12 Fall Drinks with Alcohol for Seasonal Cheers

As autumn arrives and the air grows crisp, it’s the ideal time to explore some inventive fall cocktails. Picture yourself savoring a warm spiked apple cider or a smooth bourbon-infused pumpkin concoction. These seasonal drinks, featuring comforting spices and rich flavors, are perfect for cozy gatherings or a quiet evening by the fire.

Infuse your fall celebrations with a touch of creativity by mixing in ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg, and caramel with your favorite spirits. This season, let your drink menu reflect the warmth and charm of autumn in every sip.

1. Spiked Apple Cider

The Spiked Apple Cider is the ultimate cozy drink to warm up your autumn evenings. This delightful blend of apple cider, warm spices, and a splash of your favorite spirit is the perfect way to enjoy a crisp fall night. Whether you’re gathered around a bonfire or curled up with a good book, this cider is a must-have for the season. The aroma of cinnamon and cloves mingling with the sweetness of apples will instantly transport you to an orchard in peak harvest.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups apple cider
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 whole cloves
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1/4 cup bourbon or rum
• Optional: cinnamon sticks or apple slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange slices.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the bourbon or rum.
5. Strain into mugs and garnish with a cinnamon stick or apple slice, if desired.

Serve With: Pair this drink with a slice of warm apple pie or a spiced ginger cookie.

Drink With: A spiked apple cider pairs wonderfully with a smooth bourbon or a crisp sparkling apple cider for a non-alcoholic option.

2. Pumpkin Spice Martini

The Pumpkin Spice Martini is a festive cocktail that screams autumn in every sip. This creamy, spiced delight brings together the flavors of pumpkin, vanilla, and warm spices in a martini that feels like a dessert in a glass. Perfect for a Halloween party or Thanksgiving dinner, it’s the kind of drink that makes any occasion feel a little more special.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vanilla vodka
• 1 oz pumpkin spice liqueur
• 1 oz half and half
• 1 oz pumpkin puree
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the vanilla vodka, pumpkin spice liqueur, half and half, and pumpkin puree.
2. Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously until well chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
4. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a cinnamon stick.

Serve With: Enjoy this martini with a slice of pumpkin cheesecake or a handful of spiced nuts.

Drink With: A Pumpkin Spice Martini pairs nicely with a glass of chilled water or a simple sparkling water to balance the richness of the drink.

3. Hot Toddy

The Hot Toddy is a classic cold-weather cocktail that’s been soothing souls for generations. With its warm blend of whiskey, honey, lemon, and spices, this drink is like a hug in a mug. It’s the go-to remedy for a sore throat, a chilly night, or just when you need a little comfort. The combination of flavors will not only warm you up but also lift your spirits.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz whiskey
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 cup boiling water
• Optional: cinnamon stick or lemon slice for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a mug, combine the whiskey, honey, and lemon juice.
2. Pour in the boiling water and stir until the honey is dissolved.
3. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or a lemon slice, if desired.

Serve With: A slice of lemon pound cake or shortbread cookies complements a Hot Toddy beautifully.

Drink With: A glass of room-temperature water is a nice accompaniment to balance the warmth of the toddy.

4. Maple Bourbon Smash

The Maple Bourbon Smash is the perfect blend of sweet and smoky, offering a taste of fall in every sip. This cocktail combines rich maple syrup with smooth bourbon and a splash of citrus, making it an ideal drink for a cozy night in or a casual gathering with friends. The hint of orange brightens up the deep flavors, making it both comforting and refreshing.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1 orange slice
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, muddle the orange slice with the maple syrup and lemon juice.
2. Add the bourbon and a handful of ice cubes.
3. Shake well until chilled.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.

Serve With: This cocktail pairs well with glazed bacon strips or a slice of pecan pie.

Drink With: A glass of sparkling water with a twist of lemon is perfect to enjoy alongside the Maple Bourbon Smash.

5. Mulled Wine

Mulled Wine is the quintessential holiday drink, bringing warmth and cheer to any gathering. This fragrant concoction of red wine, spices, and citrus is simmered to perfection, making it a festive favorite during the colder months. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just looking to unwind after a long day, this spiced wine will instantly put you in the holiday spirit.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle red wine
• 1 orange, sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 whole cloves
• 3 star anise
• 1/4 cup honey or sugar
• 1/4 cup brandy (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, combine the red wine, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise.
2. Heat over medium-low heat, but do not let it boil.
3. Stir in the honey or sugar until dissolved.
4. Simmer gently for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Stir in the brandy, if using.
6. Strain and serve warm.

Serve With: Pair this with spiced nuts or a platter of assorted cheeses and charcuterie.

Drink With: Serve Mulled Wine with a glass of cold water or a light, sparkling water to cleanse the palate.

6. Caramel Apple Moscow Mule

The Caramel Apple Moscow Mule is a delightful twist on the classic cocktail, adding a touch of fall to this popular drink. With the crispness of apple cider, the warmth of caramel vodka, and the zing of ginger beer, this mule is a refreshing yet indulgent treat. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and spicy, making it a great choice for sipping during a fall gathering or a cozy night by the fire.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz caramel vodka
• 1/2 cup apple cider
• 1/4 cup ginger beer
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. In a copper mug, combine the caramel vodka, apple cider, and lime juice.
2. Fill the mug with ice cubes.
3. Top off with ginger beer and stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with an apple slice or a cinnamon stick, if desired.

Serve With: A slice of caramel apple pie or a handful of caramel popcorn complements this drink perfectly.

