47 Flavorful Cocktail Recipes Perfect for Fall

Find flavorful fall cocktail recipes including sangrias, hot toddies, mulled wine and apple cider concoctions to carry you through every phase of fall, from football tailgates to Thanksgiving dinner.

By: Maggie Miller

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Cocktails for Every Phase of Fall

One of the most alluring aspects of fall is the aromatic array of spices and flavors we associate with the season. And we are of the opinion that there's no better way to enjoy tangy apples or spiced pumpkin than in the form of a boozy, soul-warming, sip. We've put together a list of over 40 delicious cocktail recipes that will help you sprinkle some harvest magic into your happy hour, whether you're cheering on your favorite football team or hosting a crowd for Friendsgiving dinner.

First on the menu: warm apple pie. Put your apple-picking skills to use and round up a bushel to use in this mouthwateringly indulgent cocktail.

GET THE RECIPE: Warm Apple Pie Cocktail

Appleberry Pie Cocktail

Pie is a Thanksgiving staple, but the prep process can definitely feel daunting. This year, consider skipping the flour-covered counters and fill a glass with this tasty cocktail instead. Full of raspberries, blueberries and blackberries, it has all the flavor of a slice of pie and takes a fraction of the prep time.

GET THE RECIPE: Appleberry Pie Cocktail

Butter Beer

This delicious butter beer will have all the witches and wizards flocking to your cauldron. The best part about this enchantingly simple recipe, aside from the flavor, is that it doesn’t take a potions master to make. With just 5 ingredients and a chilled mug, you’ll have an irresistibly smooth brew faster than you can say wingardium leviosa.

GET THE RECIPE: Halloween Cocktail: Magic Up Some Butter Beer

From: Sam Henderson

Cinnamon Apple Sangria

Move over summer, sangria has a new best friend and her name is Autumn. This tasty interpretation combines spicy apple cider and brandy, packing in a full fall punch. Ready in less than 10 minutes, it's full of crisp seasonal flavors that your guests will love.

GET THE RECIPE: Sip on Cinnamon Apple Sangria at Your Fall Gatherings

Authentic German Mulled Wine

Traditional glühwein, which translates to 'glow wine' will make cheeks rosy and keep Oktoberfest and fall fun in full swing. Be sure to keep the recipe handy for winter months, too. This soul-warming sip will put a fire in your belly (and a glow in your cheeks) when temperatures plummet.

GET THE RECIPE: Authentic German Mulled Wine Recipe

Beer Margarita

Nothing says fall quite like football and beer. This pre-made cocktail will kick your tailgate up a notch or two with the addition of orange liqueur and tequila. The recipe is big-batch friendly, so grab your to-go mason jars, pack your cooler with some limes and paper straws and get ready to celebrate a big win!

GET THE RECIPE: Cocktail to Go: Beer Margarita

Caramel Apple Sangria

Refreshing and oh-so-tasty, this fall sangria cocktail is perfect for sweater weather. The sweet-meets-tart caramel apple flavor develops as it chills, recreating the nostalgic taste of a classic seasonal treat.

GET THE RECIPE: Caramel Apple Sangria Recipe for Fall

Dia De Los Muertos Mule

Mix up your mule and raise a toast to the spirits. This Day of the Dead-inspired blend swaps out vodka for tequila and has a spicy kick, thanks to a pinch of ancho chile powder. See how we made our decorative sugar skull garnish and get the full recipe at the link below.

GET THE RECIPE: Dia de los Muertos Mule Cocktail

From: Heather Baird

Fall Sangria

Oranges, pears, plums and figs. (i.e. the fruits of fall), come together in this delicious cocktail. No need to frantically mix up drinks minutes before your celebrations -- the recipe yields a big batch and needs to sit overnight, so you can prep it ahead of time and enjoy more time with your guests. Hang on to an orange and some fresh mint to use as a festive garnish.

GET THE RECIPE: Fall Sangria Recipe

Warm Pumpkin Spice Apple Cider

Infused with the classic flavors of fall, this hearty pumpkin apple cider can easily be prepared in minutes and will fill your kitchen with a cozy aroma that's hard to resist. Because this recipe can be made with or without alcohol, it's ideal for kids and adults alike.

GET THE RECIPE: Warm Pumpkin Spice Apple Cider Recipe

Salted Caramel White Russian

In this enticing take on a classic White Russian cocktail, salted caramel and hot coffee combine to create a toasty concoction that’ll warm your hands and dazzle your tastebuds.

