11 cocktails from metro Atlanta bars and restaurants that will warm you up this fall

Just as we bundle up when the air turns crisp in the fall, bartenders add layers to autumn cocktails. They stir in warm, dark spirits, as well as comforting spices, such as nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper and clove. Some also include the bounties of autumn’s harvest in their drinks, and even the essence of smoke.

Here are 11 seasonal pick-me-ups to sip in Atlanta.

A dramatic spritz of peaty scotch lends smokiness to Third Door's rich, smooth Gatecrasher. Courtesy of Whitney Flockhart Photography

Gatecrasher at Third Door

Marietta’s Third Door offers a menu of Prohibition-style cocktails and a speakeasy vibe. In the bar’s Gatecrasher, the mix of rye whiskey, amaro, Pedro Jimenez sherry and black pepper is almost velvety smooth and a little bitter, with a touch of heat. A dramatic spritz of peaty scotch brings subtle smokiness, making the big, boozy sipper a welcome visitor at the table.

131 Church St. NE, Marietta. 470-361-0370, thethirddoor.net.

PS Alexander at Little Bear

Can we talk about fall drinks without including pumpkin spice? Summerhill’s Little Bear always is playful with its menu descriptions, but the resulting flavors are seriously inspiring, and show creative and skilled technique. This riff on a Brandy Alexander is based around crème de cacao, made with husks from Xocolatl Chocolate. Brandy is infused with the seeds, innards and tops of local and seasonal Woodlands Gardens pumpkins — scraps that normally would go to waste. Overproof rum cream and a dash of spice add to the richness.

71 Georgia Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-500-5396, littlebearatl.com.

Nakato's spiked apple cider is a mix of one of autumn's flavors and Japanese tradition. Courtesy of Nakato

Spiked apple cider from Nakato

This drink combines the fall tradition of North Georgia apple picking with the dry, smoky tradition of Japanese whisky. A sliver of peak season apple rests atop this yin-yang mixture. With a delicate silkiness, the froth of egg white brings all the ingredients together in perfect harmony.

1776 Cheshire Bridge Road NE, Atlanta. 404-873-6582, nakatorestaurant.com.

This cozy, Manhattan-style drink at Deer and the Dove aptly is named Sweater Weather. Courtesy of Terry Koval

Sweater Weather from Deer and the Dove

Bar Director Matt Watkins’ nutty, herb-spiced take on a Manhattan aptly is named Sweater Weather. The concoction, which brings to mind leather-bound books and pipe tobacco, has a taste only an expert could create. He stirs together an enchanting balance of Asheville-made Eda Rhyne Rustic Nocino, sherry and 1821 Havana & Hide bitters, along with rye whiskey.

155 Sycamore St., Decatur. 404-748-4617, deerdove.com.

Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q's Ace in the Hole is rich, aromatic and almost spicy. Courtesy of Jonathan Fox

Ace in the Hole at Fox Bros Bar-B-Q

Jonathan Fox said the addition of scotch to a traditional bourbon cocktail helps add another dimension to the Ace in the Hole, offered on the Westside location’s drinks menu. The mix of bourbon, Hogshead scotch, Meletti amaro and Old-Fashioned bitters has a surprising amount of depth, for such a simple construction. It’s rich, aromatic and almost spicy — a perfect complement to Fox Bros.’ menu of smoked meats and veggies.

204 Chattahoochee Row, Atlanta. 770-755-5099, foxbrosbbq.com.

La Madrilène at Bulla Gastrobar

Bulla’s version of a whiskey sour is packed with warming spices. Mingling together are Old Forester bourbon, house-made apple-cinnamon-infused syrup, grated cinnamon and Amarena Italian black cherry, all balanced with the addition of Manzanilla sherry.

60 11th St. NE, Atlanta. 404-900-6926, bullagastrobar.com.

Back to Black Courtesy of Kevin Bragg

Back to Black at Southern Belle

In Southern Belle’s Back to Black, Averna amaro, rye whiskey, bitters, and Szechuan and black pepper cherry fuse for a clever, thoughtful variation on a reverse Manhattan. The drink swaps amaro for vermouth as well as the proportions with rye.

1043 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-698-3961, southernbelleatl.com.

David Chapman of Aziza mixes sherry, pommeau de Normandie, and amaro Abano into his Applewood. Courtesy of Sterling Graves

Applewood at Aziza

Bar Manager David Chapman’s cocktail menu reflects the memorable spices of Aziza’s main dishes. In the Applewood, which is richly layered and seamless, Chapman trades the vermouth of a Manhattan for pommeau de Normandie (a French apple-based aperitif), oloroso sherry and Luxardo amaro Abano added to rye whiskey. The drink is garnished with a sliver of Georgia apple, compressed with lemon, honey, apple brandy and warm spices.

1170 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta. 404-968-9437, aziza-restaurant.com.

A Granny's Harvest at Wood's Chapel BBQ is a perfect complement to Brunswick stew. Courtesy of Wood's Chapel BBQ

Granny’s Harvest at Wood’s Chapel BBQ

A Granny’s Harvest is a simple, homey, seasonal complement to a bowl of the restaurant’s Brunswick stew. Sip on spiced rum, apple cider, lemon and rich simple syrup for homespun vibes.

86 Georgia Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-522-3000, woodschapelbbq.com.

Blind Pig's Espresstacio is dark, creamy, velvety, and it comes with an extra caffeine kick. Courtesy of Southern Proper Hospitality

Espresstacio at the Blind Pig Parlour Bar

This espresso martini is dark, creamy and velvety. The nostalgic drink, which is making a comeback, gets a touch of nuttiness from pistachio simple syrup.

128 E. Andrews Drive NW, Atlanta. 404-848-9100, theblindpigparlourbar.com.

Atlas' Holy Smokes is a warming mix of spice and subtle smoke. Angela Hansberger for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution