The Best Seasonal Cocktails to Enjoy Before The Roof Closes for Winter
As the fall season brings its cool breezes and golden leaves, there's no better way to savor the last weeks of rooftop weather than with a cozy, seasonal cocktail in hand. At The Roof at Park South, we’ve curated a selection of must-try fall cocktails that blend classic autumn flavors with our unique twists, offering you a delicious reason to visit before the season ends on November 1st.
From warm, comforting drinks like the Hot Toddy to our signature takes on the ever-popular Espresso Martini, here are the best cocktails you need to try at The Roof—and a few recipes so you can recreate the magic at home.
1. The Classic Hot Toddy (with a Roof Twist)
Nothing says fall quite like a Hot Toddy, and our version takes this traditional favorite to new heights. Made with a rich bourbon base, a touch of local honey, fresh lemon juice, and warm spices like cinnamon and cloves, our Hot Toddy is the ultimate way to stay cozy while enjoying the crisp autumn air.
Recipe to Try at Home:
2 oz Bourbon
1 tbsp local honey
½ oz fresh lemon juice
4 oz hot water
Garnish: cinnamon stick, cloves, and a lemon slice
Instructions: In a heatproof glass or mug, combine bourbon, honey, and lemon juice. Add hot water and stir until the honey dissolves. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, cloves, and a lemon slice for a warm, comforting drink that’s perfect for fall evenings.
2. Maple Bourbon Sour
For those who love the smooth, sweet flavors of bourbon, our Maple Bourbon Sour is a fall cocktail you won’t want to miss. The richness of pure maple syrup paired with fresh lemon juice creates a beautifully balanced drink, perfect for sipping while watching the sunset over the skyline.
Recipe to Try at Home:
2 oz Bourbon
¾ oz fresh lemon juice
½ oz pure maple syrup
Dash of Angostura bitters
Garnish: lemon twist
Instructions: Shake all ingredients with ice, then strain into a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with a lemon twist, and enjoy the smooth, sweet, and tart flavors of autumn in a glass.
3. Pumpkin Spice Martini
Fall wouldn’t be complete without a little pumpkin spice, and our Pumpkin Spice Martini is the ultimate seasonal indulgence. Combining vodka, pumpkin liqueur, and a hint of cream, this cocktail is both festive and comforting—perfect for anyone who loves the flavors of fall.
Recipe to Try at Home:
2 oz vodka
1 oz pumpkin liqueur (like Mozart Pumpkin Liqueur)
½ oz cream
Garnish: pumpkin pie spice or ground cinnamon
Instructions: Shake vodka, pumpkin liqueur, and cream with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon for that extra fall flair.
4. Espresso Martini (Autumn Edition)
At The Roof, the Espresso Martini is a year-round favorite, but our fall version adds a seasonal twist with the rich flavors of Patrón XO Cafe and Tosolini Coffee Liqueur. This drink is the perfect balance of bold espresso and smooth coffee liqueur, with a velvety finish that’s ideal for cool autumn nights.
Recipe to Try at Home:
1 oz vodka (or Patrón XO Cafe for a twist)
1 oz freshly brewed espresso
½ oz Tosolini Coffee Liqueur
½ oz simple syrup
Garnish: three coffee beans
Instructions: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with three coffee beans for an extra touch of sophistication.
5. Spiced Rum & Apple Cider
If you're looking for the ultimate fall drink, look no further than our Spiced Rum & Apple Cider. This cocktail pairs the natural sweetness of freshly pressed apple cider with the warmth of spiced rum and a dash of cinnamon, creating a cozy, nostalgic flavor that’s perfect for the season.
Recipe to Try at Home:
2 oz spiced rum
4 oz fresh apple cider
¼ oz lemon juice
Garnish: cinnamon stick and apple slice
Instructions: In a shaker, combine spiced rum, apple cider, and lemon juice. Shake well and strain into a glass over ice. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and an apple slice for a drink that tastes like fall in a glass.
6. The Smokey Mezcal Old Fashioned
For those who love a bit of smoke in their cocktails, our Smokey Mezcal Old Fashioned is a must-try. Made with Dos Hombres Mezcal, this drink adds a smoky, earthy depth to the classic old fashioned, making it the perfect drink for fall.
Recipe to Try at Home:
2 oz Mezcal (we love Dos Hombres)
¼ oz simple syrup
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Garnish: orange peel
Instructions: Stir mezcal, simple syrup, and bitters with ice, then strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange peel for a smoky twist on the classic cocktail.
7. Mulled Wine (Roof Edition)
If you're in the mood for something warm and spiced, our Mulled Wine is the ideal cocktail for a chilly fall evening. With red wine, mulling spices, and a touch of brandy, this drink will warm you up from the inside out.
Recipe to Try at Home:
1 bottle red wine
¼ cup brandy
¼ cup honey
1 orange (sliced)
1-2 cinnamon sticks
4-5 whole cloves
2 star anise
Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a large pot and heat gently on the stove until warm (don’t let it boil!). Once heated, ladle into mugs and enjoy a cozy, spiced drink that’s perfect for autumn nights.
Don’t Miss These Seasonal Cocktails Before We Close!
With The Roof at Park South closing for the winter on November 1st, now is your last chance to enjoy these incredible seasonal cocktails while taking in the crisp fall air and stunning skyline views. Whether you’re dropping by for after-work drinks, meeting up with friends, or celebrating a special occasion, these limited-time drinks are the perfect way to savor the season before the rooftop closes.
So grab your friends, sip on a Hot Toddy, indulge in our signature Pumpkin Spice Martini, and enjoy the cozy ambiance that makes The Roof one of New York City’s favorite rooftop spots this fall.
