-2050) pumpkin. Topped with whipped cream, pumpkin spice and a cinnamon stick — this autumnal espresso beverage is unequivocally Instagram-able.
Tulio’s NY Wine Bar, 165 Love Lane, Mattituck, 631-298-7677
Get yourself down to Love Lane for a tasty seasonal cocktail. Tulio’s has a Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini, made with agave and sporting a cinnamon and brown sugar rim for $16. Also on the menu is a Harvest Mimosa, made with Onabay sparkling wine, local apple cider and pumpkin liqueur for $14. Both will be available through November.
Ali Katz Kitchen, 55 Middle Road, Mattituck, 631-298-7694
For the month of October, Ali Katz Kitchen switches their baby bundt cakes to a pumpkin flavor with cream cheese frosting, available for $9 each. And pumpkin cheesecakes will be available as part of the shop’s upcoming Everything but the Bird Thanksgiving promotion of sides and desserts. Call the shop for pricing.
Magic Fountain Ice Cream, 9825 Main Road, Mattituck, 631-298-4908
Besides their pumpkin ice cream made with fresh pumpkin puree, Magic Fountain serves pumpkin praline and pumpkin cheesecake ice cream, the latter with pieces of cheesecake studded throughout. A small cup is $4.78, a medium cup is $7.21, and a large cup is $9.10. Pints, quarts and half gallons are available as well.
Jamesport Farm Brewery, 5873 Sound Ave., Riverhead, 631-779-2133
This pleasant place to taste some local brews has a pumpkin ale called Basic Witch, described as “easy drinking with subtle pumpkin and spice flavors.” Pints are $9; flights of four craft beer tastings plus a full pint of your choosing run $25 and are only available on weekdays.
Mugs On Main, 33 E. Main St., Riverhead, 631-381-0494
Sip on some creatively-named sweet and spicy lattes at Riverhead’s Main Street hub. Straight from the black board menu, try The Dirty Little Chumpkin – a real pumpkin spiced chai latte adorned with pumpkin drizzle and pumpkin spice. And for a true dessert-like treat grab an Oh My Pumpkin Pie, another latte selection made with real pumpkin, cinnamon, whipped cream, pie crumbles, pumpkin drizzle and pumpkin spice.
Eccentric Bagels, 25 West Neck Road, Shelter Island, 631-749-5363
You can have your pumpkin and eat your bagel, too! At least you can at Darryn Weinstein’s wonderful Eccentric Bagels. Starting Oct. 11, Weinstein will rise in the dark of early morning (like he always does when it’s time to make the bagels) and concocting a special fall-centric pumpkin bagel for fall. If accents are more you style, get any other bagel flavor and opt for the seasonal housemate pumpkin cream cheese.
The Chequit Café, 23 Grand Ave., Shelter Island, 631-749- 0018You don’t have to be a hotel guest to enjoy the brewed and baked delights of the tucked away Chequit Café in the Heights — or their autumnal treats. For the fall, there are a few special seasonally inspired cuppas to sip, including their own version of a Pumpkin Spice Latte. Also hot from the pot: New England Fog (Earl Gray tea and vanilla syrup), Kaddu Chai, Chequit Hot Chocolate and Peppermint Lattes to chase the chill away from Friday to Sunday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Stars Café, 17 Grand Ave. and 2 Manwaring Road, Shelter Island, 631-749-5345Lydia Martinez’s delicious baked goods are so yummy, they needed another venue. With the recently opened second location of the popular island café, you can not only catch up with friends over coffee, but embrace your fall fancy with pumpkin bread, muffins, pie and, or cause, pumpkin spice and pumpkin pie lattes and cappuccinos. Sweet stuff not your thing? Grab a bowl of their vegan, gluten-free butternut squash soup for a soothing afternoon spot of sustenance.
