As the leaves begin to fall and the crisp autumn air sets in, there’s nothing quite like gathering around the fire with a warm, spiced cocktail in hand. The flavors of the season – cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves – are the perfect accompaniment to the cozy atmosphere of the fall months. In this article, we’ll be exploring 18 delicious fall cocktail recipes that will keep you warm and fuzzy all the way through November.
From classic apple cider bourbon smash to more unique creations like maple old fashioned with cinnamon, these recipes combine the best of autumn’s flavors with a dash of creativity. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving gathering or just want to cozy up by the fire on a chilly fall evening, there’s something on this list for everyone.
Spiced Apple Cider Bourbon Smash
Combine the warmth of bourbon with the spices of apple cider and a hint of citrus for a perfect fall cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz bourbon whiskey
– 4 oz apple cider
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Ice
– Lime wheel and cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the bourbon, apple cider, lime juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel and a cinnamon stick.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Pumpkin Spice White Russian
Elevate your cocktail game with this seasonal take on the White Russian, featuring pumpkin spice and a hint of fall flavors. Perfect for crisp autumn evenings or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 1/2 oz coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
– 1/2 oz heavy cream
– 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
– Ice
– Whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, coffee liqueur, and heavy cream.
3. Sprinkle pumpkin pie spice over the mixture.
4. Shake well for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain into a chilled glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with whipped cream and additional pumpkin pie spice, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! Just mix and serve.
Maple Old Fashioned with Cinnamon
Elevate your old fashioned game with the warm, comforting flavors of maple and cinnamon. This unique cocktail is perfect for fall and winter gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon or whiskey
– 1/2 oz maple syrup
– 1/2 oz Angostura bitters
– 1/4 oz cinnamon-infused simple syrup (see note)
– Orange peel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters.
2. Add ice and stir for about 30 seconds to chill and dilute the mixture.
3. Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with one large ice cube.
4. Drizzle cinnamon-infused simple syrup along the side of the glass.
5. Express a strip of orange peel over the drink and use as garnish.
Note: To make cinnamon-infused simple syrup, combine 1 cup water with 1 cup granulated sugar and 2 cinnamon sticks in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain and let cool before using.
Cranberry Sage Gin Fizz
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing Cranberry Sage Gin Fizz, perfect for the holiday season. This fruity and herbaceous drink combines the tartness of cranberries with the subtle sweetness of sage.
Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 oz gin
• 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water, dissolved)
• 2 cups cranberry juice
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2-3 sage leaves, for garnish
• Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, lime juice, simple syrup, and cranberry juice to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
5. Top with heavy cream and stir gently.
6. Garnish with fresh sage leaves.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just 5 minutes.
Brown Butter Bourbon Hot Toddy
As the seasons change and the weather cools down, a warm and comforting hot toddy is just what you need to relax. This recipe combines the rich flavors of brown butter and bourbon with soothing honey and lemon to create the perfect drink for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
– 1/2 cup hot water
– Lemon slice and cinnamon stick for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Continue cooking until the butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma.
3. Remove from heat and stir in bourbon whiskey, honey, ginger, and lemon juice.
4. Add hot water to the mixture and stir until well combined.
5. Pour into mugs and garnish with a lemon slice and cinnamon stick, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Caramel Apple Martini
Experience the sweet and tangy combination of caramel and apples in this delightful martini recipe. Perfect for fall gatherings or as a unique cocktail to impress your friends.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz vodka
– 1 oz apple cider liqueur
– 1/2 oz caramel syrup
– 1/2 oz lemon juice
– 1/2 oz heavy cream
– Sliced apples and caramel sauce for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, apple cider liqueur, caramel syrup, and lemon juice.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Top with heavy cream and garnish with sliced apples and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Cooking Time: None
Smoked Pear Moscow Mule
Elevate the classic Moscow Mule cocktail with the sweet and smoky flavors of pears.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Vodka
– 4 oz Ginger Beer
– Juice of 1 lime
– 1/2 cup smoked pear puree (see note)
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Sprig of rosemary or mint, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
2. Add vodka and ginger beer.
3. Squeeze in lime juice and add smoked pear puree.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel and a sprig of rosemary or mint.
