The weather is getting cooler, the leaves are turning red, and Pumpkin Spice Lattes are making their seasonal return. It’s safe to say that fall is officially well underway, and that calls for a celebration. Host your friends for a dinner and make some surprisingly easy fall cocktails to ring in the season of the best things to exist—Uggs and Halloween.
While I do love fall, I don’t love the freezing-cold rain that comes with it. The same is true for the pitch-black darkness brought on by Daylight Savings time. Chances are, I’m more than likely not going out to the bar on a cold, gloomy night. (And if you are brave enough to rally through the darkness, I really do commend you.) I’d much rather stay at home and watch a movie, bundled up with my weighted blanket, (because duh). That being said, there’s still a way to enjoy a nice drink or two—with alcohol or without—in the comfort of your own home. You’ll just have to be your own bartender.
Whether you’re in your mixology era or not, making themed cocktails is a great way to celebrate the coziest season of the year. From Cinnamon Apple Margs and Apple Cider Mules to Pecan Pie Martinis and Red Wine Hot Chocolate, this list has a wide range of cocktails that are perfect for any occasion, including entertaining guests or enjoying solo. Regardless of whichever drink you decide on, they’re relatively easy to make, with little to no prep time. The majority of these cocktails also call for five ingredients or less, so you won’t need to worry about buying a ton of items you won’t ever use again. Most importantly, every cocktail is absolutely delicious, so cheers to that.
Make a drink, turn on When Harry Met Sally, and have a spectacularly cozy night in. You won’t regret it.
This recipe from LALO puts a cozy twist on a classic margarita. To make it, you’ll need tequila, apple cider, lime juice, agave, and cinnamon. Finish with a cinnamon-sugar-salt rim, and you’ll have just made the best autumnal drink.
Get the recipe here.
This recipe from How Sweet Eats is perfect to make in big batches. You’ll just need a bottle of Pinot Grigio, apple cider, club soda, and ginger brandy, as well as chopped apples and pears. It’s got hundreds of five-star reviews, with people raving about how good it is in the comments.
Get the recipe here.
Feel like eating a pumpkin pie but don’t want to go through the trouble of baking one? This recipe from No Spoon Necessary is your solution. Just like a real pie, you’ll need pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and maple syrup. To turn it into a cocktail, add vodka, rum, and heavy cream. You’ll end up with the creamiest dessert-like beverage you won’t be able to stop drinking.
Get the recipe here.
Fans of s’mores will be obsessed with this recipe from The Cookie Rookie. With a base of marshmallow vodka, chocolate liqueur, and heavy cream, you already know this drink is absolutely divine. And of course, for the rim, use chocolate syrup and crushed graham crackers, with a toasted marshmallow for garnish.
Get the recipe here.
Espresso Martinis walked so Chai Espresso Martinis could run. Truly. This recipe from Half Baked Harvest is a true blessing to us Dirty Chai drinkers, because it’s essentially just that in cocktail form. The ingredients list is a bit longer on this one, but completely worthy of the extra effort. Plus, they’re still super easy to make. You’ll need chai, vanilla extract, honey, vodka, Kahlua, espresso, canned coconut milk, nutmeg, and star anise.
Get the recipe here.
Hot chocolate lovers, this one is for you. This recipe from Josh Cellars is super easy to make and adds a fun twist to the classic drink. To make it, you’ll need Cabernet Sauvignon, semisweet chocolate chips, milk, vanilla extract, as well as marshmallows for garnish.
Get the recipe here.
This four-ingredient recipe from Josh Cellars is the best drink to make if you want to impress your friends. Cabernet Sauvignon, Bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup come together in the most beautifully, fall-hued cocktail, making this perfect to put in your drink rotations.
Get the recipe here.
If you’re a devout fan of the Espresso Martini but have never tried a Carajillo, I urge you try one ASAP. This recipe from LALO features the same ingredients as a classic Carajillo—espresso and Licor 43—with the addition of tequila, pumpkin puree, and mole bitters. (BRB, running to make this immediately.)
Get the recipe here.
You already know how delicious classic Moscow Mules are. Now, imagine them with a hint of apple cider. That’s essentially what this recipe from A Couple Cooks does, and thank goodness for that. Just make sure you have some vodka, apple cider, lime juice, and ginger beer, and you’ll be set.
Get the recipe here.
Who said drinking a spritz was strictly for the summertime? Not us, that’s for sure. This recipe from How Sweet Eats is like a fall-inspired Aperol Spritz. It combines apple cider, Aperol, prosecco, soda water, and cinnamon to make a refreshing, autumnal drink.
Get the recipe here.
Last but certainly not least, we have this recipe from Berly’s Kitchen. Those who love sweet, nutty flavors will love this cocktail, as it consists of pecan-flavored vodka, vanilla-flavored vodka, Bailey’s, and heavy cream. The garnish is a simple combo of pecans, maple syrup, and brown sugar, which I know would satisfy any sweet tooth.
Get the recipe here.
