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Hey, Reader!

The weather doesn't agree, but it's already starting to feel like fall. Between the back-to-school hubbub, Labor Day next weekend and the release of the Starbucks fall menu the other day, we are in the throes of that transition between the two best seasons.

Transition periods are weird, but I kinda love the in-between state of mind. I always treat myself to new pens and stationery (AKA grown-up school supplies) and a new outfit or two.

September is when I start planning the rest of the year and get excited for all the things to come — this year, it's my best friend visiting in a few weeks, a trip to the mountains for leaf-peeping and then the holidays. (I'm already working on holiday content, so that season lasts a while for me!)

this month’s mood ✨

There's a lot to love about September. We've got Labor Day, Oktoberfest, the kick-off of football season and the first day of autumn, all in one little month.

September is also Bourbon Heritage Month, a very good excuse to pick up a bottle and make some of my favorite bourbon cocktails. The cocktail community also celebrates Negroni Week, which is Sept. 21-27.

It's also the start of fall wedding season. My husband and I are celebrating our seventh wedding anniversary this month! I'm already planning our anniversary cocktail, which inspired me to put together this list — people are always asking me!

cocktails to bookmark 🍸

apple pie martini In my family, apple pie is the birthday dessert — not cake. This cocktail has that same energy: warm, celebratory and meant for sharing with your people. It's fall in a glass and a very good excuse to gather. get the recipe »

whiskey ginger This was the very first cocktail I ever posted on Feast + West, and it has held up beautifully. Bold bourbon, zingy ginger ale and a squeeze of citrus — simple, satisfying and still one of my favorites after all these years. get the recipe »

pumpkin spice old-fashioned Here's my controversial opinion: Pumpkin spice belongs in cocktails just as much as it belongs in lattes. Bourbon makes it even better. get the recipe »

drinks everyone will love 🍹

pumpkin spice latte Making this at home is cheaper than the coffee shop version — and better, honestly. My recipe uses real pumpkin, and the syrup is completely customizable. Make it more pumpkiny, dial the spice up or down, use whole spices or ground. It's yours to tweak. get the recipe »

apple cider mocktail I made this one on a TV segment last year, which tells you everything you need to know. It's the kind of drink that looks impressive and tastes even better — all the cozy apple flavor, none of the alcohol. get the recipe »

irish coffee mocktail All the warmth and comfort of an Irish coffee without the whiskey. This is the one to make when the weather finally turns and you want something that feels like a hug in a mug. get the recipe »

easy party bites 🌿

vanilla pudding shots These are so much fun for parties and tailgates, and they're an easy make-ahead that travels well. Nobody ever says no to a pudding shot — trust me on this one. get the recipe »

hot apple cider spice mix A DIY spice blend that makes a truly cozy cup of cider — and it makes a really lovely gift too. Mix up a batch, tie it with a ribbon and you have the easiest hostess gift of the season. get the recipe »

cheddar popcorn My grandmother's favorite, and now mine too. Surprisingly easy to make at home with the right ingredients, and so much better than the bag. This one disappears fast. get the recipe »

syrups are having a moment 🍂

These are the recipes everyone's making right now — and honestly, fall syrup season makes total sense. Stock your fridge and you'll have the building blocks for cocktails, mocktails and coffee all season long.

1. ​Pumpkin Spice Syrup: The most popular recipe on the site right now, and for good reason. Make this and put it in everything.
2. ​Apple Simple Syrup: Peak fall timing — this one is flying. Perfect in cocktails, mocktails and even your morning coffee.
3. ​Caramel Simple Syrup: Cozy, versatile and dangerously good. Stir it into your latte or use it to sweeten a bourbon drink.
4. ​Prickly Pear Simple Syrup: The unexpected one on the list — but people are obsessed. Such a fun fall wildcard.
5. ​Tiramisu Syrup: Rich, coffee-forward and very fall. I'm already thinking about what to put this in.

spilling the beans ☕

I have had a Trade Coffee subscription for about seven years, and I cannot imagine going back to hunting down fresh beans locally — even stores that carry independent roasters upcharge and the beans aren't that fresh anyway.

Trade matches you with beans from independent roasters around the country based on how you brew and what you like. We love 99% of what they send. Every bag arrives fresh — the smell when you open it is one of my favorite things — and a new one shows up every few weeks without me having to think about it.

Trade is offering my readers up to 30% off their first order this fall. If you are a coffee lover, get in on this!

bonus pup cup pro tip ☕️

As much as I love making coffee drinks at home, I do like to treat myself to the Starbucks seasonal menu items once in a while! For my fellow dog parents, my girl Rey and I have a tip for you.

I recently discovered how to order a pup cup (a tiny cup of whipped cream, free at most locations) on the Starbucks mobile app, where it's sadly not an option.

The trick is changing your first name in the app to "[Your Name] - Pup Cup Please." I've been pleasantly surprised that the baristas actually have one ready for me at pickup!

coming up soon... 👀

The back-to-school sections of the stores are already turning into Halloween displays, so you won't soon forget about spooky season.

And there are 89 days until Thanksgiving and 118 days until Christmas. Be warned — they will go by quickly! I'm so excited for the recipes I'm sharing this year. Make sure you're signed up to get the latest posts in your inbox each week!

September is always a busy one. Save this email for ideas all month, and I hope at least one of these recipes makes it into your kitchen!

Prost!*​
​Susannah

*That's "cheers" in German. Did you know Oktoberfest doesn't actually start in October? The annual harvest festival starts in mid-September to take advantage of longer days and warmer weather.