Best Fall Libations of 2025 in Lake County
By: Sam Ornig 09/12/2025
We're winding down summer and welcoming autumn as the air begins to cool and the days grow shorter. As summer's colors turn to fall hues, let's savor the new season's distinctive flavors and embark on a delightful adventure along the Lake County Libation Trail. Take part in our Spooks and Spirits Check-In Challenge — visit five or more trail stops between October 1-31 to enter for a chance to win exclusive prizes.
Cozy up by the fire at your favorite haunt and toast to the season’s flavors! Here are the the best fall libations in Lake County.
SWING Hard (Hard Seltzer)
Drink your own way with Broken Tee Brewing's Swing Hard Hard Seltzer. Try it plain for a lovely champagne flavor, or ask for it flavored with options like Moscow Mule, Black Cherry, Apricot, Lemon Lime or even Arnold Palmer Iced Tea with Lemonade. There are many delcious choices to make this your perfect drink all year round. Stay tuned to see what fall flavors will be offered, like the seasonal favorite Pumpkin Spice. With a 4.7% ABV, this drink is the perfect sip for the season.
Broken Tee Brewing Co., 406 Green Bay Rd., Highwood.
Big Ludwigski (German Märzen – Oktoberfest)
5.7% ABV
Inspired by "The Big Lebowski," Buffalo Creek Brewing’s Big Ludwigski is a refreshing German Märzen, a perfect brew for the upcoming Oktoberfest celebration. Big Ludwigski has a 5.7% ABV, huge amounts of Munich malts with hints of noble hops and ending with a clean finish. The Dude "imbibes"—so, go ahead and imbibe as well.
Buffalo Creek Brewing Co., 360 Historical Ln., Long Grove.
Loaded Bloody Mary
Copper Fiddle Distillery’s take on a classic Bloody Mary will leave you satisfied and stuffed. Loaded with a filled snack garnish complete with cheeses, sausage, pepperoni, a pickle and more, this beverage is both thirst-quenching and satiating. Whether you prefer it made with the classic vodka or want to give it an extra kick with Copper Fiddle's spicy Fyren Gin (made with serrano peppers), your tastebuds will love either mixed with the house-made Bloody Mary mix.
Copper Fiddle Distillery, 532 W. Illinois Route 22, Suite 110, Lake Zurich.
Mission Angelica
The Glunz Family Winery and Cellar’s Mission Angelica is a testament to time, having gracefully aged in oak barrels for an impressive average of 25 years. A symphony of butterscotch and maple syrup dances across your taste buds, delivering a harmonious blend of sweetness and depth. What makes this wine truly remarkable is its impeccable balance, where the luscious flavors are complemented by a subtle touch of acidity, creating a sensory experience like no other.
Glunz Family Winery & Cellars, 888 East Belvidere Rd., Grayslake.
Oktoberfest (Märzen)
Half Day Brewing Company's Oktoberfest Märzen is a crisp and refreshing German lager with a 6.5% ABV. Its rich caramel and biscuit malt flavors create a smooth, well-rounded profile. Balanced by a subtle yet firm hop presence, this brew perfectly captures the essence of a classic Oktoberfest beer. Rated 3.7, it's an ideal choice for those seeking a taste of tradition.
Half Day Brewing Co., 200 Village Green, Lincolnshire.
Her Name Was Amber (Red Ale – American Amber)
Enjoy a crisp, caramelly ale to welcome in the autumn air—try Harbor Brewing Company's Her Name Was Amber. This American Amber carries notes of toffee, caramel and light citrus with a delightful balance of American hops. Sip and savor this delicious brew, with 6% ABV and perfect for the fall season.
Harbor Brewing Co., 136 Cedar Ave., Lake Villa and Harbor Brewing Co.Lakefront Biergarten, 701 North Point Dr., Winthrop Harbor and Harbor Brewing Co.
Oktoberfest Wine
Lynfred Winery pays tribute to its rich German heritage with its seasonal Oktoberfest wine. This exquisite libation emits aromas of fruits like pear, peach, apple and mango alongside jasmine, with notes of tropical fruit, lychee and nectarine and a sweet, refreshing finish. Pair this autumn wine with German pub classics like Bratwurst, tangy Potato Salad and Bavarian Pretzels, or everyone's favorite, Apple Pie. Welcome autumn with every sip and celebrate Oktoberfest as you enjoy this flavorful, rich wine.
