From mulled wine and cranberry mimosas to spiced chai and fizzy butterbeer, these fall drinks have a sweet, spicy, fruity or cozy option for every taste.
As the leaves turn orange and the air becomes crisp, I find myself reaching for cozy fall drinks more and more. There’s something comforting about autumn-inspired flavors, whether it’s the earthy sweetness of pumpkin, the tart zing of cranberries or the crisp aroma of fresh apples. Add a touch of caramel, fragrant fall spices or a pour of bourbon, and even a simple beverage feels like a seasonal treat.
I love to sip on mugs of spiced cider or hot chocolate around a warm evening fire or slowly savor a strong old-fashioned with a hint of maple after a long day. Many of these recipes come together with a simple stir or shake in a few minutes, so you don’t have to plan in advance. Pair these autumn-inspired drinks with fall appetizers for a relaxed gathering, or mix up a few to kick off Thanksgiving dinner.
These cozy fall beverages are especially delightful with a plate of fall cookies or a slice of tender pumpkin bread, for complementary flavors that feel indulgent and familiar. There are plenty of drinks without alcohol for kid-friendly options, or have a bottle on the side for anyone who wants a spiked glass. Whether it’s a quiet night or a party, these warm fall drinks make the season extra special.
1/40
Mulled Wine
From the Recipe Creator:
This mulled wine is soothing and satisfying with a delightful blend of spices warmed to perfection. Refrigerating the wine mixture overnight allows the flavors to blend, so don't omit this essential step. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
2/40
Pumpkin Milk Shakes
From the Recipe Creator:
My son loved this festive milkshake growing up—it's nicely spiced and tastes like pumpkin pie. I like cutting off both ends of a licorice twist and serving it as a straw.—Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
3/40
Apple Amaretto Sours
From the Recipe Creator:
An amaretto sour has always been one of my favorite cocktails. This version has a special touch that makes it perfect for enjoying throughout the holiday season. —Amber Forbes, Roper, North Carolina
4/40
Pumpkin Spice Latte
From the Recipe Creator:
I can't wait for fall to arrive so my favorite coffee shops will bring back pumpkin lattes. The rest of the year, I have to make my own version. With the right amount of spice, it tastes just like the popular version found at gourmet coffee shops.—Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
5/40
Apple Cider Cocktail
From the Recipe Creator:
Pair fresh apple cider with bourbon and you’ve got a quintessential fall sipper! This bourbon apple cider cocktail is perfect for enjoying around a bonfire or curled up with a good book. It features sweet apple cider, bright lemon juice and warming bourbon. I like to muddle fresh rosemary with the sugar and bitters to balance the sweetness. —Lauren Grant, Minneapolis, Minnesota
6/40
Pumpkin Juice
From the Recipe Creator:
Our family loves Harry Potter. Inspired by the popular series, I decided to come up with a beverage—pumpkin juice! My kids think it’s surprisingly delicious. I love that it’s healthy, easy to make and a refreshing addition to any fall meal. —Geraldine Saucier, Albuquerque, New Mexico
7/40
Mexican Champurrado
From the Recipe Creator:
Champurrado holds a special place in Mexican culture, often enjoyed during festive celebrations like Dia de los Muertos and Las Posadas, on chilly mornings or as an evening treat. The aroma of rich chocolate and the soothing, warm texture of masa harina envelop the senses in every sip. —Ericka Sanchez, La Habra, Alabama
8/40
Hot Buttered Cider Mix
From the Recipe Creator:
Put the butter base for this beverage in a decorative jar and attach a copy of the recipe for a great gift from your kitchen. You can omit the brandy for a kid-friendly version. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
9/40
Cranberry Mimosa
From the Recipe Creator:
Mimosas are just so elegant for Sunday brunch. My recipe uses tart cranberries to balance the sweetness of champagne and orange juice. —Shannon Stephens, Lake in the Hills, Illinois
For another delicious and classy drink, look no further than an espresso martini.
