Fall is here, and you know what that means: crisp air, crunchy leaves, and the overwhelming urge to wrap yourself in a blanket with a warm drink in hand. Whether you’re craving a pumpkin spice latte vibe or something with a little kick to spice up your bonfire nights, I’ve got you covered with 12 cozy fall drink recipes—half with alcohol, half without. These are easy, approachable, and so delicious you’ll want to sip them all season long. Ready to make your kitchen smell like autumn heaven? Let’s get to it! 😊
1. Pumpkin Spice Latte (Non-Alcoholic)
Why It’s Awesome: Skip the coffee shop line and whip up this creamy, spiced classic at home in 10 minutes. It’s cheaper, tastier, and you can customize the sweetness to your heart’s content.
Ingredients
- Pumpkin puree: 2 tbsp (canned works great)
- Milk: 1 cup (whole or oat milk for extra creaminess)
- Espresso or strong coffee: ½ cup
- Maple syrup: 1–2 tbsp (adjust to taste)
- Pumpkin pie spice: ½ tsp
- Vanilla extract: ½ tsp
- Whipped cream (optional, but who are we kidding?)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Whisk in milk and vanilla extract. Keep stirring until it’s hot but not boiling—about 3 minutes.
- Pour in espresso, mix well, and strain into a mug if you want it extra smooth.
- Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. Sip and feel like a fall goddess.
Why You’ll Love It
This latte is like a hug from autumn itself—warm, spiced, and just sweet enough. I once tried using honey instead of maple syrup, and it was fine, but maple gives it that cozy, woodsy vibe. Perfect for mornings when you need a little extra magic.
2. Spiked Apple Cider Toddy (Alcoholic)
Why It’s Awesome: This boozy twist on apple cider is like wrapping yourself in a flannel shirt—comforting with a little edge. Perfect for chilly evenings by the fire.
Ingredients
- Apple cider: 1 cup
- Bourbon: 1.5 oz (whiskey works too)
- Honey: 1 tbsp
- Cinnamon stick: 1
- Lemon juice: 1 tsp
- Apple slice for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat apple cider and cinnamon stick in a saucepan until steaming—about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat, stir in honey and lemon juice, then add bourbon.
- Pour into a mug, garnish with an apple slice, and serve warm.
Why You’ll Love It
The bourbon adds a smoky depth that makes this feel like a grown-up apple pie. I tried it with rum once, and it was good, but bourbon’s the way to go for that true fall vibe. Sip slowly—this one’s potent!
3. Chai Tea Latte (Non-Alcoholic)
Why It’s Awesome: This spiced, creamy latte is like a warm blanket in drink form. It’s cheaper than Starbucks and way more satisfying.
Ingredients
- Chai tea bag: 1 (or 1 tbsp loose-leaf chai)
- Hot water: ½ cup
- Milk: ½ cup (almond milk’s my fave here)
- Brown sugar: 1–2 tsp
- Cinnamon: Pinch for dusting
- Cardamom: Pinch (optional, but trust me)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Steep chai tea bag in hot water for 5 minutes. Squeeze and remove the bag.
- Heat milk and brown sugar in a saucepan until frothy—about 3 minutes.
- Combine tea and milk mixture in a mug. Sprinkle with cinnamon and cardamom.
- Stir, sip, and thank me later.
Why You’ll Love It
This drink is pure comfort, with just the right amount of spice. I once skipped the cardamom, and it was like forgetting the frosting on a cupcake—don’t do it. Perfect for curling up with a book.
4. Mulled Wine (Alcoholic)
Why It’s Awesome: Nothing screams “fall gathering” like a pot of mulled wine simmering on the stove. It’s stupidly easy and smells like Christmas came early.
Ingredients
- Red wine: 1 bottle (cheap is fine, go for a dry one)
- Orange: 1, sliced
- Honey: ¼ cup
- Cinnamon sticks: 2
- Cloves: 4–5
- Star anise: 1 (optional, but fancy)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine wine, orange slices, honey, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise in a large pot.
- Heat over low for 20 minutes—don’t let it boil, or you’ll cook off the alcohol (tragedy!).
- Strain into mugs and serve warm.
Why You’ll Love It
This is the ultimate crowd-pleaser—rich, spiced, and just boozy enough. I tried it with white wine once, and it was… weird. Stick with red for that cozy, fireside feel.
5. Maple Hot Chocolate (Non-Alcoholic)
Why It’s Awesome: This isn’t your average hot cocoa—it’s got a maple twist that makes it feel like a fall festival in a mug. Ready in 5 minutes flat.
Ingredients
- Milk: 1 cup (whole or plant-based)
- Cocoa powder: 1 tbsp
- Maple syrup: 1–2 tbsp
- Dark chocolate: 1 oz, chopped
- Vanilla extract: ¼ tsp
- Whipped cream (because duh)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat milk in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming.
- Whisk in cocoa powder, maple syrup, and dark chocolate until smooth—about 2 minutes.
- Stir in vanilla extract, pour into a mug, and top with whipped cream.
- Sip and pretend you’re in a Hallmark movie.
Why You’ll Love It
The maple syrup makes this hot chocolate feel like a fancy dessert without the effort. I tried using milk chocolate once, but dark chocolate’s richer vibe is the winner. Perfect for kids or adults who want to feel like kids.
6. Spiked Chai Rum Latte (Alcoholic)
Why It’s Awesome: This boozy chai latte is like a warm hug with a sneaky kick. It’s your new go-to for fall date nights.
Ingredients
- Chai tea bag: 1
- Hot water: ½ cup
- Milk: ½ cup
- Dark rum: 1 oz
- Brown sugar: 1 tsp
- Nutmeg: Pinch for dusting
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Steep chai tea bag in hot water for 5 minutes. Remove the bag.
