Best Fall Cocktails and Drinks to Try This Season

When the weather turns crisp, nothing says cozy like pumpkin spice cocktails, apple cider margaritas, and warm fall drinks. From the classic maple old fashioned to a steaming mug of hot buttered rum, fall flavors bring comfort and creativity to your glass. Whether you’re hosting a party, planning Thanksgiving cocktails, or just want a quiet night in, these recipes highlight the best seasonal drinks for fall.

Pumpkin Spice Cocktails and Mocktails

Pumpkin Spice White Russian

Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
- 1 oz pumpkin spice creamer (or half-and-half + pumpkin spice syrup)
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish
Instructions
1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Pour in vodka and coffee liqueur.
3. Add pumpkin spice creamer and stir gently.
4. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Other variations:
Pumpkin spice martini recipe
Pumpkin spice white russian
Pumpkin spice mocktail

Few flavors define autumn as strongly as pumpkin spice. For a party-ready option, the pumpkin spice martini recipe blends vodka, cream, and pumpkin spice syrup for a smooth dessert cocktail. Another crowd favorite is the pumpkin spice white Russian, a playful twist on the classic. Don’t forget inclusivity—our pumpkin spice mocktail ensures everyone can enjoy the cozy seasonal flavor without alcohol.

Apple Cider Cocktails for Every Occasion

Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail

Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 3 oz fresh apple cider
- ½ oz lemon juice (fresh)
- ½ oz maple syrup or honey (optional, for sweetness)
- Dash of cinnamon or apple pie spice
- Ice
- Cinnamon stick + apple slice (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, and maple syrup/honey.
3. Shake until well chilled.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Sprinkle with cinnamon and garnish with an apple slice + cinnamon stick.
Other variations:
Hot apple cider with rum
Apple cider margarita recipe
Apple cider sangria
Spiked apple cider recipe

Apple cider transforms into some of the most popular fall cocktails. A chilled apple cider margarita recipe offers a tart yet refreshing take, while hot apple cider with rum delivers warmth on cool nights. For gatherings, an apple cider sangria made with wine, citrus, and spices is easy to batch-prepare. Prefer simple? A quick spiked apple cider recipe with bourbon or whiskey is a tried-and-true fall favorite.

Maple and Bourbon Fall Drinks

Maple Old Fashioned

Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- ½ oz pure maple syrup
- 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters (or orange bitters)
- Ice (large cube preferred)
- Orange peel (for garnish)
- Optional: cinnamon stick
Instructions
1. In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters.
2. Add ice and stir until well chilled.
3. Strain over a large ice cube in a rocks glass.
4. Express an orange peel over the drink, then drop it in.
5. (Optional) Add a cinnamon stick for a warming touch.
Other variations:
Maple bourbon cocktail
Bourbon apple cider cocktail
Bourbon maple hot toddy
Cozy fall bourbon cocktails

Bourbon pairs naturally with fall flavors. The maple old fashioned has surged in popularity, combining bitters and maple syrup for a seasonal upgrade. If you’re battling chilly weather, try a bourbon maple hot toddy or a bourbon apple cider cocktail for a smooth, spiced finish. These cozy fall bourbon cocktails balance sweetness and strength.

Cranberry Cocktails and Mocktails

Cranberry Mule Cocktail

Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- 2 oz cranberry juice (unsweetened or sweetened, depending on taste)
- Ginger beer (to top)
- Ice
- Fresh cranberries + lime wedge (for garnish)
- Optional: rosemary sprig for a holiday touch
Instructions
1. Fill a copper mule mug (or glass) with ice.
2. Add vodka, lime juice, and cranberry juice.
3. Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
4. Garnish with fresh cranberries, lime wedge, and rosemary if desired.
Other variations:
Cranberry margarita recipe
Cranberry spritzer mocktail
Thanksgiving cranberry cocktails
Festive cranberry cocktails

Cranberry adds a tart punch that fits perfectly with Thanksgiving cranberry cocktails. A sparkling cranberry mule cocktail with ginger beer feels festive yet easy to make. For lighter sipping, try a cranberry spritzer mocktail—a refreshing non-alcoholic option that still feels special. These festive cranberry cocktails also work well for Christmas and New Year’s

Warm Fall Drinks for Chilly Nights

Hot Buttered Rum

Ingredients (makes 1 drink)
- 2 oz dark rum
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 tsp brown sugar (or more to taste)
- 1 pinch cinnamon
- 1 pinch nutmeg
- 1 pinch ground cloves
- 4–6 oz hot water
- Cinnamon stick or orange peel (for garnish)
Instructions
1. In a mug, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and spices.
2. Pour in hot water and stir until the butter and sugar dissolve.
3. Add rum and stir gently.
4. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or orange peel.
Other variations:
How to make mulled wine
Hot toddy with bourbon
Warm fall cocktails
Best warm cocktails for cold nights

When the nights turn cold, warm fall cocktails shine. The hot buttered rum recipe is a timeless classic, creamy and rich. If you’ve ever wondered how to make mulled wine, the process is simple: simmer wine with citrus, cloves, and cinnamon. A soothing hot toddy with bourbon is another staple for cold weather, often used as a cozy nightcap. These truly are the best warm cocktails for cold nights.

Easy Holiday Drinks to Serve at Parties

Easy holiday hot drinks
Fall drinks to serve at parties
Cozy alcoholic drinks for fall

For entertaining, it helps to keep things simple yet flavorful. Easy holiday hot drinks like spiced cider or mulled wine can be made in large batches. If you’re planning fall drinks to serve at parties, stick with recipes that are quick to scale, like sangria or cranberry punch. Don’t overlook small touches—garnishes like cinnamon sticks or star anise turn ordinary recipes into cozy alcoholic drinks for fall gatherings.

Add these to your Bar or Restaurant's Menu

Adding seasonal cocktails like a Pumpkin Spice Martini, Maple Old Fashioned, or Hot Buttered Rum to your menu can be a powerful way to capture customer attention and boost sales during the fall and winter months. Guests love seeing unique, limited-time offerings that align with the season, and it creates a sense of urgency to try something new. By featuring these cozy, festive drinks, you can set your bar or restaurant apart from competitors and create memorable experiences that keep customers coming back.

Seasonal cocktails also open the door for strategic promotions and upselling. For example, pairing a Bourbon Apple Cider with a fall appetizer special or offering a Cranberry Mule as part of a holiday happy hour can increase sales as they satisfy your customers. These cocktails not only showcase creativity but also give your business an opportunity to highlight premium spirits, local ingredients, and themed garnishes that make your business stand out.

Conclusion

From pumpkin spice martinis to maple old fashioneds and hot buttered rum, these fall drinks highlight the flavors people crave most in autumn. Whether you prefer cocktails or mocktails, hot or cold, there’s a seasonal recipe here to elevate your evening.

Hosting events this fall? Make sure your staff is trained in responsible alcohol service—explore our state alcohol certification courses.