Food

Southern Palate: Crafting the Perfect Fall Cocktail for Your Next Gathering + Recipe

As the crisp autumn air settles in, Kiawah River’s coastal homes offer the perfect backdrop for festive gatherings and seasonal-inspired sips. Whether you’re hosting a lively party for all your neighbors or an intimate family dinner, a crowd-pleasing cocktail adds a touch of effortless charm to your celebration. With the vibrant Lowcountry landscape in full display, there’s no better time to raise a glass and enjoy the company of loved ones. 

This fall, trade in the pumpkin spice and elevate your event with Garden & Gun’s Knockout Bourbon Punch. A blend of toasted cinnamon, rich bourbon, and a hint of citrus, this cocktail strikes the perfect balance of warming spices and refreshing flavors, with its simple preparation and delightful taste making it a hit at any occasion—especially the Thanksgiving table. 

Garnished with fresh cranberries and mint, this cocktail is as beautiful as it is delicious, adding seasonal flair to your Kiawah River experience. Cheers to a memorable fall! 

Knockout Bourbon Punch
Yields: 25 Servings 

Ingredients 

Harry Ellis Commemorative Punch
8 cinnamon sticks, toasted
1 750ml bottle of bourbon
8 oz. granulated sugar
4 oz. ginger juice
4 oz. lemon juice
4 oz. unsweetened cranberry juice
6 oz. Malmsey Madeira
24 oz. sparkling or soda water
Fresh nutmeg 

Garnishes
2 bunches fresh mint
2 12-oz. bags fresh cranberries 

Preparation
Let cinnamon sticks sit overnight in bourbon. Strain. Stir sugar into the juices until completely dissolved. Pour juice/sugar blend, Madeira, and cinnamon-infused bourbon into a punch bowl and stir. Top with sparkling water and stir again. Grate a healthy amount of nutmeg—about a quarter of the whole—on top. 

To serve, pour 3 oz. over ice in a punch cup. Garnish with a cranberry and a sprig of mint.