Fall into Flavor: Cozy Fall Recipes with New Deal Spirits

The air is crisp, leaves are turning shades of amber and crimson, and the aroma of crackling fireplaces begins to fill the evening air. Autumn is a season of cozy comforts, a time to gather with loved ones and indulge in the rich, warm flavors that this time of year has to offer. In the lead-up to gifting & gathering season, the kitchen becomes the heart of the home again — when the air fills with the scent of baked pears and brown sugar, and cocktails shift from citrusy and bright to warm, spiced, and complex. It’s the season for sweater weather, Sunday roasts, and cozy get-togethers with family and friends.

We’ve curated a collection of recipes, featuring a delightful array of cocktails, savory dishes, and delectable baked goods that are perfect for any autumnal occasion. Whether you’re hosting a festive Thanksgiving dinner, a cozy Friendsgiving potluck, or simply enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, these recipes will inspire you to create unforgettable culinary experiences that capture the very essence of fall. From spirited entrées and hearty salads to decadent desserts and fireside cocktails, here’s your guide to savoring fall the New Deal way.

As the days grow shorter and the nights get cooler, there’s nothing quite like a well-crafted cocktail to warm you from the inside out. From classic comforts to modern creations, these fall-inspired libations capture the essence of Oregon’s fall, balancing orchard fruit, spice, and warmth in every sip. Here’s how to pour the season into your glass.

Imagine a brisk fall evening, a good book in hand, and a steaming mug of this Comfy Coffee. This isn't just any coffee; it's a decadent blend of New Deal's Distiller's Cut Rum, rich Coffee Liqueur, and a hint of Triple Sec, all topped with a cloud of homemade Mud Puddle Bitter Chocolate Vodka-infused whipped cream. The aroma is intoxicating, a mix of roasted coffee, dark chocolate, and warm spices. The first sip is a revelation—the perfect balance of sweet, bitter, and boozy that warms you from the inside out.

The Manhattan is a timeless classic, but with our award-winning Ginger Liqueur, this Ginger Manhattan reaches a whole new level, adding a spicy warmth that feels tailor-made for sweater season. This sophisticated sipper combines the bold, spicy notes of Distiller’s Reserve Rye or Bourbon with the warming kick of New Deal Ginger Liqueur. A splash of sweet vermouth and a dash of Angostura bitters round out the flavor profile, creating a cocktail that is both familiar and excitingly new. Each sip starts with the richness of whiskey and ends with ginger’s zing — warming you from the inside out.

A sparkling, jewel-toned showstopper, the Cranberry Mule is a must-try. This festive cocktail features Portland 90 Vodka, New Deal Ginger Liqueur, and our house-made Tart Cranberry Syrup, all topped with bubbly soda water. The result is a vibrant, ruby-red drink that is as beautiful as it is delicious. The tartness of the cranberry is perfectly balanced by the spicy ginger and the smooth vodka, making it a crowd-pleasing choice for any fall gathering. Serve it in a traditional copper mule mug with a lime wedge and a handful of fresh cranberries for a pop of color.

The Old Fashioned is the quintessential whiskey cocktail, and our Spiced Rum Old Fashioned is a delightful autumnal variation. This seasonal riff replaces bourbon with New Deal Spiced Rum with the addition of a local Cinnamon Demerara Syrup from Daddy's Cocktail Syrups, yielding a smoother, subtler cocktail with layers of caramel, vanilla, and cinnamon. A dash of orange bitters and a twist of peel complete the transformation. The result is a cocktail that is warm, inviting, and full of complex flavors.

A sophisticated sipper for stormy nights, combining the complex botanical notes of Old Tom Gin, the complex herbaceousness of Amaro Nonino, and citrus peel. It’s bright, refreshing, yet grounding, like a crisp breeze through golden leaves. For the adventurous cocktail enthusiast, How's the Weather? is an elevated and intriguing choice that is both balanced and thought-provoking, with a smooth, lingering finish.

When you’re feeling under the weather or simply in need of some liquid comfort, a Spiced Pear Hot Toddy is the perfect remedy. Autumn’s answer to the perfect nightcap is this soothing and aromatic drink made with Spiced Pear Liqueur, hot water, a squeeze of lemon, and a spoonful of honey. The sweet and spicy notes of the pear liqueur are beautifully complemented by the warmth of the hot water and the brightness of the lemon. Garnish it with a cinnamon stick or a clove-studded lemon for an extra touch of autumnal spice.

This fall twist on a classic Cosmopolitan—featuring Distiller's Workshop Apple Brandy, orange liqueur, and cranberry juice—balances tart and juicy orchard notes. The Apple Brandy Cosmo is tart, crisp, and beautifully pink, showcasing a perfect harmony of sweet, sour, and boozy flavors. Shake it with ice and strain it into a chilled coupe for a sophisticated and festive cocktail.

When the weather outside is frightful, a Stormy Weather cocktail is so delightful. This bold and complex drink is a masterful blend of Distiller's Reserve Rye Whiskey, Cascara Liqueur, and New Deal Pear Brandy, with a touch of demerara syrup and orange bitters. The result is a rich, multi-layered cocktail with notes of spice, fruit, and coffee. Serve it in an old-fashioned glass over a large ice cube with a lemon peel to garnish.

