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Ditch the PSL and spice things up this fall with creative seasonal bevs.
We love a pumpkin spice latte as much as the next person, but this season, Raleigh coffee shops and bars are crafting creative fall flavors that go way beyond the orange-hued froth. Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy latte or a unique craft cocktail, these seasonal cider-spiked, nut-infused and sugar-dusted bevs are worth savoring every sipping—and skipping Starbucks for.
The Longleaf Lounge
Drink This: Autumn White Sangria
Sangria gets a fall makeover with this crisp, cool and smooth bevy mixing white wine, apple brandy, cider, maple, orange and lemon. Think of it like a cold version of a hot toddy—add apple and a touch more sweetness. White it might not cure a sore throat, it’ll certainly lessen your post-summer blues.
NoRa Cafe
Drink This: Chaider + Honey Harvest Latte
This neighborhood coffeehouse in North Raleigh leans into seasonal comfort with its Chaider, a
warming blend of spiced chai tea and tangy apple cider that tastes like straight up fall in a mug—and is the perf op for non-coffee-drinkers. For the creamy caffeine heads, opt for the Honey Harvest Latte, featuring local honey that provides just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the espresso’s depth. Either way, you’re in for a flavorful break from pumpkin overload.
Wye Hill
Drink This: Roots & Rye
Play into purple with this vibrant concoction of rye whiskey, ube (a purple yam), cinnamon, clove, lemon and egg white. Frothy, bold, and subtly sweet and spicy, it offers multiple reasons to ditch the orange for a new color of the season. ~Wye~ not give it a try?
Boatman Spirits Co.
Drink This: Cleopatra Julep
Seaboard Station’s otherworldly cocktail bar takes seasonal sipping seriously, drawing inspiration from historical recipes. Depart from the norm with the Cleopatra julep feat. a fragrant mix of olive oil-washed rye whiskey, cinnamon, rose, myrrh, cardamom and mint reminiscent of what historians have determined about the Queen of the Nile’s signature perfume. It’s a history lesson in a glass, and one that tastes perfectly of fall.
Sonder
Drink This: Apple Cider Donut, Carrot Cake & Cinnamon Toast Crunch Lattes
The bright and airy Wendell coffee shop’s seasonal menu reads like a bakery case—but in latte form. The apple cider doughnut latte serves as a nod to orchard visits (and is best served with Tepuy’s apple cider doughnut holes), while the carrot cake latte blends spice and sweetness for an autumnal twist on a classic dessert. And for pure nostalgic comfort? The Cinnamon Toast Crunch latte brings the cereal-milk trend into fall territory. It’s a playful, sugary lineup guaranteed to brighten gray fall mornings.
East Bower Cider Co.
Drink This: False Fall Cider
Raleigh’s first cidery’s aptly named False Fall cider bridges the gap between hot summer afternoons and crisp autumn evenings. Made with local apples, peace purée and layered with bright, refreshing notes from chai spices that hint at cooler days ahead, this semi-dry cider is light, crisp and easy to sip when the weather can’t quite make up its mind.
Jubala Coffee
Drink This: Spicy Churro Flat White
If you’re really looking to spice things up, Jubala’s seasonal flat white takes the heat to the next level with a mix of chile de arbol, Videri chocolate, Cinnamon Toast Crunch-infused milk and espresso. It’s a surefire antidote for a cold fall day—packing both the heat and the sweet for flavorful fall sipper. A pumpkin spice latte could never.
The Haymaker
Drink This: Burnt Sugar & Rye Old-Fashioned
Sweater weather in a glass? Say less. Haymaker is channeling autumn’s smoky meets spicy side in its riff on an old-fashioned made with Jack Daniel’s Bottled in Bond rye, burnt sugar syrup, orange essence and aromatic bitters. And the result is rich, warming and subtly sweet—making for an ideal nightcap on crisp evenings. Now the only thing missing is a cozy fireplace.
Bittersweet
Drink This: Blair Witch Tea Party
Something wicked(ly delicious) this way comes… Get in the Halloween spirit with Bittersweet’s witchy and refreshing bev made concocted of Cardinal barrel-rested gin, black tea, honey, pineapple, lemon and cayenne pepper with a spiced rim. No tricks—just a sweet and slightly spicy liquid treat, best paired with one of the DTR bar’s signature desserts (the pumpkin crème brûlée and apple pie sundae will really get you in the fall mood).
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