GET THE RECIPE: Hot White Russian With Salted Caramel

Rosemary Greyhound Cocktail

The savory tones of a rosemary simple syrup colliding with sweet citrus give this blend its complex flavors. A refreshing mix of vodka and grapefruit juice, it’s the perfect drink to bid summer adieu and usher in autumn.

GET THE RECIPE: Try This Refreshing Rosemary Greyhound Cocktail Recipe

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Slow Cooker Hot Buttered Rum Apple Cider

Warm-up with this sweet, spiked cider you can make ahead of time in the slow cooker. Combine 6 cups apple cider, 1 stick of unsalted butter, 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves and 2 cups dark rum in the slow cooker. Stir well, then cover and cook on high 1-1/2 hours or on low 3 hours.

SEE MORE: 50 Fall Slow Cooker Recipes for a Crowd

Boozy S'Mores Cocktail

This s’mores cocktail has all the goodness of the campfire classic with a soul-warming boozy kick. Toasted marshmallows and chocolate-dipped graham crackers add a tasty finishing touch. Get the recipe below, then find more mouthwatering s'mores-inspired recipes here.

GET THE RECIPE: Boozy S'Mores Cocktail

From: Sam Henderson

Apple Cider Champagne

Go for an autumnal take on champagne with a rim of coarse ground sugar and pumpkin pie spices. Great for those days that haven’t quite gotten the cold weather memo, this drink blends all the essential flavors of fall, like cider and brandy, into one superbly refreshing beverage. Serve in fluted glasses to add a fun, elegant touch to your soiree.

GET THE RECIPE: Easy Apple Cider Champagne Cocktail

Autumn Colors Iced Tea

Color coordinate your libation with the dazzling palette of fall. Sweet iced tea and rich pomegranate liquor give this cocktail a fiery hue, while a shot of vodka cuts the sweetness for a refreshing finish. Garnish with a lime, sit back and get your leaf-peeping on.

GET THE RECIPE: Autumn Colors Cocktail

Mexican Hot Chocolate

"Ancho, tequila and mezcal introduce an adult characteristic to this childhood favorite," says beverage director Laura Cruz at Hill Country Barbecue Market—New York, New York

Ingredients:

1-1/2 oz. cocoa tequila
hot chocolate (recipe follows)
Mezcal whipped cream (recipe follows)

Put tequila in a double rocks glass, fill with hot chocolate and top with mezcal whipped cream.

Hot Chocolate

225 grams of bittersweet chocolate
3 cups milk
1 cup half and half
pinch salt
3/4 tsp. vanilla
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Scant 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Combine ingredients and heat through.

Mezcal Whipped Cream

1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoons confectioner's sugar
1 tablespoon mezcal

Whisk all ingredients until still peaks form.

Spicy Lemonade

From the High West Distillery & Saloon, this is a cocktail that will knock the chill right off your bones. The spiced lemonade melds quintessential autumn tastes like cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and cloves. A mug full of this cozy drink makes a perfect complement to a snuggly blanket and good book at the end of a cold day.

GET THE RECIPE: Hot Cocktail: Whiskey + Spiced Lemonade

Caramel Apple Cocktail

If there’s one treat that screams fall, it’s the caramel apple. This amalgamation of apple juice, butterscotch liquor and caramel vodka offers a tasty twist on the childhood classic. With the option to serve warm or cold, it's the perfect cocktail for a season that’s all about the changing temps.

GET THE RECIPE: Seasonal Sip: Caramel Apple Cocktail

Ginger Grapefruit Bourbon Sour

Oaky bourbon and spicy ginger pair with fresh citrus flavors in this distinctive brew. An easy recipe to whip up in large quantities, its refreshing taste makes it the perfect beverage for fall tailgate parties.

GET THE RECIPE: Big-Batch Cocktails: Ginger Grapefruit Bourbon Sour

Slow Cooker Sangria

It's everything you love about sangria, with a warm twist. Cinnamon and hibiscus tea add spicy earthiness to this cold-weather cocktail. Let your slow cooker do all the work while you enjoy time with your guests.

GET THE RECIPE: Warm Up With This Slow-Cooker Sangria Recipe

Caramel Apple Martinis

These delightfully creamy cocktails are sure to impress at Thanksgiving dinner. Irish cream pairs with butterscotch schnapps and ground cinnamon for a zesty explosion of fall flavor. This drink makes a delicious bookend to a bountiful autumn feast.

