31 Fall Cocktails to Sip Your Way Through Cozy Season
It feels like you were just cooling off with a spritz at the height of summer. But then, with a flick of the switch, it’s time for fall cocktails. That means stirred drinks are back in season and fall flavors retake the spotlight. Below you’ll find riffs on mulled cider and lots of drinks featuring cranberry and pomegranate, plus a few favorite whiskey cocktails and large-format drinks for fall entertaining. Sweep those fallen leaves to the side and fill a punch bowl so that everyone can easily serve themselves, or get that cocktail shaker ready for smaller groups.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Lillian Chou1/31Paradise Apple
We love simple fall cocktails, but sometimes you want an autumnal drink that's truly special. This recipe from Lynnette Marrero is absolutely worth the effort. The white wine in the mix evokes zesty citrus, fragrant peach, and tart apples—all flavors that are echoed by the fresh apple cider and bourbon in the mix. Lemon juice and elderflower liqueur bring the whole thing together, and heighten its luscious intensity. Garnish with dehydrated apple slices.
Photo by Paul H. Christian, Food Styling by Michele Figliuolo4/31Brown Derby
This classic 3-ingredient bourbon cocktail requires just the whiskey, grapefruit juice, and honey.
Photo by Eric Medsker5/31Cynar-Berry Spritz
Aperol feels summery, but this spritz, made with bittersweet Cynar and cranberry, is ideal for a fall happy hour.
Photo by Madelynne Boykin6/31The Redenbacher Old-Fashioned
The rum in this play on the classic old fashioned is infused with buttery popcorn. Make this recipe for movie night—unless, of course, you're watching The Big Lebowski. Then White Russians are in order.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Lillian Chou7/31Turmeric-Cumin Margarita
Epi's Rachel Gurjar designed this drink as a part of her Diwali menu, but it's a delicious option for any time. Make it with blanco tequila, triple sec, agave nectar, fresh lime juice, cumin, salt, and turmeric.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton10/31Penicillin
A gingery, smoky take on the whiskey sour is just right for sipping while you enjoy a crisp evening and friends gathered around a fire pit.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Anna Surbatovich, Food Styling by Olivia Mack Anderson11/31Thanksgiving Sangria
Photo by Shutterstock12/31The Celtic Buck
Pear nectar and ginger ale bring all the fall feels to this drink. Instead of a basic simple syrup, you'll infuse the equal-parts mix of sugar and water with whole allspice berries.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Kaitlin Wayne13/31Jungle Bird
Bold Campari and blackstrap rum enrich this tart, tangy, rich, and slightly bitter tiki cocktail. Click through to read more about Jungle Bird history and how to make the best version.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Kaitlin Wayne15/31Cosmopolitan
On a fall day when nothing but cranberry drinks will do, there's always the Cosmo.
Photo & Food Styling by Joseph De Leo22/31Ginger and Tamarind Refresher
Gingery drinks are always crowd-pleasers, especially when there's tangy tamarind in the mix.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Kaitlin Wayne23/31Aperitif Scorpion Bowls
This easy low-ABV amaro punch can be made in a single serving or batched for a crowd in a punch bowl or pitcher.
24/31Gin-Gin Mule
This fall drink, a more flavorful cousin of the Moscow Mule, is a little spicy and very refreshing, thanks to the combo of ginger beer and fresh mint.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Beatrice Chastka, Food Styling by Pearl Jones26/31Mulled Apple Cider With Orange and Ginger
Photo by Alex Lau, Prop Styling by Sophie Strangio, Food Styling by Pearl Jones28/31Shirley Tonic
Make a little spiced homemade grenadine using pomegranate juice, cinnamon sticks, ginger, and whole cloves, then top with club soda and a lemon twist for a festive nonalcoholic delight. This is a really nice option for a fall brunch, alongside pumpkin muffins or coffee cake.
Photo by Kelly Puleio29/31Spanish Penny
You probably won't need to go to the store for this simple fall cocktail recipe—all it requires is rye whiskey, maple syrup, and a bit of sherry vinegar.
Photo by Chelsie Craig, Prop Styling by Elizabeth Jaime, Food Styling by Yekaterina Boystova30/31Applejack Sour
Apple brandy is delicious at any time of year—have you tried this summery Applejack Fix?—but many people reach for it especially in fall. Here's a great easy recipe for using applejack in a simple sour.
31/31Hot Buttered Rum
Once you've sipped your way through this list of fall cocktails, it may be time to turn to winter drinks, like Gourmet's go-to hot buttered rum, made with a touch of cinnamon, brown sugar, and nutmeg.
