As the leaves turn golden across the Upstate and the evening air carries that first hint of autumn crispness, there’s no better time to explore the exceptional craft spirits being produced right here in our backyard. From Anderson to Pendleton, our local distilleries are crafting world-class spirits that capture the essence of South Carolina’s rich heritage and innovative spirit.
These fall cocktail recipes celebrate the artistry of our regional distillers while embracing the warm, comforting flavors that make autumn gatherings so special. Whether you’re hosting a tailgate party, planning a cozy evening by the fire, or simply want to toast the season with something locally made, these cocktails will warm your heart and showcase the best of Upstate craftsmanship.
Meet Your Local Spirit Makers
Palmetto Distillery (Anderson)
Located in historic downtown Anderson, Palmetto Distillery is redefining taste with authentic southern spirits, featuring award-winning Palmetto Moonshine and Palmetto Whiskey. Their commitment to traditional methods with modern innovation makes them a cornerstone of the Upstate spirits scene.
Six & Twenty Distillery (Greenville)
Upstate South Carolina’s premium craft distillery crafts spirits in Greenville by hand and heart using all SC grown grains, including their signature Old Money Wheat Whiskey with notes of vanilla, maple, and caramel. At Six & Twenty, they pour their heart and soul into every batch, barrel, and bottle.
Swamp Fox Distilling (Pendleton)
Located in historic downtown Pendleton, Swamp Fox Distilling is home to “Pure Corruption” rum, handcrafted in small batches using custom-built Alembic pot stills. Their spirits include rye whiskey, malt whiskey, moonshine, white whiskey, and bourbon, each with their own story.
Hollow Creek Distillery (Leesville)
This family-owned distillery offers small-batch, hand-crafted southern spirits including moonshine, vodka, and bourbon, featuring High Cotton Bourbon, White Hot Cinnamon Whiskey, Low Water Vodka, and William Alan Bourbon. Their family has been in the region for ten generations.
Fall Cocktail Recipes
Harvest Moon (Featuring Palmetto Moonshine)
This cocktail captures the essence of autumn with apple cider and warm spices, elevated by the smooth character of Palmetto’s artisan moonshine.
Ingredients:
2 oz Palmetto Moonshine
4 oz fresh apple cider
1/2 oz lemon juice
1/4 oz maple syrup
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Cinnamon stick and apple slice for garnish
Instructions:
Combine moonshine, apple cider, lemon juice, and maple syrup in a shaker with ice.
Shake well and strain over ice in a rocks glass.
Add bitters and garnish with cinnamon stick and apple slice.
Serve with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for extra warmth.
Upstate Old Fashioned (Featuring Six & Twenty Old Money Wheat Whiskey)
A sophisticated take on the classic, showcasing the vanilla and caramel notes of this exceptional wheat whiskey.
Ingredients:
2 oz Six & Twenty Old Money Wheat Whiskey
1/4 oz local honey syrup (2:1 honey to water)
3 dashes orange bitters
1 dash chocolate bitters
Orange peel and brandied cherry for garnish
Instructions:
Combine whiskey, honey syrup, and bitters in a mixing glass with ice.
Stir until well-chilled.
Strain over a large ice cube in a rocks glass.
Express orange peel oils over the drink and garnish with peel and cherry.
Swamp Fox Spiced Rum Punch (Featuring Swamp Fox Pure Corruption Rum)
A warming punch perfect for entertaining, highlighting the bold character of this handcrafted rum.
Ingredients:
2 oz Swamp Fox Pure Corruption Rum
1 oz pear brandy or cognac
3 oz hot spiced cider
1/2 oz fresh lime juice
1/4 oz ginger liqueur
Star anise and pear slice for garnish
Instructions:
Warm the spiced cider with star anise, cinnamon, and cloves.
In a mug, combine rum, pear brandy, lime juice, and ginger liqueur.
Top with hot spiced cider.
Garnish with star anise and thin pear slice.
White Hot Autumn Mule (Featuring Hollow Creek White Hot Cinnamon Whiskey)
A seasonal twist on the Moscow Mule that celebrates the warming spice of cinnamon whiskey.
Ingredients
2 oz Hollow Creek White Hot Cinnamon Whiskey
1/2 oz fresh lime juice
4 oz ginger beer
2 oz cranberry juice
Fresh cranberries and lime wheel for garnish
Candied ginger (optional)
Instructions:
Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
Add whiskey, lime juice, and cranberry juice.
Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
Garnish with cranberries, lime wheel, and candied ginger.
Low Country Bourbon Cider (Featuring Hollow Creek High Cotton Bourbon)
A sophisticated sipper that combines the richness of bourbon with the comfort of warm cider.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Hollow Creek High Cotton Bourbon
4 oz warm apple cider
1/2 oz brown butter syrup
1/4 oz lemon juice
Pinch of ground nutmeg
Thinly sliced apple and cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions:
Warm apple cider with a cinnamon stick.
In a mug, combine bourbon, brown butter syrup, and lemon juice.
Top with warm cider and stir gently.
Dust with nutmeg and garnish with apple slice and cinnamon stick.
Pendleton Painkiller (Featuring Swamp Fox Rum)
A fall-inspired tropical cocktail that brings warmth to cooler evenings.
Ingredients:
2 oz Swamp Fox Pure Corruption Rum
3 oz pineapple juice
1 oz orange juice
1 oz cream of coconut
1/2 oz fresh lime juice
Dash of ground cinnamon
Toasted coconut and orange wheel for garnish
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
Shake vigorously and strain over crushed ice.
Garnish with toasted coconut and orange wheel.
Dust lightly with cinnamon.
The exceptional quality of our local spirits means you don’t need to mask their character—let them shine with simple, complementary ingredients. Hollow Creek’s spirits are available in liquor stores, bars, and restaurants throughout South Carolina. Six & Twenty products can be found at over 1,000 ABC Store locations across South Carolina. Most of these distilleries also offer direct sales at their locations, making them perfect destinations for fall day trips.
These fall cocktails represent more than just seasonal drinks—they’re a celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit and craftsmanship that define our region. Each sip connects you to the story of local families and artisans who have poured their passion into creating world-class spirits right here in the Upstate.
As you gather with friends and family this fall, consider featuring these locally-made spirits in your cocktails. You’ll not only impress your guests with exceptional drinks but also support the thriving craft distillery scene that’s putting South Carolina on the map as a premier spirits destination.
So raise your glass to autumn, to community, and to the talented distillers who are crafting liquid poetry in our own backyard. Cheers to fall in the Upstate!
Visit these distilleries for tours, tastings, and special events throughout the fall season. Always drink responsibly and never drink and drive.