Top 5 Fall Cocktails

As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, there's no better time to cozy up with a cocktail that captures the flavors of fall. From apple and cinnamon to pumpkin and spice, these five fall cocktails are perfect for chilly evenings, holiday gatherings, or simply embracing the season. Here are our top five fall cocktails and how to make them at home.

Spiced Apple Cider Margarita

A festive twist on a summer classic, this margarita brings warm autumn flavors to the forefront.

• 2 oz tequila (reposado works best)

• 1 oz triple sec or Cointreau

• 2 oz apple cider

• 1 oz fresh lime juice

• Pinch of cinnamon

• Cinnamon sugar (for rimming)

Rim your glass with lime and dip in cinnamon sugar. In a shaker, combine tequila, triple sec, apple cider, lime juice, and cinnamon with ice. Shake well and strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice. Garnish with an apple slice or cinnamon stick.

Pumpkin Spice White Russian

This decadent drink is perfect for pumpkin spice lovers looking for something creamy and rich.

• 2 oz vodka

• 1 oz coffee liqueur

• 1 oz pumpkin spice creamer or pumpkin purée + cream + pumpkin spice

  
  

Fill a glass with ice. Add vodka and coffee liqueur. Top with pumpkin spice creamer and stir gently. Garnish with a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg.

Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned

A fall-ready take on the classic old fashioned, this cocktail adds warmth with maple syrup and orange.

• 2 oz bourbon

• 1/2 oz pure maple syrup

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

• Orange peel

  
  

In a mixing glass, stir together bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters. Add ice and stir until well chilled. Strain into a rocks glass with a large ice cube. Express orange peel over the drink and drop it in.

Cranberry Moscow Mule

This vibrant drink offers a tart, fizzy twist on the classic mule—ideal for fall and Thanksgiving season.

• 2 oz vodka

• 1 oz cranberry juice

• 1/2 oz lime juice

• Ginger beer to top

• Fresh cranberries and lime wedge for garnish

Fill a copper mug with ice. Add vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice. Top with ginger beer and stir gently. Garnish with cranberries and a lime wedge.

Pear & Thyme Sparkler

This elegant cocktail is great for entertaining, pairing crisp pear with herbal thyme and bubbly prosecco.

• 1 oz pear vodka or pear nectar

• 1/2 oz lemon juice

• 1/2 oz thyme simple syrup (boil equal parts sugar, water, and thyme)

• Prosecco to top

• Fresh thyme sprig for garnish

In a shaker with ice, combine pear vodka, lemon juice, and thyme syrup. Shake and strain into a flute or coupe glass. Top with prosecco and garnish with a thyme sprig.

These fall cocktails are not only delicious but also bring the essence of the season to your glass. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just relaxing by the fire, give one (or all) of these a try. Cheers to fall!