GET THE RECIPE: Caramel Apple Martini Recipe

From: Kim Stoegbauer

Bourbon Honey Cider Cocktail

This cocktail marries all the premier flavors of fall in a rich, sumptuous blend. Sweet honey tempers the spicy oaken tones of bourbon, while orange and sage introduce notes every bit as crisp as the chill in the air. It’s a sophisticated, complex cocktail that pairs perfectly with autumn weather.

GET THE RECIPE: Welcome Fall With This Bourbon + Honey Cider Cocktail

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Orange-Spice Cocoa

It's no secret that adding peppermint to your hot chocolate kicks up the flavor, but this take on a winter classic will have you breaking out the cocoa months early. The rich chocolate takes on autumn vibes from the additions of ground cardamom and orange zest. Add a dollop of whipped cream and watch the smiles spread.

GET THE RECIPE: Orange-Spice Cocoa

Bourbon Negroni Cocktail

Fig and pear-infused bourbon alongside a dash of vanilla transform the classic Negroni into an autumnal delight. Tip: Plan ahead if you’re making this for a gathering. Infusing the bourbon takes about two weeks, but is definitely worth the wait.

GET THE RECIPE: Bourbon Negroni

Bourbon Pumpkin Pie Milkshake

Thank goodness Halloween costumes and milkshakes aren’t exclusive to childhood. With a blend of vanilla ice cream and pumpkin puree and a healthy dose of bourbon, this adult beverage definitely puts the treat in trick-or-treating. With or without the booze, this concoction is guaranteed to become a fall favorite.

GET THE RECIPE: Bourbon Pumpkin Pie Milkshake Recipe

Cranberry Moscow Mule

Literally heat things up with this festive take on a classic cocktail. A warm cranberry syrup gives the drink a gorgeous autumnal hue and flavor, double-timing as a handwarmer for guests. Brew a batch and serve immediately for a toasty crowd pleaser.

GET THE RECIPE: Hot Cranberry Mule

From: Sam Henderson

Maple Bourbon 43 With a Waffle Garnish

This one’s another delectable slow-cooker cocktail that has all the comfy cozy flavors of a pecan pie. Combine 1.5 parts bourbon, 1 part Licor 43, 1/3 part maple syrup and 4 parts pecan ale. Heat in slow cooker on low heat. Garnish with a maple syrup-covered mini waffle.

SEE MORE: 40 Cold-Weather Cocktails

From: Sam Henderson

The Caveira Cocktail

Taking its name from the Portuguese word for "skull," this coffee-based cocktail packs the heat with chili liqueur, cinnamon syrup and bitters. The subtle spice and rich flavors will keep you feeling toasty with or without the bonfire.

GET THE RECIPE: The Caveira Cocktail

Cranberry Pomegranate Warm Punch

Bust out the slow cooker and get ready for a warm, flavorful cocktail that's perfect for your chilly fall soiree. Combine 1.5 parts cranberry juice, 1.5 parts pomegranate juice, 1 part vodka, 2 parts Moscato wine and lime juice to taste. Heat in a slow cooker on low heat with 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary. Garnish with pomegranate arils, cranberries and rosemary.

From: Sam Henderson

Orange Spin on a Tonic With Gin

This fall, try a super simple shakeup to your standard gin and tonic and swap out the lime wedge for an orange slice and sprig of thyme. You’ll be surprised how much these quick substitutions will change the tone of the cocktail. If you’re feeling adventurous, try an apple or pear garnish and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Hot Apple-Ginger Toddy Cocktail

Folklore says a strong Hot Toddy can cure a cold. While the jury's still out on its efficacy against the sniffles, we can say this unique spin on the traditional toddy is perfect for fall. The warm blended tastes of apple cider, bourbon and candied ginger are definitely a sweet remedy for plummeting temperatures.

GET THE RECIPE: Hot Apple-Ginger Toddy Recipe

Maple Nut Goodie Cocktail

Get toasty with this divine maple syrup-infused cocktail that packs a powerful caffeine punch. The hearty flavors of hazelnut, maple, butterscotch and strong coffee are guaranteed to perk guests up after that big turkey dinner.

GET THE RECIPE: Warm Up With a Maple Nut Goodie Cocktail

Maple Perfect Manhattan

Chef Jeff Mauro suggests adding a dollop of maple syrup and cherry garnish for a fun fall take on the traditional Manhattan. The sweet and nutty flavors of the syrup cut the acidic vermouth and bitters, adding just a hint of warm harvest flavor.

