30 Fall Cocktails to Sip Your Way Through Cozy Season
Move over, PSL. It's time for something a little stronger.
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When the weather starts to cool down, there's something so comforting about wrapping yourself up in a blanket with a cozy drink in hand. While a pumpkin spice latte is always a good idea, sometimes the moment calls for something a little stronger. And that's where the best fall cocktail recipes come in! Whether it's pumpkin cocktails that taste the way a hug feels or apple cider cocktails that would be right at home at a Friendsgiving table, this list is full of seasonal flavor.
If you're anything like Ree Drummond, you might even be tempted by something like the seasonal martini recipe she's dubbed the "Spicy Cowgirl." (Yes, it's as fun as it sounds.) Even tailgating menus can include a signature cocktail. Think of big-batch drinks like apple cider sangria, pomegranate margaritas, and bloody Marias (the bloody Mary's tequila-based cousin!) or micheladas made with your favorite hoppy beer.
Looking for a Halloween cocktail to sip on the spookiest night of the year? Try the cranberry mulled wine or the chocolate martini that's as sweet as your favorite Halloween candy. Plenty of these would also work well with your Thanksgiving menu, too. Just be sure to serve them with your favorite fall appetizers to get the celebration started! Whatever fall cocktail you choose to cozy up with by the fire, this list will provide plenty of inspiration all season long.
Apple Cider Margarita
If you're looking for a cocktail that isn't overly sweet and syrupy, try this margarita! It's still full of apple cider flavor with just the right amount of sweetness thanks to the sugared rim.
Get the Apple Cider Margarita recipe.
Spicy Cowgirl Martini
Ree makes a version of this spicy coffee cocktail at The Merc. If you can't take a trip to Pawhuska, try shaking up your own at home. It's like an expresso martini with a kick.
Get Ree's Spicy Cowgirl Martini recipe.
Caramel Apple Martini
The combination of apple cider, butterscotch schnapps, and caramel syrup will make this your new favorite drink. It's like a grown-up twist on the caramel apples of your childhood.
Get the Caramel Apple Martini recipe.
Negroni
This classic drink is often referred to as an "apertivo," or a drink to have before dinner, but you can mix one up any time you please! The slightly bitter flavor and a bright orange color make it perfect for fall.
Get the Negroni recipe.
Bloody Maria
This drink is just like a bloody Mary, but made with tequila instead. A big pitcher of the stuff will be a hit at any day game tailgate party. Garnish it however you'd like!
Get the Bloody Maria recipe.
Wassail
When temperatures begin to drop, make a batch of wassail to warm up. This crowd-friendly punch recipe is full of so many cozy spices, it'll put you in the autumnal spirit immediately.
Get the Wassail recipe.
Pumpkin Pie Martini
If you're a fan of sweet treats, you'll love this martini that tastes just like a pumpkin pie! In fact, some people might even consider it equal parts cocktail and fall dessert.
Get the Pumpkin Pie Martini recipe.
Pumpkin Pie Milkshake
This cozy treat is technically a milkshake, but with a splash of vanilla vodka (or even bourbon), it becomes the ultimate fall dessert cocktail. Whip it up for a grown-up twist on a classic autumn dessert.
Get the Pumpkin Pie Milkshake recipe.
Sidecar Cocktail
Traditionally made with lemon juice, it's easy to give this citrusy cocktail a fall-friendly twist when you swap in apple cider. It's smooth, a little tart, and would be perfect on those cooler nights!
Get the Sidecar Cocktail recipe.
Pumpkin Spice Latte
We all know and love the PSL—but if you're feeling festive, try adding a shot of coffee liqueur or spiced rum. It's a sweet and slightly boozy take on everyone's favorite fall drink!
Get the Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe.
Spiced Apple Cider Pomegranate Moscow Mules
This seasonal spin on a Moscow mule is packed with cozy flavor. The apple cider and pomegranate are perfect together, and the ginger beer gives it just enough zing. A festive garnish is optional but encouraged!
Cosmopolitan Cocktail
Give the classic Cosmo gets a fall upgrade with a splash of cranberry or blood orange juice in place of plain citrus. It'll taste vibrant, refreshing, and fancy—which makes it perfect for any autumn gathering.
Get the Cosmopolitan Cocktail recipe.
Chocolate Martini
Any chocolate fan will adore this indulgent cocktail. Made with Irish cream, chocolate liqueur, and vodka, it backs a punch. Don't forget chocolate syrup for drizzling around the glass.
Get the Chocolate Martini recipe.
Pomegranate Martini
This fruity sipper is so easy to shake up for a happy hour. Since pomegranates are in season during fall, top each martini with a few of the fruit's juicy, sweet seeds.
Get the Pomegranate Martini recipe.
Mulled Apple Cider
Put a pot of this easy mulled cider on the stove for any fall occasion. When your guests arrive, they'll love a steamy mug of the spiced cocktail.
Get Ree's Mulled Apple Cider recipe.
Homemade Irish Cream
Homemade Irish cream is so darn good. It's delicious simply served over ice for a cozy after dinner cocktail, but it's also scrumptious shaken into an espresso martini.
Get Ree's Homemade Irish Cream recipe.
Spiked Arnold Palmer
This cocktail is on the lighter side of the fall drinks, but that just makes it all the most perfect for pairing with comfort foods. Try the big batch at your next tailgate and everyone will be asking for a glass.
Get the Spiked Arnold Palmer recipe.
Michelada
If you're looking for a cocktail that works just as well for football season as it does for taco night, then this michelada is for you! Choose a light beer to mix with the combination of tomato and lime juices, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
Get the Michelada recipe.
Cranberry Mimosa
Just like the changing colors of the leaves outside, this classic cocktail has a change in color thanks to the addition of cranberry juice. A few frozen cranberries and an orange twist to garnish make it the perfect drink of a fall brunch.
Get the Cranberry Mimosa recipe.
Hot Toddy
Lighter and less sweet than your typical mulled cider, this warm cocktail is just the thing to sip on after a heavy fall dinner. Plus, it comes together in just five minutes!
Get the Hot Toddy recipe.
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