10 Fall Cocktails That'll Warm You Up

Favorite fall drinks to make at home

Fall brings crisp air and turning leaves, the perfect backdrop for enjoying the warm embrace of seasonal beverages. As the weather cools, it’s time to celebrate with drinks that match the rich, earthy tones of autumn. Whether you prefer the robust flavors of a classic cocktail or the refreshing twist of a mocktail, this list has something to delight everyone. Alongside our seven cozy cocktails, we’ve included three mocktail recipes to ensure everyone can enjoy the spirit of the season.

1. Southern mulled cider

This southern twist on mulled cider features bourbon. This recipe makes one drink.

Ingredients:

1.25 ounces bourbon
Hot apple cider
One cinnamon stick
Dash of allspice
Lemon slice

Directions:

Add bourbon to a mug
Fill the mug with hot apple cider
Sprinkle some allspice and stir
Garnish with cinnamon stick and lemon slice

2. Pumpkin spice hot chocolate

This autumnal hot chocolate features Kahlua Pumpkin Spice. This recipe makes five servings.

Ingredients:

1/3 cup Kahlua Pumpkin Spice
4 cups whole milk (divided)
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Pinch of salt
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Whipped cream

Directions:

Measure 1/3 cup of Kahlua and set aside
Whisk together 1 cup of milk, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt in a saucepan.
Whisk in the remaining milk until fully combined
Heat the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until sugar is dissolved
Whisk in the pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice
Remove from heat
Immediately whisk in Kahlua
Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream

3. Hot buttered rum

You’ll love this creamy mixture of spices, dark brown sugar, and spiced rum. This recipe makes four servings.

Ingredients:

2/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup honey
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
Pinch of salt
3/4 cup spiced rum
2 cups boiling water
4 cinnamon sticks

Directions:

In a bowl using an electric mixer, beat the brown sugar, butter, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt together until smooth
Add the rum and boiling water
Stir until the butter mixture dissolves
Divide the buttered rum between four mugs
Garnish with cinnamon sticks

4. Spiced apple fizz

A festive, non-alcoholic beverage that captures the essence of autumn.

Ingredients:

Apple cider
Sparkling water
Dash of cinnamon
Apple slices
Cinnamon sticks

Directions:

Fill a glass halfway with apple cider
Top with sparkling water
Add a dash of cinnamon and stir gently
Garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick

5. Hot toddy

This classic fall and winter drink contains bourbon and honey. This recipe makes one serving.

Ingredients:

2 parts bourbon
.75 part fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
4 ounces boiling water
Cinnamon stick
Lemon slice

Directions:

Add lemon juice, honey and bourbon to a mug
Fill with boiling water
Stir until honey is dissolved
Garnish with a cinnamon stick and lemon slice

6. Cinnamon pumpkin brew

Enjoy the flavors of fall without the alcohol in this simple, tasty mocktail.

Ingredients:

Pumpkin spice syrup
Sparkling water
Whipped cream
Ground cinnamon

Directions:

Fill a glass with ice
Pour over pumpkin spice syrup
Top with sparkling water
Gently stir
Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon

7. Mulled wine

Mulled wine is a staple fall drink containing honey and spices. This recipe makes four servings.

Ingredients:

1 bottle of red wine
1 orange, sliced into rounds
8 whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
2 star anise
4 tablespoons honey
1/4 cup brandy

Directions:

In a saucepan combine all ingredients
Heat over medium-high heat until a simmer is reached
Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let the wine mixture simmer for two hours
Strain and serve

8. Harvest cranberry crush

A refreshing mocktail that’s as vibrant as the fall foliage.

Ingredients:

Cranberry juice
Lime juice
Ginger ale
Fresh cranberries
Lime slices

Directions:

In a glass, mix equal parts cranberry and lime juice
Top with ginger ale
Garnish with fresh cranberries and lime slices

9. Spiked pumpkin spice latte

This is an alcoholic twist on a traditional pumpkin spice latte. This recipe makes one serving.

Ingredients:

8 ounces strong brewed coffee
1 ounce vanilla vodka
1/2 ounce cinnamon whiskey
1 ounce pumpkin spice coffee creamer
Whipped cream

Directions:

Add coffee, vodka, whiskey, and creamer to a mug
Mix together, and top with whipped cream

7. Boozy chai tea

This delicious and warm chai tea latte is made with spiced rum and orange liqueur. This recipe makes four servings.

Ingredients:

2 cups water
4 spiced chai tea bags
2 strips orange peel
10 whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
10 whole black peppercorns
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon cardamom pods smashed
3 tablespoons light brown sugar
2 cups whole milk
4 ounces spiced rum
1 1/2 ounces orange liqueur

Directions:

In a saucepan combine water, tea bags, orange peel, spices, and brown sugar
Bring to a boil and turn off heat
Allow the mixture to steep for 15 minutes, and then strain
Add the milk and warm until it’s simmering
Then add the rum and orange liqueur
Blend until frothy
Serve in mugs

Time to embrace the season

As the leaves turn and the air cools, these fall cocktails and mocktails provide the perfect way to embrace the season. From warming spices to rich chocolate, each recipe offers a unique way to enjoy the flavors of autumn. Whether you’re toasting with alcohol or sipping on a mocktail, these drinks are sure to make your fall gatherings cozy and memorable.

References

“45 Autumnal Cocktails Perfect for the Crisp Days of Autumn,” Town & Country, July 9, 2018.
“11 Hot Cocktails to Help You Face the Cold,” Town & Country, September 11, 2018.
“17 Hot Cocktail Recipes for Cold Winter Nights,” Serious Eats, n.d.