GET THE RECIPE: The Maple Perfect Manhattan

Traditional Wassail

Lets all give thanks for modern technology. With the help of a slow cooker, this Thanksgiving favorite is super easy to prep ahead of time, giving you more time to party-plan. Simply gather your ingredients and throw them in the slow cooker. The simmering scents of apples and cloves will fill your home with autumnal delight, and guests can self-serve at their leisure once it’s ready.

GET THE RECIPE: How to Make Traditional Wassail in a Slow Cooker

Ginger Snap

This fresh take on a cookie classic from Rachael Ray combines fresh ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon. Ready in just five minutes, the gingersnap is a quick and easy cocktail that smells and tastes just like a Thanksgiving favorite!

GET THE RECIPE: Ginger Snap

The Scottish Fig

There are plenty of things you can do with fig jam: Spread it on toast, make it into a sauce or put it in a cocktail along with some scotch. "The housemade fig jam and fresh apple juice with the scotch work so well together," says Scott Gould, general manager of the New York location of Del Frisco's.

Ingredients:

1/2 oz. Glenfiddich 12 Yr
1/2 oz. Root liqueur
2 oz. lemon sour soda
2 oz. fig jam
1/2 oz. apple juice
1/2 oz. egg whites (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a shaker and shake until fig jam is dissolved. Strain with a Julep strainer over fresh ice into a bucket glass. Garnish with a lemon wheel or fresh fig.

Mulled Wine

This timeless holiday libation introduces an air of tradition to fall celebrations. A cabernet sauvignon gets infused with the rich flavor of cloves and cinnamon for a scintillating brew that will make your kitchen smell heavenly. Finished off with port and brandy, it’s no wonder this recipe has withstood the test of time.

GET THE RECIPE: Mulled Wine

Clementine Cocktails

Evoke fall foliage and bright orange jack-o'-lanterns while getting a healthy dose of vitamin C with this golden cocktail. Zesty clementines, dark rum and bay leaves round out a refreshing mixer that’s quick to make and delicious to drink.

GET THE RECIPE: How to Make a Clementine Stocking Stuffer Cocktail

"Autumn's Up" Pecan Bourbon Cocktail

Though many might argue that bourbon is fine all by itself, the pecan-infused bourbon in this drink "tastes just like a traditional sweet pecan pie with a kick," says bar manager Julie Campbell at Icenhauer's in Austin, Texas.

Ingredients:

2 oz. pecan-infused Kentucky bourbon (recipe follows)
dash chocolate bitters
dash cinnamon
1/2 oz. sweet vermouth

Shake all ingredients. Serve over ice and garnish with an orange peel.

Pecan-Infused Bourbon

3 cups pecans
1 liter bourbon

Combine pecans in a jar with the bourbon and let infuse for 4 to 5 days. Pour through a strainer when ready to serve to avoid any little pecan pieces in your drink.

Old-Fashioned Twist

Bartender Michael Dreher offered his spicy seasonal take on an Old-Fashioned. The simple syrup is made by boiling one cup each of water and honey in a saucepan with fresh rosemary, a cinnamon stick and two fresh cloves. Let the mixture cool, then strain and refrigerate. When you’re ready for your cocktail, grab a glass and combine 1-1/4 ounces of the syrup, ice, 2 ounces of bourbon or whiskey and garnish with sliced cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.

"The Crabhattan" A Crabapple Manhattan

When mixologist and general manager Jason Steinthal of Crave Fishbar in New York City saw crabapples come through the door and head to the kitchen, he knew he needed to snag some for the bar. "Manhattans are full of fall flavors, then we drive it home with the apple cider, " he says. "The dehydrated crabapple garnish is a unique touch from the kitchen."

Ingredients:

1.5 oz. Rittenhouse rye
1.5 oz. apple cider
.5 oz. Averna Amaro
.5 oz. sweet vermouth
.25 oz. lemon juice
2 dashes Angostura bitters

Stir all with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass.

Dehydrated-Crabapple Garnish

Quarter crab apples and remove seeds. Place flesh side down on a Silpat and cook at 200 degrees for 4 to 6 hours. Save the leftovers for snacks or for future garnishes.

