To avoid ruminating on turning 21 during a global pandemic, I sought out the best fall cocktail recipes the internet has to offer. From basic to bizarre, here's what I came up with.
Spiked Hot Apple Cider
juice with toppings near sliced apple fruits and cinnamon sticksPhoto by Heidi Kaden on UnsplashJust because tailgating is canceled this year, doesn't mean tailgating drinks are canceled. I learned this recipe from my dad, the true tailgating king.
Ingredients:
8 oz hot apple cider
2 oz Myers's Dark Rum
1 cinnamon stick (if you're bad)
Apple Cider Mimosas
person holding filled drinking glassesPhoto by Kelly Sikkema on UnsplashTry this Tik Tok Famous cocktail that combines all of the sparkly, apple-flavored warmth that fall needs. There are multiple variations of this recipe, but this one from Well Plated takes the cake. Make sure to add the champagne last, and enjoy!
Ingredients:
2 oz brandy or dark rum
4 oz cold apple cider
8 oz chilled champagne or prosecco
Add apple slices for garnish
Pumpkin Beer Cocktail
Photo by Sarah Gualtieri on UnsplashBeer cocktails are highly underrated and make a great, inexpensive drink to share (safely) with friends. Check out this drinkable pumpkin pie from Jelly Toast Blog.
Ingredients:
1 bottle/can of chilled pumpkin beer (try Samuel Adams Harvest Pumpkin Ale or Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin Wheat)
1/2 oz cinnamon schnapps
1 oz vanilla vodka
Fall Sangria
clear glass pitcher with juicePhoto by Frank Zhang on UnsplashSangria slaps any day, any time, and any season. This recipe from A Couple Cooks combines all of the best fall flavors. Just muddle the sugar with fruit, finely sliced, and stir to combine!
Ingredients:
1 Apple
1 Pear
1/2 Orange
2 tablespoons sugar (use brown sugar for a more warm, caramelly flavor)
1 bottle dry red wine
1 bottle of apple cider (sparkling if you're feeling frisky)
Moscow Mule
brass-colored mug with sliced limePhoto by Bon Vivant on UnsplashThe Moscow mule is an undeniable classic that tastes great regardless of the season, but ginger is an under-appreciated fall spice that needs some love. Not to mention, these babies are so easy to make, you really can't screw them up. Just pour over ice, stir, and garnish with a slice of lime or sprig of mint.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup ginger beer
2 oz vodka
1 oz lime juice
Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour
liquor pouring on clear shot glassPhoto by Adam Jaime on UnsplashNothing says fall like cinnamon, maple, and bourbon. This four-ingredient whiskey sour from Cookie and Kate has big dad energy and would pair well with the Best of Frank Sinatra on CD.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 oz bourbon
1 oz lemon juice
2-4 tablespoons maple syrup (add to taste)
Pinch of ground cinnamon (add to taste)
Kahlua Hot Chocolate
Photo by Aliona Gumeniuk on UnsplashHot chocolate is wonderful on its own, but boozy hot chocolate is genius. Another tailgate favorite, Kahlua hot chocolate will add a little extra warmth to any fall day and is insanely easy to make. Make your own hot chocolate with this Damn Delicious recipe, or use your favorite store-bought cocoa mix. Don't forget to top it with some whipped cream or mini marshmallows.
Ingredients:
1-2 oz Kahlua coffee liquor
1 pack cocoa mix (if you don't have time for the homemade recipe)
8 oz milk or water
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
pinch of nutmeg
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