The onset of autumn means the days are getting shorter, the temperature mercifully cooler and the food cozier. It also means that our drinking preferences shift from quenching patio-pounders to spicier, headier lattes, sangrias, wines and cocktails. Of course, pumpkin spice commands a vice grip on the season, and while artisanal iterations of the inescapable elixir can certainly be found (as well as PSL-inspired novelties, like pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls), we’re all about zigging against the zag, especially considering the abundance of autumnal alternatives throughout the metro. So put down the PSL and check out these fall sips in OKC.
By Day
In the morning, pumpkin spice surrogates abound. Just head to Cafe Kacao (3325 N. Classen Blvd., OKC) and skim the drink list. The coffee options at the feverishly popular brunch spot keep getting better and better, including brand-new items like the Banana Nutella Latte, a drinkable dessert comprising housemade banana syrup, Nutella, espresso and oat milk. Or the Salted Caramel Pepita Latte, which rounds out its espresso-caramel-milk base with caramel whipped cream, a pinch of salt and a caramelized pepita and sesame crumble.
Mocha House (1010 N. Santa Fe, Edmond) is an unassuming new cafe specializing in Yemeni coffee and spice aplenty. Wafting with notes of cardamom, cinnamon and ginger, authentic offerings include Muffawar, a traditional Yemeni coffee infused with cardamom and splashed with cream. Jubani adds cinnamon and ginger to the mix, while Rada’ai is a light-roast steeped with ginger. This is also one of the best places in OKC to sample legit Turkish coffee, which is thicker and stronger than typical American brews, due to freshly ground coffee getting boiled in copper pots.
Another newer entry is Gold Dome Coffee Shop, a drive-thru-only cafe in a parking lot at 2901 NW 36th St. in OKC. Owned by husband-wife team Julie and Scott Sullivan, who used to frequent the drive-thru when it was Leaf + Bean, it is one of the most inventive coffeeshops in the city—with a deservedly devout following to match. Inspired by the drive-thru coffee culture that thrives in the Pacific Northwest, they describe Gold Dome as a fun, creative outlet, as well an opportunity to carry on the Leaf + Bean legacy they loved so much. “All of the weird things that we make are just working off inspiration and having fun and being together, and following the magic,” said Scott. And by “magic,” he means the best—and most distinctive— lattes in OKC, like the Pistachio Latte made with vanilla bean syrup and pistachio milk; the Grasshopper with wintermint, dark chocolate and oat milk; and the Sugaree latte with espresso, maple, brown sugar and pistachio milk.
By Night
Once you’re sufficiently caffeinated, it’s time to spice things up with cocktails, sangria and wine. Backyard Vineyards, a new winery and tasting room at 1200 W. Reno Ave. in OKC’s Farmer’s Market District, ticks all the boxes: there’s a Black Cherry Sangria bursting with rich, red berries, and dark cherry undertones from Merlot. Most interestingly, this is also one of the only places in Oklahoma you’re likely to find authentic Kalimotxo, a traditional Spanish medley of red wine and cola—in this case, black cherry wine and Coke.
Another new bar entry, the Paseo’s on-the-nose Barseo (3020 N. Walker Ave., OKC) is shifting seamlessly into its first fall with seasonal sips like The Gentleman, with rye whiskey, sherry, sweet vermouth and cherry bark-vanilla bitters. Razzle Dazzle, meanwhile, packs a punch with mezcal, absinthe, raspberry, lemon and pink peppercorn.
Things are looking downright festive at Riserva Bar + Tapas (1332 W. Memorial Ave., OKC), where—in addition to a popular honeydew sangria—guests can sample the Cranberry Ganoush, with spiced citrus vodka, bergamot liqueur, lime, orgeat and a cranberry-sweet potato syrup. For a spicy mocktail, the Silk Road combines lavender and cinnamon with pistachio, nutmeg, soda and cream.
And in a surefire sign that cooler weather awaits, Palo Santo (1203 SW 2nd St., OKC) boasts a bevy of hot cocktails, including Banana Buttered Rum, with aged rum, creme de banane, spiced butter and nutmeg, and the Oaxacchiato, a mezcal and sherry tipple with spicy Oaxacan hot chocolate, vanilla, foamed milk and a dusting of cinnamon. Cheers to autumn!