10/40
Butterbeer Recipe
From the Recipe Creator:
Butterbeer is a beverage enjoyed by witches and wizards in the famed Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. Mentioned frequently throughout the series when Harry, Hermione and Ron visit the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade Village or celebrate another Gryffindor Quidditch win, butterbeer is described by J.K. Rowling as a beverage tasting “a little bit like less-sickly butterscotch” and is served either foaming hot in mugs or cold in a glass bottle. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
11/40
Pumpkin Espresso Martini
From the Recipe Creator:
If you love starting your days with a pumpkin-spiced latte, you’ll want to try this autumn-themed nightcap. Pumpkin flavors power through the subtle vodka flavors for a sweet and rich blend. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
12/40
Slow-Cooker Chai Tea
From the Recipe Creator:
A wonderful sweet and spicy aroma wafts from the slow cooker as this fragrant and flavorful chai tea cooks. —Crystal Jo Burns, Iliff, Colorado
13/40
Apple Cider Punch
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve shared this recipe with many friends. It never wears out its welcome and is so easy to make. It’s also delicious warm. —Charles Piatt, Little Rock, Akansas
This Martha Stewart Thanksgiving cocktail is another signature drink with apple cider that tastes delicious.
14/40
Caramel Mocha
From the Recipe Creator:
You can easily indulge in a coffeehouse-quality drink at home anytime. With whipped cream and a butterscotch drizzle, this mocha treat will perk up even the sleepiest person at the table. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
15/40
Maple Old-Fashioned
From the Recipe Creator:
The old-fashioned never goes out of style and lends itself well to endless variations. This version taps into fall by replacing the classic sugar cube or simple syrup with maple syrup. —Susan Bronson, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
16/40
Espresso Martini
From the Recipe Creator:
For a change of pace from mimosas, serve this wake-up cocktail for your next brunch. Coffee lovers will thank you. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
17/40
Banana Bread Latte
From the Recipe Creator:
On the weekends, my husband and I love to make fun, coffeehouse-style drinks. This banana bread latte is a new favorite, with hints of brown sugar, cinnamon and vanilla. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
18/40
Crockpot Apple Cider
From the Recipe Creator:
There's no last-minute rush before the party when you simmer this slow-cooker apple cider. It has all the tantalizing flavors of fall. —Alpha Wilson, Roswell, New Mexico
19/40
Brandy Alexander
From the Recipe Creator:
Brandy Alexander is a heavenly dessert cocktail, perfect for a cozy night in. It's made with brandy, creme de cacao and heavy cream, then topped with freshly grated nutmeg. A garnish of crisp, delicate pirouette cookies takes it over the top! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
20/40
Cranberry Fizz
From the Recipe Creator:
With just five basic ingredients, this wonderfully tangy punch couldn't be much simpler to stir together. —Suzette Jury, Keene, California
21/40
Pumpkin Pie Martinis
From the Recipe Creator:
My friends start requesting this cocktail in the fall and continue to ask for it throughout the holidays. Every delectable sip is like a taste of pumpkin pie! —Cathleen Bushman, Geneva, IL
22/40
Warm Spiced Cider Punch
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a nice warm-up punch. I like to serve it when there is a nip in the air. The aroma of the apple cider, orange juice and spices as the punch simmers in the slow cooker is wonderful. —Susan Smith, Forest, Virginia
23/40
Homemade Cranberry Juice
From the Recipe Creator:
This refreshing and sweet homemade cranberry juice has a mild tartness level. Its jewel red color looks very attractive served in glassware. —Carol Domes, Whitehorse, Yukon
24/40
Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom makes this hot chocolate with pumpkin, spices and white chocolate. We usually drink it on Halloween, but it’s delish at Christmas too. —Sasha King, Westlake Village, California
25/40
Honey Spiced Latte
From the Recipe Creator:
We combine rich molasses, golden honey and a host of spices to create this warm and comforting beverage.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
26/40
Spiced Apricot Cider
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll need just a few ingredients to simmer up this hot spiced beverage. Each delicious mugful is rich with apricot flavor.—Connie Cummings, Gloucester, New Jersey
27/40
Pumpkin Pie Smoothies
From the Recipe Creator:
