Here are 5 of my favorite fall drinks that are easy to make at home and great for hosting fall events like Thanksgiving or Halloween.
Looking for even more autumn cocktails? Try a Frozen Rum & Apple Cider Ninja Slushi or a Smoked Tequila Apple Rosemary Smash
If you don’t live in a place where it’s easy to find apple cider (unpasteurized apple juice made with spices) try my recipe for Slow Cooker Apple Cider
Apple Honey Bourbon Smash
If you want a cozy cocktail that truly feels like autumn in a glass then you need to an Apple Honey Bourbon Smash this fall It combines rich bourbon, crisp muddled apples, lemon juice and homemade honey syrup for a drink that strikes a perfect balance between sweet, tart, and warm notes.
This cocktail is perfect for cozy nights at home or serving at Thanksgiving or even a Halloween party.
Looking for more Apple cocktails? Try a Apple Cider Aperol Spritz or a Caramel Apple Mimosa
Apple Honey Bourbon Smash
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 1/2 apple cored and chopped
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce honey syrup
- Ice
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup warm water
Method
- Place the chopped apple pieces and honey syrup into the bottom of a cocktail shaker.
- Muddle firmly until the apple releases its juices.
- Add the bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and a generous amount of ice to the shaker.
- Cover and shake vigorously for fifteen seconds until well chilled.
- Strain the liquid over fresh ice into a double rocks glass.
- Garnish with an apple slice and serve immediately.
- Combine the honey and warm water in a small jar or glass measuring cup.
- Stir vigorously until the honey completely dissolves into the water.
- Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before using.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to one month.
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Let us know how it was!Apple Cider Aperol Spritz
By taking the bittersweet, botanical brightness of classic Italian Aperol and blanding it with freshly pressed apple cider, sparkling Prosecco, and a little ginger spice, you create an autumn cocktail that is refreshing, warm, complex, and beautiful. Whether you are hosting a festive Thanksgiving dinner, gathering around a cozy backyard fire pit, or simply unwinding on a chilly October evening, this seasonal twist delivers the ultimate fall mood in every sip.
Looking for the glassware that I use? These Camille 23-Oz. Long-Stem Red Wine Glasses are great for a spritz. This blog post may contain affiliate links.
Apple Cider Aperol Spritz
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 orange wedge
- For the Cocktail:
- Cubed ice
- 1 oz Aperol
- 1 oz fresh apple cider
- 3 oz Prosecco (or sparkling wine), chilled
- 1 oz ginger beer or sparkling water
Method
- Rim a large wine glass using the orange wedge and the cinnamon-sugar mixture as outlined in the guide above.
- Fill the rimmed glass generously with fresh ice cubes.
- Pour in 2 oz of Aperol followed by 2 oz of fresh apple cider.
- Top the mixture with 3 oz of chilled Prosecco and 1 oz of ginger beer.
- Use a long bar spoon or a cinnamon stick to give the drink one slow, gentle stir to integrate the ingredients while preserving the carbonation.
- Float two thin apple slices on top, drop in a cinnamon stick, and tuck in a fresh sprig of rosemary. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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This fun twist on the classic brunch staple combines the tart, refreshing brightness of fresh apple cider with the bubbly effervescence of Prosecco. But the real fun addition? A homemade Werther’s Original infused vodka that brings a rich, buttery caramel note tying the whole cocktail together. Whether you are hosting a fall gathering or simply winding down on a crisp weekend afternoon, this drink is guaranteed to impress.
Caramel Apple Mimosa Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 oz Werther’s infused vodka*
- 1 oz Apple cider chilled
- 3 –4 oz Prosecco chilled
- Caramel sauce for rimming
- Cinnamon sugar for rimming
Method
- Dip the rim of your champagne flute in caramel sauce, then roll it in cinnamon sugar to coat evenly.
- Add 1 oz of your prepared Werther’s infused vodka directly to the glass.
- Pour in 1 oz of chilled apple cider.
- Top off the glass with 3 to 4 oz of chilled Prosecco, stir gently, and serve immediately.
- Candy Infusion Note (Makes ~8 servings):
- Combine 1 cup of vodka with 10–12 unwrapped Werther's Original hard candies in a jar. Let sit for 12–24 hours, shaking occasionally until fully dissolved. Store in your refrigerator.
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Say hello to the Apple Cinnamon Margarita, a delightful concoction that combines the warmth of cinnamon with the crispness of apple, all wrapped up in the timeless charm of a margarita. In this journey through mixology, we’ll explore the nuances of tequila, the differences between Reposado and Blanco and learn how to elevate your home made margaritas with a homemade cinnamon syrup.
Apple Cinnamon Margarita
Ingredients
- 2 oz Reposado tequila
- ½ oz Cointreau
- 1 oz apple cider
- 1 oz lime juice
- ½ oz cinnamon syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 cinnamon sticks
Method
- In a shaker with ice, combine Reposado tequila, Cointreau, apple cider, lime juice, and cinnamon syrup.
- Shake vigorously to chill the mixture.
- Strain the cocktail into a glass rimmed with agave syrup and cinnamon-sugar.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick or apple slice for an extra touch of autumn elegance.
- Combine water and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Add cinnamon sticks and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the cinnamon to infuse into the syrup.
- Remove from heat, cool, and strain out the cinnamon sticks.
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By pairing crisp prosecco and floral elderflower liqueur with juicy pear and a gentle kick of warm ginger, this cocktail bridges the gap between summer refreshment and fall warmth. Whether you are hosting an autumn dinner party, prepping for a festive holiday gathering, or haing a happy hour at home, this recipe delivers seasonal craft-cocktail vibes with minimal effort.
Ginger Pear Hugo Spritz Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 oz Prosecco chilled
- 3/4 oz Elderflower Liqueur such as St-Germain
- ½ oz Ginger Liqueur or substitute 1-2 oz ginger beer in place of club soda
- 1 oz Pear Juice fresh or store-bought nectar
- 1 oz Club Soda chilled
- Garnish: Fresh mint sprig
- Garnish Optional: 1 whole star anise & a thin pear slice
Method
- Prepare the Mint: Take a fresh sprig of mint and clap it firmly between your hands to activate the fragrant aromatic oils. Place it into the bottom of a large wine glass.
- Add Ice: Fill the glass generously with clean, large ice cubes.
- Add the Flavors: Pour in the elderflower liqueur, ginger liqueur, and pear juice directly over the ice.
- Top with Bubbles: Gently pour in the prosecco followed by the club soda.
- Gently Stir: Use a long bar spoon to give the drink one or two slow, bottom-to-top lifts to blend the juices with the prosecco without deflating the carbonation.
- Garnish & Serve: Float a whole star anise on top, tuck in a thin pear slice, and serve immediately with a fresh mint sprig right near the rim. Enjoy!
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