18 Cozy Fall Cocktail Recipes Irresistibly Spiced
As the leaves start to change and the temperature drops, our minds turn to warm and comforting drinks that evoke the cozy feelings of fall. What better way to celebrate the season than with a deliciously spiced cocktail? In this article, we’ll explore 18 mouth-watering recipes that incorporate the flavors of fall, from apple cider and pumpkin spice to maple syrup and caramel. Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated evening sipper or a quick pick-me-up after a crisp morning hike, these irresistible cocktails are sure to hit the spot.
Spiced Apple Cider Margarita
Add a touch of autumn to your cocktail hour with this unique Spiced Apple Cider Margarita recipe. The combination of warm spices and apple cider will transport you to a cozy fall evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz apple cider
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz agave syrup
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Salt, for rimming glass (optional)
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt, if desired.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, apple cider, lime juice, and agave syrup.
3. Add cinnamon and nutmeg to the shaker and fill with ice.
4. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
5. Strain into prepared glass.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None
Pumpkin Spice White Russian
Elevate your cocktail game with this seasonal twist on the classic White Russian. The warm spices and rich flavors of pumpkin will transport you to a cozy autumn evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 1/2 oz coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
– 1/2 oz heavy cream
– 1/4 oz pumpkin puree
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Ice
– Whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, coffee liqueur, heavy cream, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass.
5. Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve in just a few minutes.
Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned
A twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail, this Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned combines the warmth of bourbon with the richness of maple syrup and a hint of spice. Perfect for sipping on a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon
– 1/2 oz maple syrup
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– Orange peel (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, maple syrup, and simple syrup.
2. Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.
3. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with an orange peel, if desired.
Cooking Time: None (cocktail preparation)
Cranberry Mulled Wine
As the temperatures drop, cozy up with a warm and inviting glass of cranberry mulled wine. This recipe combines the tartness of cranberries with the richness of red wine, perfect for a cold winter’s night.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of red wine (Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon work well)
– 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 orange, sliced
– 2 cinnamon sticks
– 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
– 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
– 1/4 cup of Grand Marnier or other orange-flavored liqueur (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the red wine, cranberries, sliced orange, cinnamon sticks, and ground cloves.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the cranberries have popped and the flavors have melded together.
4. Stir in the brown sugar and Grand Marnier (if using).
5. Serve warm, garnished with additional orange slices if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Caramel Apple Martini
Caramel Apple Martini Recipe
Warm up with a sweet and tangy twist on the classic martini. This Caramel Apple Martini is perfect for fall gatherings or any time you want to add some autumnal charm to your cocktail hour.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz vodka
– 1 oz apple cider liqueur
– 1/2 oz caramel syrup
– 1/2 oz lemon juice
– 1/4 cup crushed ice
– Sliced apples for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with crushed ice.
2. Add vodka, apple cider liqueur, and caramel syrup.
3. Shake until chilled (about 15-20 seconds).
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
5. Add lemon juice and stir gently.
6. Garnish with sliced apples.
Cooking Time: None
Brown Butter Bourbon Smash
Elevate your summer cocktails with this rich and velvety Brown Butter Bourbon Smash. This refreshing drink combines the deep flavors of browned butter, sweet bourbon, and tangy lemon.
Ingredients:
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1 cup bourbon whiskey
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 4 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 2 cups ice
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Continue cooking the butter until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and whisk in bourbon whiskey.
4. In a large pitcher, combine lemon juice, simple syrup, and browned butter mixture.
5. Add ice to the pitcher and stir well.
6. Pour into glasses filled with ice and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (browning the butter only)
Hot Buttered Rum
A classic winter warmer, Hot Buttered Rum is a delicious and comforting cocktail perfect for cold nights by the fire.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces dark rum (such as Myers’s or Gosling’s)
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon simple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
2. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the melted butter. Whisk until smooth.
3. Pour in the dark rum and whisk until well combined.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
5. Gradually add the milk or heavy cream, whisking constantly.
6. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened slightly.
7. Strain the Hot Buttered Rum into a warmed mug or glass.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Pumpkin Pie Espresso Martini
Combine the warm spices of pumpkin pie with the rich flavors of espresso and vodka for a unique and delicious cocktail perfect for fall gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 1/2 oz Kahlúa
– 1/2 oz Baileys Irish Cream
– 1/2 oz pumpkin puree
– 1 shot of espresso (about 1 oz)
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Pinch of ground cinnamon and nutmeg, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, Kahlúa, Baileys Irish Cream, pumpkin puree, and espresso.
2. Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
4. Drizzle a small amount of vanilla extract on top (optional).
5. Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon and nutmeg around the rim of the glass.
Cooking Time: None
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Apple Cider Mimosa
Elevate your brunch game with this refreshing Apple Cider Mimosa, perfect for the autumn season. This twist on the classic cocktail combines the warmth of apple cider with the sweetness of champagne and a hint of cinnamon.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup apple cider
– 1/2 cup champagne or sparkling wine
– 1 tablespoon cinnamon syrup (or to taste)
– Sliced apples, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a champagne flute with ice.
2. Pour in the apple cider and top with champagne.
3. Add a drizzle of cinnamon syrup, if desired.
4. Garnish with a slice of apple.
Cooking Time: None! Just assemble and serve.
Smoked Maple Whiskey Sour
Elevate your whiskey sour game with the rich flavors of smoked maple and a hint of spice.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 oz smoked maple syrup (homemade or store-bought)
– Dash of Angostura bitters
– Ice
– Lemon wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and smoked maple syrup to the shaker.
3. Add a dash of Angostura bitters.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with a lemon wheel.
Cooking Time: None required, this recipe is ready in just a few minutes!
