Want to cozy up with a warm or icy beverage this autumn? Whichever you choose, we’ve got you covered. Pumpkin spice lattes are rampant right now, and we’re not saying that’s not tasty, but there are so many other options out there. Some of which are pumpkin-flavored if that’s your preference.
We scoured the web to bring you the best low maintenance, fall-themed drink list, plus whipped up a few fan-favorites of our own. You’ll find delicious adult-only refreshments to fun drinks the whole family can share. Whatever your plans might be, class it up and create your very own concoction.
Believe us; it’ll be yummy no matter which one of these recipes you make.
Slow-cooker Apple Cider
Courtesy of Sara Welch from Dinner at the Zoo
There’s nothing that will put you more into the fall season than a hint of cinnamon. Be prepared to be comforted by this warm, slightly spiced apple cider. Add your favorite liquor to this recipe from Dinner at the Zoo to jazz things up. Try bourbon, brandy, whiskey, or maybe even apple-flavored vodka. There are so many possibilities with this one.
Caramel Apple Sangria
Courtesy of Anna Hinman from Crunchy Creamy Sweet
The combination of crisp apples, wine, and caramel sauce, makes for a truly impressive autumn-inspired sangria. The easy-to-follow recipe welcomes you to take your own approach from using dry white wine to something more bubbly to flavored vodka.
Hot Toddy
Recipe by Young Hot & Modern
This hot toddy is a Young Hot & Modern exclusive recipe. Although we’ll admit, we didn’t invent the drink. It’s simple, comforting, and the perfect way to end an evening. You can’t go wrong with the simplicity of your favorite tea, lemon, and whiskey.
Ingredients
6 ounces brewed tea
1 to 3 teaspoons of honey or agave syrup
1 to 2 squeezed wedges of lemon
2 ounces whiskey
Instructions
Pour hot brewed tea into a mug, and add lemon juice, whiskey, and honey or agave syrup. Stir until your preferred sweetener has fully dissolved. Squeeze an additional lemon wedge in the mix or add a cinnamon stick, depending on your preference, and you’ve got yourself a very traditional and seemingly fancy nightcap that will warm you right up. Try it pumpkin style with this recipe.
Pear Rum Punch
Courtesy of the EatingWell Test Kitchen
Pumpkins and apples take center stage during this time of year but don’t forget about the pear. This cocktail blends dark rum and prosecco to make a truly delicious treat. Especially if you’re sick of all the pumpkin-flavored beverages out there, give this punch a try.
Skinny Pumpkin Spice Latte
Courtesy of Anna Hinman from Crunchy Creamy Sweet
Yes, we had to include a pumpkin beverage. This drink is warm and is a healthy alternative to the frequented Starbucks concoction. You’ll whip up pure pureed pumpkin and almond milk instead of sweetened, pre-made pumpkin-flavored syrups. This gives it a smooth, nutty texture.
Red Wine Hot Chocolate
Courtesy of Carolyn Casner, EatingWell
Skeptics step aside. The flavors in this beverage are made for each other. Especially if you like dark chocolate. Plummy, acidic notes from the red wine and the bitter-sweetness of the cocoa powder make for a tasty treat. You can adjust the sugar measurement if you prefer a sweeter beverage.
Cranberry Martini
Recipe by Young Hot & Modern
This is a tart, refreshing twist (pun intended) on the traditional martini. Experiment with different liquors and juices to create a cool cocktail to wind down with at night.
Ingredients
2 ounces gin or vodka
0.5 ounces triple sec
1 ounce fresh-squeezed lemon or lime juice
2 to 3 ounces cranberry juice
Instructions
Bring the ingredients together in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.
Tangerine Bourbon Sidecar
Courtesy of Laraine Perri, EatingWell
This bourbon-based drink is extra special when you add the cold-weather clementine. Sweet, refreshing, and crisp. You can also sugar the rims of your glasses for a sweeter presentation.
Autumn White Russian
Recipe by Young Hot & Modern
A White Russian is another throwback drink. Most popularly seen as the drink Jeff Bridges consistently consumes in The Big Lebowski. You can experience it, too, on a cool, autumn evening. “The Dude” abides and really thinks that this cocktail ties the whole evening together. You can make it the traditional way with plain Kahlua, or opt for the more festive pumpkin spice flavor.
Ingredients
1 ounce the original Kahlua or Kahlua Pumpkin Spice Liqueur
2 ounces vodka
1 ounce heavy cream
1 to 3 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon sugar
3 tablespoons crushed graham crackers
Instructions
Add your preferred Kahlua, heavy cream, and vodka into a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake well. Up your presentation by coating your drinkware rim with a mix of pumpkin pie spice, crushed graham crackers, and sugar before pouring your drink. Sprinkle a dash more of pumpkin pie spice blend to bring it all together.
Mulled Wine
Courtesy of the EatingWell Test Kitchen
This is a timeless beverage that has been enjoyed for centuries, and there’s no better time to make it than in the fall of 2021. This version from EatingWell keeps it simple with your choice of dry red wine and adding warm spices that will enshroud you in everything that feels fall. So simple, yet your friends and family will be impressed.