Fall Whiskey & Food Pairings: The Flavors of the Season with Standard Proof
As the air cools and the leaves turn, fall brings the perfect reason to slow down, gather friends, and savor something rich, warm, and full of flavor.
Each bottle of Standard Proof Whiskey is crafted to complement the season’s best — from crisp apples to spiced desserts and smoky savory dishes.
Explore our favorite fall whiskey and food pairings, complete with cocktail and recipe ideas that make autumn taste even better.
🥃 Cinnamon Spiced Rye + Cinnamon Caramel Apple Crisp
A classic fall dessert meets a whiskey with a twist. Cinnamon Spiced Rye enhances the caramel sweetness and baked apple notes in this cozy crisp, while the whiskey’s smooth spice adds balance to every bite. It’s autumn comfort at its finest — best enjoyed warm, with a glass poured neat or on the rocks.
🍸 Cocktail: Spiced Orchard Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
2 oz Standard Proof Cinnamon Spiced Rye
½ oz apple cider
¼ oz Barsmith Simple Syrup
2 dashes aromatic bitters
Cinnamon stick and orange peel for garnish
Directions:
Stir whiskey, cider, syrup, and bitters with ice until well-chilled.
Strain into a rocks glass with a large ice cube.
Garnish with an expressed orange peel and a cinnamon stick.
🍎 Food: Cinnamon Caramel Apple Crisp
Ingredients:
5 medium apples, peeled and sliced
½ cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup oats
½ cup flour
½ cup butter, melted
Caramel sauce for drizzle
Directions:
Toss apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Place in a baking dish.
Combine oats, flour, and melted butter; spread over apples.
Bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes until golden.
Drizzle with caramel and serve warm with a pour of Cinnamon Spiced Rye.
☕ Arabica Coffee Rye + No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Cups
Coffee and pumpkin are a fall match made in heaven. The rich, roasted flavor of Arabica Coffee Rye complements creamy pumpkin cheesecake cups with effortless elegance. This pairing is indulgent yet approachable — perfect for when you want to end the evening on a smooth, seasonal note.
🍸 Cocktail: Fall Espresso Martini
Ingredients:
1½ oz Standard Proof Arabica Coffee Rye
½ oz Irish cream liqueur (optional)
Coffee beans for garnish
Directions:
Shake ingredients with ice until chilled and frothy.
Strain into a coupe glass and top with coffee beans.
🎃 Food: No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Cups
Ingredients:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup pumpkin purée
½ cup brown sugar
1 tsp pumpkin spice
1 cup whipped topping
Crushed graham crackers for layering
Directions:
Beat cream cheese, pumpkin, sugar, and pumpkin spice until smooth.
Fold in whipped topping.
Layer graham cracker crumbs and pumpkin cheesecake filling in small cups.
Chill for 2 hours before serving.
🌰 Texas Pecan Rye + Homemade Zucchini Bread
Earthy, nutty, and just the right amount of sweet. The buttery pecan flavor of Texas Pecan Rye pairs beautifully with warm, homemade zucchini bread. Together, they create a comforting balance of texture and taste that captures the heart of fall baking.
🍸 Cocktail: Pecan Maple Manhattan
Ingredients:
2 oz Standard Proof Texas Pecan Rye
½ oz maple syrup
2 dashes orange bitters
Barsmith orange wheel for garnish
Directions:
Stir whiskey, syrup, and bitters with ice until chilled.
Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with an orange twist.
🥒 Food: Classic Zucchini Bread
Ingredients:
2 cups grated zucchini
2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
½ cup oil
2 eggs
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
Directions:
Combine wet and dry ingredients separately, then fold together.
Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F for 55–60 minutes.
Cool, slice, and enjoy with a pour of Texas Pecan Rye.
🔥 Straight Bourbon + Grilled Salmon Bites with Sweet Bourbon Glaze
For something savory, pair our Straight Bourbon with grilled salmon bites brushed in a bourbon-infused glaze. The whiskey’s caramel and oak notes bring out the rich flavor of the salmon while adding a touch of sweetness. It’s an elevated pairing that’s ideal for fall gatherings or dinner parties.
🍸 Cocktail: The Autumn Bourbon Smash
Ingredients:
2 oz Standard Proof Straight Bourbon
¾ oz Barsmith Sweet & Sour Mix
½ oz maple syrup
Fresh lemon wedge
Rosemary sprig for garnish
Directions:
Shake bourbon, sour mix, and syrup with ice.
Strain over ice and garnish with lemon and rosemary.
🐟 Food: Grilled Salmon Bites with Sweet Bourbon Glaze
Ingredients:
1 lb salmon, cubed
½ cup soy sauce
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup Standard Proof Straight Bourbon
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp garlic
Directions:
Whisk glaze ingredients together.
Marinate salmon cubes for 30 minutes.
Grill on skewers 2–3 minutes per side, brushing with glaze as they cook.
As we move toward Thanksgiving next week, we’re reminded that fall is more than a season — it’s a feeling. It’s gathering around the table, reconnecting, and savoring the simple pleasures that make this time of year meaningful. With thoughtful pairings and bold, flavorful whiskey, Standard Proof is here to help you celebrate the moments that matter. Wishing you a warm, memorable start to the holiday season. Learn more about our sister brand, Barsmith here or shop Standard Proof now and get your whiskey in time for holiday gatherings and gift giving. Cheers!