Lynfred Winery, 971 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling, and 1823 St. Johns Ave., Highland Park.
Pretzel Logic (Festbier)
Micky Finn's Brewery is back with a seasonal masterpiece that'll have you raising your glass in celebration of fall. Introducing "Pretzel Logic," a Festbier that's set to become your new autumn favorite. Unlike traditional Oktoberfest brews, Pretzel Logic offers a lighter, slightly hoppier profile that's sure to pique your taste buds' interest. This Festbier boasts a malty, cracker-like body, a satisfyingly dry finish and just the right amount of noble hop character to provide the perfect balance. This Festbier is a tribute to fall in every pour!
Mickey Finn's Brewery, 345 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville.
Rosemary's Baby (Pale Ale)
Nightshade and Dark's Pandemonium Brewing Company's Rosemary's Baby is a bold American Pale Ale with a 7.8% ABV. Infused with the unique flavors of blood orange and rosemary, this brew delivers a refreshing citrusy punch with a subtle herbal undertone. Its distinct combination of ingredients creates a perfectly balanced and aromatic experience. Rosemary's Baby is a standout choice for those looking for something adventurous and flavorful.
Nightshade and Dark's Pandemonium Brewing, 216 W. Clayton St., Waukegan.
Dark Poet's Society (Schwarzbier)
Taste the richness of the roasted malt-forward Dark Poet's Society Schwarzbier from 9th Hour Brewing. This dark, German lager is packed with flavor, thanks to the abundance of Munich malt. With a smooth, crisp finish with a hint of bitterness and 5.3% ABV, this beer is perfect for the fall. Celebrate Oktoberfest in style with Dark Poet's Society at 9th Hour. Prost!
9th Hour Brewing (located inside Harbor Brewing Co.), 136 Cedar Ave., Lake Villa.
Smokey Tahitian
Visit North Shore Distillery for a new creation with a smoky twist. The Smokey Tahitian will fills your tastebuds with the rich and smooth essence of Tahitian Vanilla Vodka blended seamlessly with the bold, campfire-kissed notes from Lapsang Souchong tea. This unique combination creates a spirit that's cozy yet surprising, perfect for any occasion. With an AVB of 35%, this vodka is silky enough to enjoy neat, but its true potential shines when mixed. Imagine an Espresso Martini with a smoky edge or your go-to cocktail elevated with unexpected intrigue.
North Shore Distillery, 13990 W. Rockland Rd., Green Oaks.
Frog Stack (Sour – Fruited Gose)
Welcome autumn with a jammy, fruity creation by Phase Three Brewing. The newest edition of the Frog Stack series, this sour brew features layers of ripe peach, juicy blackberry and marshmellow swirl. The 4.5% ABV fruited Gose balances sweet fruit, rich berry and soft notes of vanilla for a beautifully flavorful beverage to enjoy this fall. Cheers!
Phase Three Brewing, 932 Donata Ct., Lake Zurich.
Banana Walnut Bread Mead
Banana Walnut Bread Mead at Pips Meadery offers your tastebuds a sweet treat. Taste the nutty flavor of the walnuts mixed with the sweet, fruity banana and maple syrup for a rich, savory and utterly delicious drink that will remind you of your favorite breakfast foods. The Banana Walnut Bread Mead carries a 14% ABV and is available on tap at Pips Meadery in Lake Zurich.
Pips Meadery, 1350 Tri-State Parkway, Suite 124, Gurnee.
Pubtoberfest (Märzen)
Get ready for the perfect brew to usher in autumn. Roaring Table Brewing is introducing Pubtoberfest as part of their collaboration with Beers on the Wall. This flavorful beer combines an Oktoberfest lager and English ale to create a fusion of flavors of nutty malts, caramel sweetness and a creamy, smooth finish. Delight in the armonas of stone fruits, ripe plums and English toffee as you savor every sip. Say goodbye to summer and welcome fall with this malty, rich brew.
