A Taste of September Nights in New Buffalo

September in Southwest Michigan brings crisp evenings, golden sunsets, and the kind of cool nights that beg for a crackling fire. At Copper Top Ridge, our steel cauldron fire pit is the heart of the backyard, complete with provided firewood and roasting sticks. Whether you’re swapping stories, making s’mores, or just enjoying the glow of the flames, the right cocktail makes the night even better.

As the sun sets, nothing pairs better with stories and laughter than cocktails around the bonfire, creating a perfect atmosphere for relaxation and enjoyment.

To help you savor the season, we’ve put together five cocktails around the bonfire that are perfect for September nights. Even better, each one highlights local spirits and wineries from Harbor Country, so you can sip the true flavor of New Buffalo while you relax.

Imagine sipping on delicious cocktails around the bonfire while the stars twinkle above you, making every moment memorable.

👉 Planning a fall trip? Check out our guide to visiting New Buffalo in September for seasonal events, apple orchards, and foliage tips.

1. Smoky Maple Old Fashioned – Featuring Journeyman Distillery Bourbon

Each cocktail embodies the spirit of the season and is ideal for those cozy evenings with cocktails around the bonfire.

Few drinks capture the spirit of fall like an Old Fashioned. This variation swaps sugar for maple syrup, adding rich depth that pairs perfectly with bourbon’s caramel and spice.

For this cocktail, we recommend Journeyman Distillery’s Featherbone Bourbon from nearby Three Oaks. Handcrafted just minutes from Copper Top Ridge, it’s smooth, flavorful, and the perfect foundation for a bonfire cocktail.

• Ingredients for cocktails around the bonfire:

2 oz Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon

½ oz real maple syrup

2 dashes Angostura bitters

Orange peel

Optional: smoked ice or a quick smoke infusion

• Directions:
  Stir the bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters over ice until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass with a large cube, then express an orange peel over the drink and drop it in. For a fire pit twist, try smoked ice cubes or give the cocktail a quick whiff of smoke before serving.

👉 A warming, smoky sip that feels right at home with cocktails around the bonfire.

(If you’re in town for a football Saturday, this also makes a great nightcap. See our full Notre Dame gameday itinerary for ideas.)

2. Campfire Cider Mule – Featuring Round Barn Vodka

This refreshing drink is perfect for toasting while enjoying cocktails around the bonfire with friends.

Apple cider is the taste of fall in Michigan, and when paired with ginger beer and lime, it becomes a seasonal twist on the classic Mule. The fizz, spice, and sweetness balance beautifully — especially when served in a frosty copper mug.

This recipe is elevated by Round Barn Distillery Vodka from Baroda, MI. Known for its clean, crisp flavor, it lets the cider and ginger shine without overpowering.

• Ingredients:

2 oz Round Barn Vodka

3 oz fresh apple cider (local orchards recommended)

2 oz ginger beer

Squeeze of lime juice

Garnish: apple slice + cinnamon stick

• Directions:
  Build in a copper mug over ice. Add Round Barn Vodka, apple cider, and lime juice, then top with ginger beer. Stir gently and garnish with a cinnamon stick and apple slice.

👉 Like biting into a caramel apple by the fire. Pair it with a golden evening at our fire pit, or raise a glass before heading out to catch a stunning sunset in New Buffalo.

3. Spiked Hot Chocolate (with S’mores, of course)

Pair your hot chocolate with delicious marshmallows during your evening of cocktails around the bonfire.

When the fire burns low and the night cools, hot chocolate is a natural choice. Add a splash of liqueur, and it becomes a cozy adult indulgence. This is also the ultimate pairing for s’mores, whether you’re making them yourself or going gourmet.

• Ingredients:

1 cup rich hot cocoa

1 oz Baileys Irish Cream

1 oz Kahlúa or peppermint schnapps

Whipped cream + shaved chocolate

• Directions:
  Pour cocoa into a heat-safe mug. Stir in Baileys and Kahlúa. Top with whipped cream, then dust with shaved chocolate or cinnamon.

👉 Creamy, comforting, and dessert-like — perfect with gooey s’mores. At Copper Top Ridge, we provide the roasting sticks and firewood. All you need are marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers. Or, skip the prep and have a complete s’mores charcuterie board delivered by Feeling Grazy, loaded with gourmet chocolates, marshmallows, and toppings.

4. Smoked Cranberry Bonfire Sangria – Featuring Tabor Hill Sangria

Sangria adds a fruity twist to your menu of cocktails around the bonfire, making it a crowd favorite.

Sangria isn’t just for summer. With cranberry juice, orange slices, and a hint of smoke, it transforms into a fall favorite. For this recipe, we recommend Tabor Hill Winery’s Red Sangria, made right here in Southwest Michigan. Fruity yet balanced, it provides the perfect base.

To elevate the experience, give each pour a smoky flourish using the SmokPub Electric Cocktail Smoker — we provide one at Copper Top Ridge, and it’s also available online for your home bar.

• Ingredients:

1 bottle Tabor Hill Red Sangria

½ cup brandy

1 cup cranberry juice

½ cup orange juice

Fresh cranberries, apple slices, orange wheels

• Directions:
  Mix everything in a large pitcher, then chill 1–2 hours. To serve, ladle into glasses and add a smoky finish with the SmokPub smoker for a fire-pit-worthy presentation.

👉 Fruity, dramatic, and crowd-pleasing. A perfect drink for group gatherings, paired with stargazing or spotting wildlife in Southwest Michigan.

5. Tequila Autumn Highball

This highball is a delightful choice for those warm evenings spent enjoying cocktails around the bonfire.

Not everyone wants something heavy by the fire. This cocktail is crisp, citrusy, and refreshing — a golden drink that feels like a September sunset.

• Ingredients:

2 oz tequila reposado

3 oz sparkling water

1 oz fresh grapefruit juice

½ oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water)

Garnish: rosemary sprig

• Directions:
  Build in a highball glass with ice. Add tequila, grapefruit juice, and honey syrup, then top with sparkling water. Stir gently and garnish with rosemary.

👉 Light and refreshing, ideal for winding down after exploring Harbor Country — or after a big win at Notre Dame.

🪵 Hosting Tips Around the Fire Pit

Remember to keep your supplies ready for making cocktails around the bonfire and enjoy quality time with loved ones.

• We provide the essentials: Firewood and roasting sticks are ready to go at Copper Top Ridge.

• S’mores made simple: Stock your own supplies or have Feeling Grazy deliver a deluxe s’mores charcuterie board.

• Batch ahead: Sangria and cider can be made in pitchers so you’re free to enjoy the night.

• Smoke for extra flair: Use the SmokPub smoker to add drama to almost any drink.

• Stay seasonal: Pair your cocktails with local treats, apple cider donuts, or harvest snacks.

👉 Want more ideas for your September trip? See our seasonal guide to visiting New Buffalo in September.

Don’t forget to explore more ideas to enhance your experience with cocktails around the bonfire during your visit.