4 Fabulous Fall Drinks
They say fall is the best time for a change, so now I have a new website! I absolutely LOVE how it turned out, and my designer did an incredible job. More on that over on my Instagram. But for now, let’s celebrate fall and the holiday season (and my new website, obviously) with some tasty beverages! I’ve been working on some fabulous fall drinks and I’m excited to share a few with y’all today.
I’ve really gotten into mixology in the last several months. Baking is one thing, but crafting my own cocktails is a whole different type of creativity. As much as I love traditional cocktails, it’s even more fun to put seasonal twists on them and bring out the fall flavors we know and love.
So let’s get to it.
Here are 4 fabulous fall drinks—perfect for enjoying with family and friends!
Cranberry Rosemary Mimosa
Need something to get you going (after coffee) on Thanksgiving morning? My seasonal twist on a classic breakfast beverage is just what you need.
INGREDIENTS:
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 fresh rosemary sprigs + more for garnish
- Cranberry juice of choice
- Champagne/prosecco (I used Brut)
- Fresh or frozen cranberries for garnish
TO MAKE IT:
- Add sugar and water to a small saucepan. Bring to a low boil and stir to dissolve the sugar (you’re basically making a simple syrup).
- When it’s dissolved, turn the heat off and add the rosemary. Let it infuse for 5 minutes (or longer for a stronger rosemary flavor).
- Pour 2 ounces of cranberry juice in each glass, followed by 1 ounce of rosemary syrup.
- Fill rest of the glass with bubbly of choice.
- Garnish with cranberries and rosemary. Serve immediately.
Fall Sangria
Y’all know I love a good sangria. I’ve got my summer fruit sangria recipe down pat, so now it’s time for some red wine fall sangria. White wine just doesn’t “feel” like fall, does it?
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 bottle red wine (I used cabernet; drier wine works better)
- 1 apple, diced
- 1 orange, sliced
- Juice of 1 orange
- 2 oz. spiced rum
- 1 cup fizz/bubbles of choice*
- 2 cinnamon sticks (optional)
TO MAKE IT:
- Add apples, oranges, juice, rum, and cinnamon sticks (if using) to a pitcher or carafe.
- Pour wine over fruit.
- Top with fizz/bubbles.
- Chill for 2-3 hours before serving. Best if left overnight.
*I’ve used Sprite, ginger ale, sparkling water, or champagne/brut, and they’re all delicious.
Hot Toddy
I made myself a hot toddy recently when I started to feel a cold coming on. I was low on lemons, so I used the next citrus fruit I had on hand: oranges. And I have to admit, I really like how it turned out!
INGREDIENTS:
- 1-2 ounces bourbon (depending on strength preference)
- Juice of 1 orange + zest/peel + 1 slice
- 2 lemon slices
- 5 whole cloves
- 5 cranberries
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ginger (or a few pieces of fresh ginger)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 6 ounces hot water (or brewed herbal tea of choice)*
TO MAKE IT:
- Pour water into small saucepan.
- Add cloves, ginger, cinnamon, one lemon slice, cranberries, orange juice and peel.
- Bring to a simmer and stir until everything is combined.
- Add second lemon slice, orange slice and bourbon to desired mug.
- Slowly pour hot water mix into mug (strain out fruit and cloves).
- Stir and enjoy hot.
*If you’re making this as a home remedy for a cold, I recommend using chamomile tea as the base and adding an additional tablespoon of honey.
Pumpkin Hot Chocolate
What would a collection of fall beverages be without a nod to pumpkin? I’m personally not a fan of PSLs, so I created a pretty delicious alternative. This recipe is non-boozy, but if you want to booze it up, add a shot of Bailey’s or your favorite Irish creme.
INGREDIENTS:
- 8 oz. milk of choice
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tbsp pumpkin puree
TO MAKE IT:
- Add milk and all ingredients to a small saucepan, over low-to-medium heat.
- Whisk until all ingredients are combined.
- Bring to a simmer, heat for one minute at the simmer, then cut the heat off.
- Pour into desired mug. Top with whipped cream and a dash of pumpkin pie spice and/or mini chocolate chips.
So there y’all have it—four fabulous fall drinks to toast and celebrate the holidays with your friends and family! Check out some of my other cocktail recipes here:
What fun fall drinks are you making and/or sipping on this year?
Thanks to my lovely friend Stephanie for shooting the photos with me!