Roaring Table Brewing Co., 739 W IL State Rte 22, Lake Zurich.
Franc's Rotbier (Franconian Red Lager)
Steep Ravine Brewing Company has announced its latest beer, Franc's Rotbier, made in collaboration with Buffalo Creek Brewing. Styled after a traditional German Franconian Rotbier ("red lager"), which hails from the Nuremburg region, this brew is characterized by its amber or red color, malty flavors with caramel and toast and slightly bitter mouthfeel from noble hops. With a 5.3% ABV and crisp, light finish, Franc's Rotbier is highly drinkable.
Steep Ravine Brewing Company, 582 Roger Williams Ave., Highland Park.
The Reformator (Doppelbock Lager)
Longsnapper from Tighthead Brewing Company is a West Coast-style IPA with a 6% ABV and 40 IBU, crafted in collaboration with Chicago Bears legend Patrick Mannelly. This beer combines base and Vienna malts with caramel notes from Carastan and Munich malts, delivering a rich and balanced flavor profile. Released to commemorate the inaugural “Patrick Mannelly Award,” it celebrates Mannelly's legacy and his favorite beer styles.
Tighthead Brewing Co., 161 N. Archer Ave., Mundelein.
Elf-spresso Martini
For a tasty drink with the bonus of a boost, head to 28 Mile Distillery for the Elf-spresso Martini. Made with the distillery's Elf Butterscotch Bourbon Whiskey, espresso and Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur, this tasty concotion promises delight to your tastebuds and a little extra energy to help you through the day. The Elf Butterscotch Bourbon Whiskey really shines in this beverage, with a magical blend of sweet flavors and a smooth finish.
28 Mile Distilling Co., 454 Sheridan Rd., Highwood.
Valentino Seyval Blanc (2020)
Valentino Vineyards' Valentino Seyval Blanc 2020 is a late-harvest white wine, with a rich, golden color and delicate floral bouquet, with hints of honey, oak and a touch of sweetness. Barrel-aged for one year, this wine has a crisp flavor with a smooth finish. Valentino Seyval Blanc pairs perfectly with seafood, poulty and creamy dishes like Fettucine Alfredo. Try it out with a slice of Pumpkin Pie to really welcome autumn's flavors.
Valentino Vineyards, 5175 Aptakisic Rd., Long Grove.
Pumpkin Ale
Wild Onion Brewery has already welcomed fall and tapped its seasonal favorite, Pumpkin Ale. With a 5.4% ABV, enjoy this classic autumnal brew, featuring tastes of spices and pumpkin pie that will prepare your tastebuds for this wonderful season. This amber-hued beer is exceptionally smooth with balanced flavor profile and a rich, malty aroma. Perfect for enjoying during fall festivities, this brew captures the essence of autumn with every sip.
Wild Onion Brewery and Banquets, 22221 N. Pepper Rd., Lake Barrington.
Bee's Knees
Head over to Wright's Brew and Bistro, located inside the picturesque Lincolnshire Marriott Resort, and try the Bee's Knees gin cocktail. Made with North Shore Distillery's Gin No. 9, this delectable drink features honey from the Lincolnshire Marriott's own apiaries alongside fresh-squeezed lemon. Simple yet delightful, this cocktail offers one last refreshing taste of summertime before autumn fully settles in for the season. Don't miss out on the chance to indulge in this tasty cocktail that's truly the "bee's knees!"
Wright's Brew and Bistro (located inside the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort), 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire.
Check out more information on the Lake County Libation Trail and read more about Spooks and Spirits.
View all of the Lake County Libation Trail.
FALL OUTDOOR GUIDE
ROAD TRIPS
Volo Museum
Family-Friendly Dining
Breakfast/Brunch
Lakeside Dining
MainStreet Libertyville
Historic Downtown Long Grove
Downtown Highland Park
Great Wolf Lodge Illinois
Lincolnshire Marriott Resort
Hyatt Deerfield
Visitors Guide
Special Offers
Accommodations
Weddings
Group Tours
Military Reunions
Community Partners
Partner Directory
Become a Partner
