Cozy up with New York-made craft spirits perfect for the season
As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, it's the perfect time to reach for bold, warming cocktails that reflect the richness of fall. Bonfire Rye, crafted in the Catskill Mountains of New York, is an award-winning, small-batch rye whiskey that delivers everything the season calls for—spice, depth, and a smooth finish.
Distilled entirely at our Long Eddy distillery using New York State rye, organic corn, and malted barley, Bonfire Rye is proofed with Catskill Mountain spring water and never chill-filtered. It’s a rye-forward spirit with notes of smoke, spice, and subtle sweetness—designed to shine whether served neat, on the rocks, or mixed into classic and creative cocktails.
Why Bonfire Rye is Made for Fall
Unlike bourbon, which leans sweet, rye whiskey offers bold spice and herbal complexity, perfectly complementing fall ingredients like apple, maple, cinnamon, and clove. Whether you're sipping fireside or hosting a dinner party, Bonfire Rye gives every cocktail a distinctive edge.
Bonfire Manhattan
Classic warmth with a rye-forward bite
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Bonfire Rye
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters
- Garnish: cherry or orange peel
Instructions:
Stir with ice and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with an orange twist or cherry. The Bonfire Manhattan highlights the whiskey’s spice while softening it with sweet vermouth.
Bonfire Old Fashioned
Simple, bold, and built for sweater weather
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Bonfire Rye
- 1 tsp simple syrup
- 2–3 dashes bitters
- Garnish: orange peel, cinnamon stick
Instructions:
Stir over ice, strain into a rocks glass, and garnish. The cinnamon and orange enhance the natural spice and smokiness of Bonfire Rye.
Apple Cinnamon Rye Sour
Fruity, smooth, and perfectly seasonal
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Bonfire Rye
- ¾ oz lemon juice
- ¾ oz apple cider syrup
- 1 egg white (or aquafaba for vegan option)
- Garnish: cinnamon dusting
Instructions:
Shake all ingredients without ice (dry shake), then add ice and shake again. Strain into a coupe or rocks glass. Top with cinnamon for a silky, tart twist on the classic whiskey sour.
Autumn Rye Highball
Effervescent and easy-drinking
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Bonfire Rye
- 3 oz ginger beer
- Splash of fresh lemon juice
- Garnish: apple slice or lemon twist
Instructions:
Serve in a tall glass over ice. This crisp, fizzy drink is ideal for casual get-togethers or post-apple-picking cocktails.
Bonfire Boulevardier
A smoky, bittersweet take on a Negroni
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Bonfire Rye
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 1 oz Campari
- Garnish: orange twist
Instructions:
Stir over ice and strain. This bold, balanced drink replaces gin with Bonfire Rye for extra depth and spice.
Where to Find Bonfire Rye
Bonfire Rye is available at select retailers throughout New York and for online shipping via our Spirits Shop. Whether you're building your fall cocktail bar or shopping for a whiskey lover, Bonfire Rye delivers handcrafted quality with purpose.
Fall Food Pairings for Bonfire Rye
Enhance your cocktail experience with perfect pairings:
- Smoked meats or roasted vegetables
- Aged cheddar, Gouda, or smoky blue cheese
- Dark chocolate, pecan tarts, or spiced nuts
- Maple-glazed pork belly or BBQ ribs
Use Bonfire Rye in marinades, glazes, or as a base for sauce to carry its complexity through the meal.
Why Choose Pollinator’s Bonfire Rye?
- Crafted in the Catskills with sustainable practices
- Made from local New York State grains
- Not chill filtered for full-bodied flavor
- Proofed with pure Catskill spring water
- Woman-founded and mission-driven: 3% of proceeds support pollinator conservation
When you choose Bonfire Rye, you're not just buying a bottle—you're supporting sustainable agriculture, small-batch distilling, and New York State producers.
Sip Into Fall with Bonfire Rye
Whether you're hosting a cocktail night, enjoying quiet fireside moments, or exploring creative fall drink recipes, Bonfire Rye is the spirit of the season. Bold, smooth, and deeply rooted in New York terroir—it brings flavor and meaning to every glass.