Note: To make smoked pear puree, smoke 1 ripe pear over low heat for 30 minutes, then blend with a little sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
Cooking Time: None required! Just mix and serve.
Toasted Marshmallow Irish Coffee
Elevate your coffee game with this decadent treat that combines the warmth of toasted marshmallows with the richness of Irish whiskey. Perfect for a cozy evening or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 shot of strong brewed coffee
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1/2 cup heavy cream, whipped until stiff peaks form
– 1-2 tablespoons toasted marshmallow fluff (see note)
– 1 1/2 ounces Irish whiskey (such as Jameson or Tullamore DEW)
– Whipped cream and additional toasted marshmallows for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Brew a shot of strong coffee and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and whipped cream until well combined.
3. Pour the coffee into a warmed glass, followed by the whipped cream mixture.
4. Top with 1-2 tablespoons of toasted marshmallow fluff.
5. Add Irish whiskey and stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with additional whipped cream and toasted marshmallows, if desired.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cold beverage.
Enjoy your Toasted Marshmallow Irish Coffee!
Fig and Thyme Prosecco Cocktail
Elevate your cocktail game with this sweet and savory fusion of flavors. This Fig and Thyme Prosecco Cocktail is a refreshing twist on the classic bubbly drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups Prosecco
– 1/4 cup fig jam
– 1 tablespoon honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– 10 sprigs of fresh thyme
– Slice of orange, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher or jug, combine Prosecco and fig jam. Stir until the jam is fully incorporated.
2. Add honey syrup and stir to combine.
3. Muddle in 5-6 sprigs of fresh thyme leaves with a spoon or muddler.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Just before serving, stir gently and garnish with a slice of orange.
Cooking Time: None
Servings: 6-8 cocktails
Chai Tea Hot Buttered Rum
This Chai Tea Hot Buttered Rum is a unique twist on the classic, combining the spices of chai tea with the rich flavors of buttered rum. Perfect for a chilly evening or as a special treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 shot of dark rum
– 1 cup strong brewed chai tea
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom. Whisk until smooth.
3. Pour in the chai tea and bring to a simmer.
4. Add the dark rum and stir gently.
5. Remove from heat and let steep for 5 minutes.
6. Strain into mugs and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pomegranate Ginger Whiskey Sour
This refreshing cocktail combines the tartness of pomegranate juice with the warmth of ginger and whiskey, perfect for a crisp evening or a special occasion. The addition of egg white adds a silky texture and richness to this classic whiskey sour recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz pomegranate juice
– 1/4 oz ginger liqueur (such as Domaine de Canton)
– 1 egg white
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add whiskey, lime juice, pomegranate juice, and ginger liqueur.
3. Add the egg white and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to emulsify.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None! Simply mix and serve.
Roasted Butternut Squash Margarita
Elevate your cocktail game with the sweet and savory flavors of roasted butternut squash, lime juice, and tequila.
Ingredients:
– 1 large butternut squash (about 2 lbs)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup salt
– 1/2 cup tequila
– 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
– 1/4 cup triple sec
– Ice
– Lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
3. In a bowl, mix together sugar and salt. Divide the mixture evenly between the two squash halves, rubbing it into the flesh.
4. Roast the squash for 45 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.
5. Scoop the roasted squash flesh into a blender with tequila, lime juice, and triple sec. Blend until smooth.
6. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Roasted Butternut Squash Margarita mixture over the ice.
7. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes (roasting time), plus blending and serving
Cinnamon Roll Espresso Martini
A twist on the classic espresso martini, this sweet treat combines the warmth of cinnamon with the richness of espresso and creamy vanilla vodka. Perfect for a cozy night in or a festive cocktail party.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces vanilla-flavored vodka
– 1/2 ounce Kahlúa
– 1/2 ounce espresso liqueur
– 1/2 ounce heavy cream
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Ice
– Whipped cream and cinnamon sticks for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the vodka, Kahlúa, espresso liqueur, and heavy cream to the shaker.
3. Sprinkle the cinnamon over the ingredients and shake until well combined.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (just shake and serve!)