Chai Tea Hot Toddy
Warm up with a soothing Chai Tea Hot Toddy, perfect for chilly days or when you need a comforting pick-me-up. This spiced tea-based drink combines the invigorating flavors of chai with the benefits of honey and lemon.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup strong brewed chai tea
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mug, combine the brewed chai tea, honey, and lemon juice. Stir until the honey dissolves.
2. Add the ground cinnamon and ginger (if using) to the mixture and stir well.
3. Serve hot, garnished with a lemon slice or a cinnamon stick if desired.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Pecan Pie Bourbon Cocktail
Combine the rich flavors of pecan pie with the smoothness of bourbon in this delightful cocktail. Perfect for fall and winter gatherings, it’s sure to be a hit among your friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon whiskey
– 1 oz maple syrup
– 1/2 oz pecan liqueur (such as Frangelic)
– 1/2 oz heavy cream
– 1/4 oz vanilla extract
– Dash of nutmeg, for garnish
– Ice cubes
– Fresh pecans, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
2. Add bourbon whiskey, maple syrup, pecan liqueur, and heavy cream to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice cubes.
5. Sprinkle a dash of nutmeg on top.
6. Garnish with fresh pecans, if desired.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail!
Cinnamon Toast Cocktail
Warm up with this sweet and spicy cocktail that combines the flavors of cinnamon toast with whiskey and apple cider.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1 oz Apple Cider
– 1/2 oz Maple Syrup
– 1/4 oz Cinnamon-Infused Simple Syrup (see note)
– 1/2 lemon, cut into a wheel
– Ice
– Cinnamon stick, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the whiskey, apple cider, maple syrup, and cinnamon-infused simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Express a lemon wheel over the drink and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Note: To make cinnamon-infused simple syrup, combine 1 cup water with 1/2 cup sugar and 2 cinnamon sticks in a saucepan. Heat until the sugar dissolves, then remove from heat and let steep for at least 30 minutes. Strain before using.
Gingerbread Martini
Get into the holiday spirit with this unique and delicious gingerbread martini, featuring warm spices and sweet flavors. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 1/2 oz butterscotch schnapps
– 1/2 oz Baileys Irish Cream
– 1/4 oz gingerbread syrup (or to taste)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream, whipped
– Crushed candy canes or chopped nuts for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, butterscotch schnapps, and Baileys Irish Cream.
2. Add gingerbread syrup to taste (start with 1/4 oz and adjust).
3. Shake well for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass filled with whipped heavy cream.
5. Garnish with crushed candy canes or chopped nuts.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Spiced Pear Prosecco Punch
Warm up your gatherings with this delightful Spiced Pear Prosecco Punch! The perfect blend of sweet and spicy, this refreshing drink is sure to please a crowd.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle Prosecco
– 1 ripe pear, peeled and diced
– 1/2 cup cranberry juice
– 1/4 cup orange juice
– 2 cinnamon sticks
– 6 whole cloves
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes
– Fresh rosemary leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine Prosecco, pear, cranberry juice, and orange juice.
2. Add the cinnamon sticks and whole cloves to the mixture.
3. Heat the honey in a small saucepan over low heat until melted.
4. Add the melted honey to the punch mixture and stir well.
5. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve the Spiced Pear Prosecco Punch cold, garnished with fresh rosemary leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Toasted Marshmallow Hot Chocolate Martini
Warm up with a rich and creamy cocktail that combines the flavors of toasted marshmallows, hot chocolate, and vodka.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup hot chocolate mix
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Toasted marshmallows for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine milk, hot chocolate mix, and butter. Heat over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture is smooth and hot.
2. Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt.
3. In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka and hot chocolate mixture. Fill with ice and shake for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with toasted marshmallows.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Cranberry Sage Gin Fizz
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing Cranberry Sage Gin Fizz, perfect for warm weather or any occasion when a citrusy twist is needed.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz cranberry syrup (see note)
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 1/4 cup sparkling water
– 1/4 cup ice
– Handful of fresh sage leaves for garnish
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, lime juice, cranberry syrup, and simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with sparkling water.
6. Garnish with a handful of fresh sage leaves and a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None
Note: To make cranberry syrup, combine 1 cup cranberries, 1 cup sugar, and 2 cups water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the mixture thickens. Strain and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Caramelized Fig Old Fashioned
Elevate your old fashioned game with this sweet and savory twist featuring caramelized figs. This unique cocktail is perfect for special occasions or a sophisticated evening at home.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 1/2 oz caramelized fig jam (see note)
– 3 dashes Angostura bitters
– Orange peel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, simple syrup, and caramelized fig jam.
2. Add ice to the mixing glass and stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
3. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
4. Add Angostura bitters and garnish with an orange peel.
Cooking Time: None required, as this cocktail is ready to serve once assembled.
Note: To make caramelized fig jam, cook 1 cup of chopped fresh or dried figs with 1/2 cup of sugar and 1 tablespoon of water over medium heat until the mixture thickens and turns golden brown. Let cool before using in the recipe.
Summary
Get ready to cozy up with these 18 irresistible fall cocktail recipes! From Spiced Apple Cider Margaritas and Pumpkin Spice White Russians, to Maple Bourbon Old Fashioneds and Cranberry Mulled Wine, these autumn-inspired drinks are sure to warm your heart. With flavors like caramel apple, brown butter bourbon, and toasted marshmallow, there’s something for every taste bud. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat or a spicy kick, these recipes will guide you in crafting the perfect fall cocktail. So go ahead, grab a blanket, and get cozy with these 18 delicious drinks!
