Try These 15 Fall-Inspired Beers & Drinks in Downtown DSM

Grab a sweater or a jacket and head to Downtown Des Moines (DSM)! We’ve curated a bucket list of 15 must-try autumn-themed beverages including beers, cocktails and drinks from Downtown DSM restaurants, breweries and more.

Cocktails + Drinks in Downtown Des Moines

Fall in love with fall flavors! These autumn-centric cocktails and drinks bring the best seasonal flavors that will last on the palate — including apple, maple, honey, caramel and ginger.

Apple-rol Spritz

This fizzy fall cocktail blends Aperol, crisp Granny Smith apple, chai tea, vanilla, grenadine and bubbles for a cozy, sparkling spiced treat.
Find it at Good News, Darling

Autumn in New York

A cozy fall vibe in a cocktail glass, featuring butternut-infused bourbon, a house vermouth blend, honey, Peychaud’s and Angostura bitters, finished with a smoky touch of cherry wood.
Find it at The New Northwestern Cocktail & Wine Bar

Café-tini

The Café-tini is a luxurious twist on the classic espresso martini, made up of vodka, dark roast, lavender, vanilla and sparkling rosé.
Find it at Good News, Darling

Golden Hour

Just like the golden hues of fall foliage, this cocktail captures the essence of autumn. Made with Crown Apple, sweet vermouth, maple syrup molasses and old-fashioned bitters, it’s the perfect seasonal sipper.
Find it at The Republic on Grand

Hocus Pocus

A spellbinding cocktail that enchants with its smoky allure and captivating flavors. This bewitching blend of peach vodka, limoncello, violet and fresh lemon unveils layers of magic with every sip.
Find it at The Nightingale

Morticia's Nightcap

Morticcia’s Nightcap is a moody fall cocktail featuring Cognac, Merlot, ginger, allspice, lemon and orange. Rich and warming, it’s the perfect drink to embrace autumn’s chill and make every night feel like Halloween.
Find it at The Republic on Grand

Pumpkin Old Fashioned

A cozy fall twist on a classic, featuring Revelton Whiskey, house-made pumpkin syrup, cacao bitters and black walnut bitters for a rich, seasonal flavor.
Find it at Iowa Taproom

Pumpkin Pie Martini

This martini delivers velvety fall flavor with a blend of whipped cream vodka, pumpkin liqueur, and puree, topped with caramel and a graham cracker rim. Get cozy by the faux fire and sip-sip-hooray.
Find it at The Stuffed Olive

Secret Cider

Served warm, this cozy cocktail features Villon cognac, apple cider, bitters, spices, honey and a touch of orange, offering a perfect blend of comforting fall flavors. 
Find it at Secret Admirer

Voodoo Queen

The Voodoo Queen is a tropical elixir with a dark twist—dragon berry rum, mango vodka and guava blend with passion fruit boba and enchanting squid ink for a mysterious sweetness. 
Find it at The Nightingale

Beers

Fall craft beers bring rich, robust and smooth flavors. You’ll taste the range of the season with flavors like caramel, cocoa, coffee, malt and other notes hinting of autumn.

Autumn Amber Ale

Embrace the crisp air with Big Grove’s Autumn Amber Ale. This cozy, seasonal brew is perfect for enjoying by the fire pits, capturing all the fall vibes before winter arrives.
Find it at Big Grove Brewery

Basic Batch Pumpkin Ale

Basic Batch Pumpkin Ale captures the comfort of fall, featuring sweet pumpkin complemented by warm nutmeg, spicy cinnamon and a hint of clove.  
Find it at Confluence Brewing Co.

Campfire Black Lager

Campfire Black Lager offers rich, smoky flavors in every sip. This dark lager is the ideal companion for a cozy night by the fire, embracing the spirit of fall.
Find it at Confluence Brewing Co.

Oktoberfest

No autumn is complete without a craft Märzen-style beer named after Germany’s biggest fall celebration!
Find it at Exile Brewing Co.

Shed

Celebrate fall with a frosty mug of SHED, a 6.0% Franconian Kellerbier. This crisp, unfiltered brew is perfect for enjoying by the fire as the temperatures drop.
Find it at Lua Brewing

Looking for even more fall-inspired beer selections? Check out Downtown DSM’s various taprooms including Des Moines Biergarten, Singlespeed Brewing Company and El Bait Shop.

Like what you see? This is part of a two-part series highlighting autumn beverages you must try in Downtown DSM. Read more about fall-inspired coffee and tea drinks.

Make it one epic autumn in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) by exploring, experiencing and enjoying what Downtown DSM has to offer. Plan your visit to Downtown DSM with these tips for parking and navigation and discover additional restaurants and nightlife, too!