As the weather gets cooler and the leaves start changing colors, it's the perfect time to snuggle up inside with a nice warm drink in hand. Fall is all about comfort foods, curling up under blankets, and sipping on cozy beverages. Here are 7 of the best cocktails to help you get into the fall spirit.
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Apple Cider Mulled Wine
Nothing says fall like mulled wine, and this cocktail takes that warm and spicy drink to the next level with the addition of apple cider.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle red wine (cabernet sauvignon or Pinot Noir work well)
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 orange, sliced
- 6 cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1-star anise pod
Instructions
Pour the wine and cider into a large pot over medium heat. Add the orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. Let it come to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat and let it steep for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend. Ladle into mugs and garnish with extra cinnamon sticks or orange slices. Sip by the fire for ultimate coziness.
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Pumpkin Spice Latte Martini
This cocktail puts a boozy spin on the pumpkin spice lattes we all know and love this time of year. Get ready for coziness in a glass.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz Kahlúa or other coffee liqueur
- 1 oz pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee, chilled
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the vodka, Kahlúa, pumpkin puree, and coffee. Shake vigorously until chilled. Strain into a martini glass. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice if desired. Sip and be transported to a cozy cafe.
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Spiced Apple Cider
While plain warm apple cider is wonderful on its own, the addition of fall spices takes it to the next level. Feel free to adjust the spices to your own liking.
Ingredients
- 1 gallon apple cider
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- Orange slices for garnish
Instructions
Pour the cider into a large pot over medium heat. Add the cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Let it warm until steaming but not boiling. Ladle into mugs and garnish with orange slices. Enjoy by an open fire or curled up under blankets.
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Mulled Wine Sangria
This festive punch combines mulled wine with fresh and dried fruits for a seasonal twist on traditional sangria.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle red wine
- 1/2 cup brandy or rum
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 apple, cored and sliced
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 cloves
- 1 cup sparkling cider or club soda
Instructions
In a large pitcher, combine the wine, brandy, orange slices, apple slices, raisins, cinnamon stick and cloves. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to blend. When ready to serve, add sparkling cider and ice. Pour into cups and enjoy!
Read more: Halloween Treats: Spooky Recipes and Where to Buy Ingredients
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Mexican Hot Chocolate Martini
Warm up with this boozy twist on a beloved winter drink. The cinnamon and chili spices give it autumn flair.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz chocolate liqueur
- 1 oz coffee liqueur
- 1 oz vanilla vodka
- 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
- Cinnamon and red pepper flakes for rimming glasses
Instructions
Rim a cocktail glass with cinnamon and red pepper flakes. Shake the liqueurs and vodka with ice in a cocktail shaker. Strain into the prepared glass and float brewed coffee on top. Sip and feel the cozy warmth spread throughout your body.
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Maple Bourbon Smash
This homemade bourbon cocktail lets the flavors of autumn shine with maple syrup, orange, and mint.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1/2 oz maple syrup
- 5-6 mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
- 3 slices orange, plus extra for garnish
- Club soda
Instructions
Muddle the mint leaves and orange slices in a cocktail shaker. Add bourbon and maple syrup and fill with ice. Shake vigorously until chilled. Strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice. Top with a splash of club soda and garnish with mint and orange slices. Cozy perfection.
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Brown Butter Bourbon
This unique cocktail combines bourbon with browned butter and brown sugar for comforting flavors that are wonderfully autumnal.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz bourbon
- 1/2 oz brown butter simple syrup (see below)
- 3-4 brown sugar cubes
Brown Butter Simple Syrup
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
For the simple syrup, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter begins to brown and smell nutty, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in the brown sugar and water until dissolved. Let cool completely.
To make the cocktail, add the brown sugar cubes to the bottom of a rocks glass. Top with bourbon and brown butter simple syrup. Lightly muddle the sugar until dissolved. Fill the glass with fresh ice and stir briefly. Sip the cozy drink and feel yourself transported to fall.
Where to buy ingredients for recipes online
- Amazon - Amazon has just about anything you need for cooking and baking. They carry a wide variety of fresh, dry, canned, and refrigerated ingredients.
- Walmart - In addition to its large brick-and-mortar stores, Walmart has an extensive online grocery section. Shipping is often free on orders over $35, or you can save more with Walmart coupons/ deals.
- Kroger - Kroger is one of the largest grocery chains in the US. They offer delivery and pickup options from their website.
- Thrive Market - Specializes in organic, non-GMO, and natural products at wholesale prices. Wide assortment of pantry staples.
- Vitacost - Large selection of health foods, supplements, gluten-free, and specialty diet items.
- Netrition - Specializes in supplements but also has health ingredients like nut butter, seeds, and snacks.
- World Market - Imports ingredients from around the world like spices, teas, snacks, and cooking essentials.
- Penzeys Spices - Enormous selection of high-quality spices, herbs, seasonings, and flavorings.
- Bob's Red Mill - Organic flour, grains, baking mixes, nut flour, and gluten-free ingredients.
- Shop Natural Market - Organic and vegan ingredients, gluten-free, Paleo-approved products.
- Catalina Crunch - Gluten-free baking mixes, flours, crunchy toppings.
- Mountain Rose Herbs - Bulk herbs, spices, teas, seasonings and natural ingredients.
With these 7 warm and comforting cocktails, you'll be all set to enjoy the wonderful flavors and atmosphere of fall. Curl up inside, crack open a good book, and sip your way through cooler evenings. Cheers to a cozy season!