Autumn Sips, but Hold the Pumpkin Spice Latte

Ah, fall. That magical time when the air gets crisp, leaves turn golden, and pumpkin spice lattes flood coffee shops and Instagram feeds. But let’s be honest: not everyone is thrilled about this annual takeover. For every pumpkin spice lover out there, there’s another silently screaming, “Must everything taste like a gourd?”

If you’re feeling more “Bah, hum-pumpkin!” than “Yay, fall!”, you’re not alone. We get it and have just the thing for you. This fall, we’re shaking things up with a curated list of our favorite fall drinks from Colorado restaurants. Prepare to toast to sweater weather with one of these tasty fall beverages.

Poka Lola Social Club

This fall, visit Poka Lola Social Club in Denver’s Dairy Block to try the “Basic Witch” ($15). The cocktail expertly combines Family Jones Vodka, Caffè Borghetti Espresso Liqueur, vanilla and pumpkin spice simple syrup to create an autumnal take on the classic espresso martini. This drink is best enjoyed after pumpkin hunting, visiting haunted houses or admiring the fall leaves in the mountains.

Phantom Canyon Brewing Company

In Colorado Springs, Phantom Canyon Brewing Co.s Thrasher American Brown Ale is ideal for fall sipping after a long hike or big adventure outdoors. Brewed with chocolate, brown, honey and caramel malts with a good helping of flaked barley this beer evokes a firm roasty flavor sure to keep beer lovers warm this season. The brew pairs perfectly with Phantom’s comforting favorites including the Shepherd’s pie and pork green chili.

Wynkoop

As the days grow shorter and the flavors grow richer, there’s no better time to savor the Mile High Belgian Wit at Wynkoop. Located among the hustle and bustle of downtown Denver, Wynkoop is famous for its delightfully quirky brews, and this brew is a must-try. The High Belgian Wit is a wheat bear that perfectly captures the essence of fall with the flavors of coriander, orange peel, and an earthy clove-like finish. If this doesn’t hit the mark, Wynkoop has a wide variety of beers on tap to choose from.

The Cherry Cricket

Nothing screams fall more than the creamy taste of peanut butter. That’s why the Sweet Surrender ($15) is the perfect boozy treat for the autumn season. Crafted by The Cherry Cricket, the beloved Colorado chain with locations all over the state, this chocolate and peanut butter alcoholic shake is the definition of sinfully sweet. Combining the smooth flavors of chocolate vodka and peanut butter whiskey with peanut butter sauce and crumbled peanut butter cups, this shake is the ultimate nutty dessert. For those who like to snack while sipping, appetizers like the Crispy Mac & Cheese Bites or the Hot Herbed Artichoke Dip are flavorful options that perfectly complement the rich, indulgent flavors of the Sweet Surrender.

Tamayo by Chef Richard Sandoval

For those looking for that classic cinnamon flavor that brings thoughts of cold weather and orange leaves, look no further than Tamayo to indulge. For autumn, this beloved Colorado restaurant delivers its traditional Horchata, a velvety smooth treat that warms the soul. This traditional Mexican drink made out of sweetened white rice provides a nice blend of cardamom, cinnamon and vanilla.