Drink With: This cocktail pairs well with a glass of water or a light cider for a refreshing contrast.

7. Spiced Rum Punch

Spiced Rum Punch is a tropical-inspired cocktail that brings warmth and a hint of the exotic to your glass. This punch is a delightful mix of spiced rum, citrus, and a touch of sweetness, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or any cozy evening. With a beautiful balance of flavors, this drink feels like a mini vacation, no matter the season.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup spiced rum
• 2 cups pineapple juice
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup lime juice
• 1/4 cup grenadine
• Ice cubes
• Optional: slices of lime, orange, or pineapple for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large punch bowl, combine spiced rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, lime juice, and grenadine.
2. Stir well to mix all the ingredients together.
3. Add ice cubes to chill the punch.
4. Garnish with slices of lime, orange, or pineapple for a festive touch.
5. Serve in punch glasses and enjoy!

Serve With: Pair this punch with tropical appetizers like coconut shrimp or jerk chicken skewers.

Drink With: A crisp sparkling water or a light beer complements the rich flavors of the punch.

8. Irish Coffee

Irish Coffee is a warm and comforting drink that blends the rich flavors of coffee, Irish whiskey, and a touch of sweetness. Topped with a layer of lightly whipped cream, this drink is the perfect ending to a meal or a cozy pick-me-up on a cold day. It’s simple, classic, and irresistibly smooth.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup hot brewed coffee
• 1 1/2 oz Irish whiskey
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• Lightly whipped cream
• Optional: sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Brew a strong cup of coffee and pour it into a warmed coffee mug.
2. Stir in the brown sugar until dissolved.
3. Add the Irish whiskey and stir again.
4. Gently float lightly whipped cream on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon.
5. Optionally, sprinkle with a little nutmeg or cinnamon for an extra touch.

Serve With: Enjoy with a piece of dark chocolate or a buttery shortbread cookie.

Drink With: A glass of water or a light beer is a good complement to the strong flavors of the Irish coffee.

9. Apple Cider Sangria

Apple Cider Sangria is the perfect fall twist on a classic sangria. This refreshing drink combines crisp apple cider, white wine, and a medley of fresh fruits for a delightful punch that’s as festive as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or just enjoying a quiet evening, this sangria brings a bit of autumnal magic to your glass.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle white wine (such as Pinot Grigio)
• 2 cups apple cider
• 1/2 cup brandy
• 1 apple, thinly sliced
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 1 cinnamon stick

Instructions:

1. In a large pitcher, combine the white wine, apple cider, and brandy.
2. Add the sliced apple, orange, and cinnamon stick.
3. Stir well and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together.
4. Serve chilled, garnishing with a fresh slice of apple or orange if desired.

Serve With: Pair this sangria with a cheese board featuring sharp cheddar and spiced nuts.

Drink With: A glass of sparkling water or a light cider complements the fruity flavors of the sangria.

10. Bourbon Hot Chocolate

Bourbon Hot Chocolate is a decadent treat that combines rich, creamy hot chocolate with the warmth of bourbon. This drink is pure comfort in a cup, perfect for cold winter nights or any time you need a little indulgence. The deep, smooth flavors of bourbon meld beautifully with the chocolate, making each sip a luxurious experience.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• Whipped cream or marshmallows for topping

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until warm, but not boiling.
2. Whisk in the cocoa powder and sugar until fully dissolved.
3. Stir in the dark chocolate chips, continuing to stir until melted and smooth.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the bourbon.
5. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream or marshmallows.

Serve With: Enjoy this rich drink with a slice of chocolate cake or a few chocolate-dipped strawberries.

Drink With: A glass of cold water or a light beer will help balance the richness of the hot chocolate.

11. Cinnamon Old Fashioned

Cinnamon Old Fashioned is a spiced-up version of the classic cocktail that brings a warm, cozy twist to your glass. With the addition of cinnamon syrup, this drink becomes a perfect companion for a chilly evening, offering a balance of sweet, spicy, and strong flavors. It’s a sophisticated yet comforting cocktail that feels just right for fall and winter.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1/4 oz cinnamon syrup
• 2 dashes bitters
• Orange peel
• Cinnamon stick for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a rocks glass, combine the bourbon, cinnamon syrup, and bitters.
2. Add a large ice cube and stir to combine.
3. Express the oil from the orange peel over the glass by twisting it, then drop it into the drink.
4. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Serve With: Pair this cocktail with spiced nuts or a slice of pecan pie.

Drink With: A glass of water or a ginger ale pairs well with the spiced notes of the Cinnamon Old Fashioned.

12. Pecan Pie Martini

Pecan Pie Martini is a sweet, nutty cocktail that perfectly captures the essence of the classic dessert in a glass. This martini is a rich and indulgent treat, blending flavors of pecan, vanilla, and a hint of caramel. It’s the perfect drink to serve after dinner or at a holiday party, offering a luxurious twist on traditional dessert cocktails.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz pecan-flavored vodka
• 1 oz vanilla liqueur
• 1 oz half and half
• 1/2 oz caramel syrup
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine pecan-flavored vodka, vanilla liqueur, half and half, and caramel syrup.
2. Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously until well chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
4. Optionally, rim the glass with crushed pecans or drizzle with a little extra caramel syrup.

Serve With: Enjoy this martini with a slice of pecan pie or a handful of caramel popcorn.

Drink With: A glass of cold water or a sparkling wine will complement the sweetness of the martini.

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