KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) There’s something about fall in New England that begs for cozy, comforting flavors in every form—and cocktails are no exception. In Keene, restaurants and pubs are putting their own spin on seasonal sips, offering drinks that capture everything from pumpkin spice to pecan pie. Whether you’re craving dessert in a glass, an apple-spiced refresher, or a warming coffee cocktail, here are a few of the standout creations you can find around town this season.

Pecan Pie Martini – 21 Bar & Grill

Ingredients (per serving):

  • 1.5 oz RumChata

  • 1 oz crème de cocoa

  • 1.5 oz butter pecan liqueur

  • Caramel sauce

  • Crushed pecans

  • Whipped cream
  • Ice

Directions:

  1. Fill a shaker with ice and add RumChata, crème de cocoa, and butter pecan liqueur. Shake until chilled.

  2. Rim a martini glass with caramel sauce and dip into crushed pecans.

  3. Strain cocktail into the prepared glass.

  4. Top with whipped cream and enjoy.

Cinnamon Applesauce – Lab’n Lager

Ingredients (per serving):

  • 2 oz Rocky Peak Whisky (local)

  • 1 oz Sour Apple Pucker Schnapps

  • 1 oz pineapple juice

  • Cinnamon sugar or cinnamon stick (for garnish)

  • Apple slice (optional garnish)

  • Ice

Directions:

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add whisky, apple schnapps, and pineapple juice. Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds.

  3. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.

  4. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, and an apple slice if desired.


Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini – Yellow Bell Café

Pumpkin Syrup (makes several cocktails):

  • ½ cup light brown sugar

  • ½ cup water

  • ½ cup unsweetened pumpkin puree

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

To make syrup: Combine sugar, water, and pumpkin puree in a small saucepan. Simmer until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and let cool. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Cocktail (per serving):

  • 2 oz vodka

  • 2 oz chilled espresso

  • 1 oz Kahlúa or coffee liqueur

  • 1 oz pumpkin syrup

  • Pinch of pumpkin pie spice (plus more for garnish)

  • Ice

Directions:

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

  2. Add vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, pumpkin syrup, and pumpkin pie spice. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds until foamy.

  3. Strain into a chilled martini glass.

  4. Garnish with a dusting of pumpkin pie spice and a cinnamon stick or star anise.

 

Caramel Swirl Spiked Iced Coffee – Mama McDonough’s Irish Pub

Ingredients (per serving):

  • 1.5 oz Dunkin’s Caramel Swirl Kahlúa

  • 0.5 oz Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur

  • Brewed iced coffee

  • Whipped cream

  • Caramel sauce

Directions:

  1. Drizzle caramel inside a pint glass.

  2. Fill the glass with iced coffee.

  3. Add Kahlúa and Baileys, stirring gently.

  4. Top with whipped cream and another swirl of caramel.