Our craft spirits provide a fantastic way to add depth and complexity to your favorite fall dishes. From savory marinades to rich, flavorful sauces, these spirits can transform a simple meal into a culinary masterpiece.

This Fall Salad with Cascadia Vinaigrette is a true celebration of the season's bounty. It features a delightful mix of roasted delicata squash, shaved kohlrabi and turnips, and toasted hazelnuts, all tossed in a unique and flavorful vinaigrette made with Cascadia American Bitter Liqueur. The bitter and herbal notes of the liqueur are balanced by the sweetness of honey, creating a vinaigrette that is both complex and delicious. The result is a salad with a wonderful combination of textures and flavors – sweet, bitter, earthy, and nutty.

For those cool autumn evenings that call for a dish with a little kick, these Hot Monkey Yakisoba Noodles are the perfect answer. This isn't your average stir-fry. The addition of Hot Monkey Vodka, a spicy pepper-infused spirit, and Ginger Liqueur creates a sauce that's both fiery and fragrant. The heat of the vodka is balanced by the creaminess of coconut milk and the umami of tomato paste, creating a sauce that is both bold and addictive. The taste is a delightful interplay of spicy, sweet, and savory notes, with the ginger liqueur adding a subtle warmth that lingers on the palate. Toss it with fresh yakisoba noodles and top with your favorite garnishes for a quick and easy meal that is sure to impress.

Who says citrus is just for summer? These Citrus and Old Tom Marinated Pork Chops are a wonderful way to bring a little sunshine to a fall day. The pork chops are marinated in a zesty and herbaceous blend of New Deal Old Tom Gin, fresh citrus juices, and cilantro, resulting in a dish that is incredibly tender, juicy, and full of flavor. The botanical notes of the gin pair beautifully with the bright citrus and fresh herbs, creating a marinade that is both complex and refreshing. Sear the pork chops to perfection and serve them with the accompanying shallot vinaigrette for a truly memorable meal.

Salads aren't just for summer, and this Roasted Beet & Carrot Salad is proof. This unconventional salad is a beautiful and delicious way to celebrate the flavors of fall. The earthy sweetness of the roasted beets and carrots is perfectly complemented by a rich and tangy glaze made with Coffee Liqueur and balsamic vinegar. The coffee liqueur adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the glaze, with notes of dark chocolate and roasted coffee that pair beautifully with the roasted vegetables. Topped with creamy goat cheese and fresh cilantro, this salad is a stunning addition to any fall menu.

When you think of fall, you think of earthy flavors, and nothing says earthy like a generous helping of mushrooms. This Mushroom Pasta alla Vodka is a sophisticated take on a classic comfort food dish. The sauce is made with a mix of earthy mushrooms, crispy bacon, and a generous splash of Portland 90 Vodka, which adds a subtle boozy kick and helps to balance the richness of the cream. The result is a creamy, savory, and deeply satisfying pasta dish. Top it with toasted breadcrumbs and fresh parsley for a touch of texture and freshness.

No fall feast is complete without a delicious dessert, and our lineup of small-batch spirits can add a wonderful boozy kick to your favorite baked goods. From decadent cakes to crispy fritters, these recipes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

If you love pumpkin spice lattes, you will adore this Swirled Pumpkin Spice Latte Bundt Cake. This moist and flavorful cake is a delightful combination of pumpkin spice cake and a rich chocolate espresso swirl, all infused with the delicious flavor of New Deal Coffee Liqueur. Each bite is a perfect balance of earthy pumpkin, warm spices, and the deep, roasted notes of coffee. The cake is topped with a sweet coffee liqueur glaze that adds an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful finishing touch. 

Apple cake is a fall staple, but this recipe for Ginger Apple Cake offers a delightful and unexpected twist. This isn't your average apple cake; it's a sophisticated treat with a zesty personality. The cake is moist and tender, with a lovely hint of lemon zest and a beautiful arrangement of sliced apples on top. The real star of the show, however, is the ginger liqueur glaze, made with New Deal Ginger Liqueur, which adds a wonderful spicy kick that perfectly complements the sweetness of the apples. This cake is delicious on its own or served with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.

Sometimes, the best fall treats are the ones you can eat with your hands. These Pear Fritters are a fun, indulgent, and utterly irresistible way to celebrate the season. The dough is light and fluffy, and it’s filled with a cinnamon-spiced pear filling. The fritters are fried to golden perfection and then dipped in a decadent pear brandy glaze made with New Deal Pear Brandy. The result is a crispy, gooey, and boozy indulgence that is impossible to resist. These fritters are best enjoyed fresh and warm, and they are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.

For those who prefer their desserts on the lighter, more fragrant side, this Spiced Rum Tea Cake is a dream come true. This delicate loaf is the epitome of cozy sophistication. The cake is incredibly moist and flavorful, with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, and a generous splash of New Deal Spiced Rum. It’s served with a side of stewed apples and a dollop of spiced whipped cream, both of which are also infused with the delicious flavor of the spiced rum. A final dusting of cinnamon adds a touch of rustic charm.

This fall, we invite you to step into your kitchen and discover the delicious possibilities that await with our craft spirits lineup. From sophisticated cocktails to savory main courses and decadent desserts, these recipes offer a world of flavor that is sure to delight your senses and warm your soul. So raise a glass, gather your loved ones, and celebrate the magic of the season with the exceptional taste of locally made, small-batch spirits. Cheers!