Blackberry Sage Bourbon Smash
This refreshing summer cocktail combines the sweetness of blackberries with the earthiness of sage and a hint of bourbon, perfect for sipping on a warm evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh blackberries
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 2 sprigs of fresh sage
– 2 oz bourbon whiskey
– 2 oz lemon-lime soda
– Ice
– Lemon slice or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, muddle the blackberries with simple syrup until the berries are crushed and the mixture is well combined.
2. Add the sage sprigs to the pitcher and muddle gently to release their oils and flavor.
3. Add the bourbon whiskey and stir to combine.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Just before serving, add the lemon-lime soda and stir gently.
6. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Blackberry Sage Bourbon Smash over the ice.
7. Garnish with a lemon slice or wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just 30 minutes.
Spiced Cranberry Sangria
This Spiced Cranberry Sangria recipe adds a warm and inviting twist to the traditional fruit-infused drink. The combination of cranberries, citrus, and spices creates a perfect blend for the holiday season.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
– 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 orange, sliced
– 1 lemon, sliced
– 2 cinnamon sticks
– 6 whole cloves
– 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup of triple sec or other orange-flavored liqueur (optional)
– Soda water, for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, cranberries, orange and lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.
2. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Just before serving, stir in the sugar until dissolved.
4. Add the triple sec, if using, and stir gently.
5. Serve the sangria chilled, topped with soda water.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Honey Lavender Hot Toddy
As the seasons change, there’s nothing like a comforting hot toddy to ease into the warmth of the moment. This sweet and soothing drink combines the floral charm of lavender with the smoothness of honey, making it perfect for a chilly evening or a quiet morning.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup strong brewed black tea
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1/4 teaspoon dried lavender buds
– 1 lemon slice (optional)
– Whipped cream and/or fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Brew the black tea according to package instructions.
2. In a small saucepan, warm the honey over low heat until it’s smooth and runny.
3. Add the dried lavender buds to the honey and stir gently to combine.
4. Pour the brewed tea into a mug.
5. Add 1 tablespoon of the honey-lavender mixture to the tea and stir well.
6. Squeeze in a lemon slice, if desired, for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
7. Garnish with whipped cream and/or fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Pumpkin Pie Martini with Graham Cracker Rim
Get ready to cozy up with this autumn-inspired martini, featuring the flavors of pumpkin pie and a crunchy graham cracker rim.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz vodka (pumpkin-flavored or regular)
– 1 oz heavy cream
– 1/2 oz pumpkin puree
– 1/2 oz maple syrup
– 1/4 oz vanilla extract
– Pinch of cinnamon
– Graham cracker crumbs, for rimming glass
Instructions:
1. Rim a martini glass with graham cracker crumbs by dipping the rim into water and then into the crumbs.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, heavy cream, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
3. Shake until chilled and strain into the prepared martini glass.
4. Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (shaking time)
Apple Cider Mimosa with Rosemary
Apple Cider Mimosa with Rosemary Recipe
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Elevate your brunch game with this unique twist on the classic mimosa. This refreshing drink combines the sweetness of apple cider with the earthy flavor of rosemary, perfect for fall gatherings.
Ingredients:
————
– 1 cup apple cider
– 1/2 cup champagne or sparkling wine
– 1 tablespoon freshly chopped rosemary leaves
– 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
————-
1. In a large pitcher, combine the apple cider and sugar (if using). Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add the chopped rosemary leaves to the pitcher and let it infuse for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Strain the mixture before serving to remove the rosemary leaves.
3. Chill the champagne or sparkling wine in the refrigerator.
4. To serve, pour 1/2 cup of the apple cider mixture into a glass filled with ice. Top with 1/2 cup of chilled champagne. Stir gently.
Cooking Time:
————
– Infusion time: 30 minutes
– Preparation time: 5 minutes
– Total time: 35 minutes
Summary
As the leaves change and the weather cools, warm up your cocktail game with these 18 cozy fall recipes. From Spiced Apple Cider Bourbon Smash to Pumpkin Pie Martini with Graham Cracker Rim, these autumnal cocktails feature irresistible spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet and indulgent or tangy and refreshing, there’s a recipe here that’s sure to hit the spot. So grab your favorite fall ingredients and get mixing up some seasonal cheer!