Pumpkin Spice Punch

There’s a reason pumpkin spice is all the rage: It’s delicious and perfectly captures the sights, smells and tastes of autumn. This spin on a traditional sangria pairs pumpkin pie spice with bourbon and apple cider for a potion that’s absolutely teeming with fall flavor. Brew up a big batch and serve from a hollowed-out pumpkin to complete the harvest theme.

GET THE RECIPE: Pumpkin Spice Halloween Punch Recipe

Highland Sage

Courtesy of mixologist Dan Carlson, this distinctive drink is full of sweet and smoky flavors. Sage goes hand in hand with holiday dinners, and it’s precisely those peppery citrus tones that add an extra spark to the cocktail. With lemon juice, chestnut honey syrup and fresh sage, this aromatic libation encapsulates the coziness of late autumn.

GET THE RECIPE: Sage Cocktail Recipe

Herbin' Orange

The start of flu season is an unfortunate sidekick to chilly weather. Use your happy hour as an opportunity to fight off colds with this Herbin’ Orange mixer. Packed full of vitamin C and fresh sage (which has lots of antioxidants and flavonoids), this aromatic, peppery beverage brings full fall flavor.

GET THE RECIPE: How to Make a Herbin' Orange Cocktail

Spiced Chai Tea

Something about the chilly weather makes us long for an enchanting blend of something spicy, sweet and creamy. This chai tea recipe serves that up in spades. With cinnamon, cloves, ginger and other spices, it’s a full-flavored delight to serve on a cool autumn night.

GET THE RECIPE: Spiced Chai Tea Recipe

From: Michelle Edgemont

Honeycrisp Apple Cocktail

Leave it to one of the best restaurants in the Big Apple to have a great cocktail recipe featuring the forbidden fruit. This recipe is courtesy of the Gotham Bar and Grill in New York, City.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 oz. apple-infused vodka (recipe below)
1/2 oz. spiced syrup (recipe below)
1/2 oz. lemon juice
.35 oz. Calvados Busnel

Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake until cold. Strain into a martini glass and serve.

Apple-Infused Vodka

3 Honeycrisp apples
sugar, as needed
1 bottle vodka

Core and slice the apples, toss them in sugar and add a bottle of vodka. Seal and let sit for 2 to 3 days, then strain.

Spiced Syrup

water, as needed
sugar, as needed
1 star anise
1 nutmeg
7 cloves
2 pieces cinnamon

Mix equal parts sugar and water with the rest of the ingredients; bring to a boil. Remove from heat and let cool. Strain before using.

Find More Ideas: 50 Scary-Good Halloween Cocktails

47 Flavorful Cocktail Recipes Perfect for Fall

Related To:

Shop This Look

Cocktails for Every Phase of Fall

Appleberry Pie Cocktail

Butter Beer

Cinnamon Apple Sangria

Authentic German Mulled Wine

Beer Margarita

Caramel Apple Sangria

Dia De Los Muertos Mule

Fall Sangria

Warm Pumpkin Spice Apple Cider

Salted Caramel White Russian

Rosemary Greyhound Cocktail

Slow Cooker Hot Buttered Rum Apple Cider

Boozy S'Mores Cocktail

Apple Cider Champagne

Autumn Colors Iced Tea

Mexican Hot Chocolate

Spicy Lemonade

Caramel Apple Cocktail

Ginger Grapefruit Bourbon Sour

Slow Cooker Sangria

Caramel Apple Martinis

Bourbon Honey Cider Cocktail

Orange-Spice Cocoa

Bourbon Negroni Cocktail

Bourbon Pumpkin Pie Milkshake

Cranberry Moscow Mule

Maple Bourbon 43 With a Waffle Garnish

The Caveira Cocktail

Cranberry Pomegranate Warm Punch

Orange Spin on a Tonic With Gin

Hot Apple-Ginger Toddy Cocktail

Maple Nut Goodie Cocktail

Maple Perfect Manhattan

Traditional Wassail

Ginger Snap

The Scottish Fig

Mulled Wine

Clementine Cocktails

"Autumn's Up" Pecan Bourbon Cocktail

Old-Fashioned Twist

"The Crabhattan" A Crabapple Manhattan

Pumpkin Spice Punch

Highland Sage

Herbin' Orange

Spiced Chai Tea

Honeycrisp Apple Cocktail

Caramel Apple Martini Recipe

Bourbon Pumpkin Pie Milkshake Recipe

Halloween Shimmering Cherry Mocktail or Cocktail Recipe

Authentic German Mulled Wine Recipe

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