- Heat milk and brown sugar until frothy, then mix with tea.
- Stir in dark rum, pour into a mug, and dust with nutmeg.
- Sip and feel instantly cooler.
Why You’ll Love It
The rum adds a caramel-like warmth that pairs perfectly with chai’s spices. I tried vodka once, and it was a hard no—stick with rum. This one’s a game-changer for cozy nights in.
7. Cinnamon Apple Spritzer (Non-Alcoholic)
Why It’s Awesome: This fizzy, refreshing drink is like fall in a glass—light, crisp, and perfect for sipping on the porch. No alcohol, all flavor.
Ingredients
- Apple juice: 1 cup, chilled
- Sparkling water: ½ cup
- Cinnamon: ¼ tsp
- Lemon juice: 1 tsp
- Apple slice for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix apple juice, cinnamon, and lemon juice in a glass.
- Top with sparkling water and stir gently.
- Garnish with an apple slice and serve cold.
Why You’ll Love It
This spritzer is so refreshing you’ll forget it’s non-alcoholic. I once overdid the cinnamon, and it was like drinking a candle—less is more! Great for daytime sipping.
8. Caramel Apple Martini (Alcoholic)
Why It’s Awesome: This dessert-like cocktail is pure indulgence—think caramel apples in boozy, sippable form. Perfect for fall parties.
Ingredients
- Vodka: 1.5 oz
- Apple cider: 2 oz
- Caramel syrup: 1 tbsp
- Lemon juice: ½ tsp
- Caramel drizzle for rim (optional, but extra)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Rim a martini glass with caramel drizzle if you’re feeling fancy.
- Shake vodka, apple cider, caramel syrup, and lemon juice with ice in a cocktail shaker.
- Strain into the glass and serve chilled.
Why You’ll Love It
This martini is like a caramel apple you don’t have to chew—sweet, tart, and oh-so-smooth. I tried it without the lemon juice once, and it was too sweet—don’t skip it. Your guests will beg for the recipe.
9. Gingerbread Latte (Non-Alcoholic)
Why It’s Awesome: This latte tastes like a gingerbread cookie decided to become a drink. Cozy, spiced, and ready in under 10 minutes.
Ingredients
- Espresso: ½ cup
- Milk: 1 cup
- Molasses: 1 tbsp
- Ground ginger: ¼ tsp
- Cinnamon: ¼ tsp
- Whipped cream (optional, but recommended)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat milk, molasses, ginger, and cinnamon in a saucepan until steaming—about 3 minutes.
- Whisk in espresso and pour into a mug.
- Top with whipped cream and a pinch of cinnamon. Sip and sigh.
Why You’ll Love It
This drink is like Christmas morning in a mug, but perfect for all of fall. I tried using maple syrup instead of molasses once, and it was… meh. Molasses is the secret to that gingerbread magic.
10. Spiked Pumpkin White Russian (Alcoholic)
Why It’s Awesome: This fall twist on a classic cocktail is creamy, pumpkin-y, and just boozy enough to make you feel fancy. Ready in 5 minutes.
Ingredients
- Vodka: 1.5 oz
- Coffee liqueur: 1 oz
- Heavy cream: 1 oz
- Pumpkin puree: 1 tbsp
- Pumpkin pie spice: Pinch
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice with vodka in a glass.
- Add coffee liqueur and stir well.
- Top with heavy cream, stir gently, and serve over ice.
Why You’ll Love It
This drink is like a pumpkin pie and a White Russian had a delicious baby. I tried it with half-and-half once, but heavy cream makes it decadently smooth. Perfect for sipping while binge-watching your favorite fall series.
11. Cranberry Orange Spritzer (Non-Alcoholic)
Why It’s Awesome: This bright, tangy spritzer is like fall sunshine in a glass—perfect for when you want something light and festive.
Ingredients
- Cranberry juice: ¾ cup, chilled
- Orange juice: ¼ cup, chilled
- Sparkling water: ½ cup
- Orange slice for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix cranberry juice and orange juice in a glass.
- Top with sparkling water and stir gently.
- Garnish with an orange slice and serve cold.
Why You’ll Love It
This spritzer is so easy it’s almost embarrassing, but the tart-sweet combo is unbeatable. I once used grapefruit juice by mistake, and let’s just say—stick to orange. Great for brunches or kid-friendly gatherings.
12. Spiked Hot Buttered Rum (Alcoholic)
Why It’s Awesome: This rich, buttery drink is like a warm dessert you can sip. It’s the ultimate cozy nightcap for fall.
Ingredients
- Dark rum: 1.5 oz
- Butter: 1 tbsp, softened
- Brown sugar: 1 tbsp
- Cinnamon: ¼ tsp
- Hot water: ¾ cup
- Whipped cream (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a mug until creamy.
- Add dark rum and top with hot water. Stir until smooth.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling extra. Sip slowly.
Why You’ll Love It
This drink is pure decadence—think liquid cinnamon roll with a boozy twist. I tried it with spiced rum once, and it was overkill; dark rum is perfect. Ideal for those “I deserve this” moments.
Wrapping It Up
There you go—12 cozy fall drinks to make your autumn feel like a warm, spiced dream. From non-alcoholic spritzers to boozy toddies, these recipes are easy, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress. Which one are you trying first? IMO, you can’t go wrong with the Pumpkin Spice Latte or the Spiked Hot Buttered Rum—they’re like fall in a mug. Grab your ingredients, get sipping, and let the cozy vibes roll! 🍂