My pie-flavored smoothie is loaded with fruit. The spices make it all come together. —Karen Sikora, Dayton, Nevada
28/40
Pumpkin Pie Hot Chocolate
From the Recipe Creator:
Pumpkin pie vodka hot chocolate is the ultimate holiday cocktail. Made in a slow cooker and perfect for feeding a crowd, this creamy twist on a classic is a must-make for the holidays! —Becky Hardin, St. Peters, Missouri
29/40
Pumpkin Martini
From the Recipe Creator:
Take your favorite fall beverage and turn it into a cocktail! This pumpkin martini combines the warm, autumn flavors of pumpkin pie spice and canned pumpkin with rich, slightly sweet half-and-half cream and a shot of vodka for a smooth drink. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
30/40
Spiced Hot Apple Cider
From the Recipe Creator:
During cool-weather season, my husband and I take this soul-warming drink outside by the fire pit. Our house smells amazing while the cider is simmering! —Lisa Bynum, Brandon, Mississippi
31/40
Hot Chocolate Bombs
From the Recipe Creator:
These hot chocolate bombs are all the rage! Make them ahead of time as a holiday gift or to have on hand when you have a hot chocolate craving. — Rashanda Cobbins, Aurora, Colorado
32/40
Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cider
From the Recipe Creator:
Spiced with cinnamon sticks, allspice and caramel, this warm-you-up sipper will chase away winter's chill. Serve brimming mugs alongside a platter of festive cookies at your next holiday gathering. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
33/40
Mocha Morning Drink
From the Recipe Creator:
When I'm sipping this delicious coffee, I almost feel as if I'm visiting my favorite coffeehouse. —Jill Rodriguez, Gonzales, Louisiana
34/40
Apple Spiced Tea
From the Recipe Creator:
When was the last time you stopped for afternoon tea? After you try this sweetly spiced drink, you’ll make it a regular event. —Susan Westerfield, Albuquerque, New Mexico
35/40
Caramel Apple Float
From the Recipe Creator:
Who doesn't love the flavors of caramel, apples, and vanilla ice cream together? If I'm feeling fancy, I drizzle caramel syrup around the inside of my glass before adding the apple cider and ginger ale. —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania
36/40
Irish Cream
From the Recipe Creator:
Add some creamy goodness to your cup of joe with a splash or two of this homemade Irish cream. —Marcia Severson, Hallock, Minnesota
37/40
Hot Cranberry Cider
From the Recipe Creator:
Adding colorful appeal to a wintertime meal is a easy—just turn to this tasty cider. The cranberry juice gives it lots of flavor, too. —Anna Mary Beiler, Strasburg, Pennsylvania
38/40
Godfather Cocktail
From the Recipe Creator:
This 1970s cocktail is an offer you can’t refuse with its smoky flavors from quality scotch and sweet and bitter amaretto. —Susan Bronson, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
39/40
Mexican Hot Chocolate
From the Recipe Creator:
This delicious, not-too-sweet Mexican hot chocolate is richly flavored with cocoa and delicately seasoned with spices. The whole-stick cinnamon stirrers come in handy, as the old-fashioned chocolate mixture settles if not stirred before drinking. The blend of cinnamon and chocolate flavors is wonderful! —Kathy Young, Weatherford, Texas
40/40
Apple Tea
From the Recipe Creator:
A sweet and herbal tea brings coziness using natural ingredients straight from an apple. With a hint of spice from star anise and cinnamon, it’s comfort in a cup. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Fall Drinks FAQ
Are there non-alcoholic fall drinks that are still festive?
You can skip the alcohol in most fall drinks and still enjoy bright or cozy seasonal flavors. Try making warm apple cider, pumpkin or chai lattes, butterbeer or an assortment of flavored hot chocolates that feel festive and indulgent. You can also use the best non-alcoholic drinks and spirits to shake or mix an alcohol-free cocktail.
How do I serve fall drinks at a party?
Set up different stations at a party for cold and hot fall drinks so guests can easily serve themselves. Make large bowls of party punches, use a crockpot to keep mulled wine or apple cider warm and mix a batch of your favorite cocktails to pour over ice. Set out fun garnishes and let the guests customize their drinks.
Can I prep fall drinks ahead of time?
You can definitely prep fall drinks ahead of time. Slow-cooker recipes can simmer for hours, allowing the flavors to deepen before guests arrive. You can also make large batches of cocktails, like martinis or a Negroni, and refrigerate them so they are ready to pour. Flavored simple syrups and fresh juices can be made in advance, freeing you up to enjoy the party instead of spending the evening mixing drinks.
