To celebrate the upcoming fall season, Bourbon+ hosted bartenders, bourbon lovers, and industry friends at our downtown studios for a seasonal mixer. Mixologists were asked to showcase what they do best: create a cocktail.

The theme of the night was simple: Harvest. What came next was exemplary.

Throughout the evening, mixologists took turns behind the bar to showcase their skills and incorporate the flavors of fall into each of their beverages. Some offered spins on classics, while others unveiled new cocktails with an added dose of creativity. Mile High Roots, Peaches Out in Georgia, 17 Steps to Rye-Man, Fall Into Temptation, and East Vs. West were just a few of the cocktail creations offered.

Citrus combined with spice, earthy roots paired with rye, and a few unexpected ingredients were introduced throughout the night. “You hear harvest and the first thing that comes to mind is flavor,” says Roland Price, portfolio ambassador for Proximo Spirits, who presented Mile High Roots. “I love the flavors of fall—the colors, the flavors—and I think whiskey and fall go hand in hand. Nothing beats a great fall cocktail.”

Guests, including bartenders, supplier reps, market partners, and Bourbon+’s Blind Tasting Panel, sipped on top-end bourbons, feasted on bites prepared by Chef Charlotte Miller, and mingled with friends old and new. The lively atmosphere turned the event into more than just a tasting; it became a night of connection. The result allowed us to share cocktails and conversation, and was a reminder that bourbon pairs naturally with fall flavors.

Don’t miss the Fall issue of Bourbon+, due out Oct. 1