12 Delicious Fall-Themed Cocktails and Mocktails

Fall is the season for cozy flavors and comforting drinks. Whether you enjoy a spiced cocktail or prefer a refreshing mocktail, there are plenty of ways to bring autumn to your glass. From pumpkin and apple to maple and chai, these ideas are perfect for cool evenings or gatherings with friends.

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Pumpkin Spice White Russian

Few cocktails capture autumn quite like this creamy White Russian with a pumpkin twist. The mix of coffee liqueur, vodka, and pumpkin puree brings richness and warmth, while a dusting of spice ties it all together. It feels indulgent, almost like dessert in a glass, and works beautifully for both casual evenings and festive gatherings.

You’ll need vodka, coffee liqueur, heavy cream, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice. For garnish, try a cinnamon stick or a light sprinkle of nutmeg.

Shake vodka, coffee liqueur, pumpkin puree, and spice with ice until smooth. Strain into a glass filled with ice, then slowly pour cream over the top to create a layered look. Swirl gently before drinking and finish with nutmeg or a cinnamon stick. Prep time: 5 minutes.

Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned

Rich bourbon takes on a seasonal note when paired with maple syrup in place of sugar. The result is smooth and gently sweet, with a hint of spice from aromatic bitters. Sipping it feels comforting, especially when paired with a hearty meal or enjoyed near a fire.

You’ll need bourbon, maple syrup, Angostura bitters, and an orange peel. Optional touches include a cinnamon stick or a cherry.

Combine bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until well chilled, then strain into a short glass with a large cube of ice. Twist the orange peel over the drink to release its oils and drop it in before serving. Prep time: 5 minutes.

Apple Cider Mule

Cider season deserves a cocktail of its own, and this mule does the trick. Apple cider adds crisp orchard flavor, ginger beer brings lively spice, and vodka keeps the drink balanced. Served in a copper mug, it’s refreshing yet still has the depth of fall flavors.

You’ll need vodka, apple cider, ginger beer, and lime juice. Fresh apple slices and a cinnamon stick make festive garnishes.

Fill a copper mug with ice, pour in vodka and cider, then add lime juice. Top with ginger beer, stir gently, and garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick. Prep time: 5 minutes.

Cranberry Whiskey Sour

Tart cranberry juice brings a seasonal spark to the classic whiskey sour. Lemon juice brightens the mix, while syrup balances the sharper notes. It’s bold yet refreshing, with a ruby-red color that makes it stand out at the table.

You’ll need whiskey, cranberry juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup. For garnish, use fresh cranberries or a lemon wheel.

Shake whiskey, cranberry juice, lemon juice, and syrup with ice until frosty. Strain into a rocks glass with ice and finish with cranberries or lemon. Prep time: 5 minutes.

Chai Spiced Hot Toddy

A steaming mug of chai tea is already soothing, but add bourbon, honey, and lemon and you get a drink made for chilly evenings. The spices mingle with the warm spirit to create a blend that feels both comforting and aromatic. It’s an ideal choice when you want something that warms you through.

You’ll need brewed chai tea, bourbon, honey, and lemon juice. A cinnamon stick or star anise adds a nice finishing touch.

Brew a strong cup of chai tea and pour it into a mug. Stir in bourbon, honey, and lemon juice until blended. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or star anise. Prep time: 10 minutes.

Caramel Apple Martini

Imagine the taste of a caramel apple on a stick, but in cocktail form. Sour apple schnapps keeps it tart, while caramel syrup brings sweet richness. It’s colorful, indulgent, and feels like a treat to sip after dinner.

You’ll need vodka, sour apple schnapps, caramel syrup, and a splash of cream if you like. Garnish with caramel drizzle or an apple slice.

Shake vodka, schnapps, and caramel syrup with ice until frothy. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish the rim with caramel and float an apple slice on top. Prep time: 5 minutes.

Pumpkin Pie Martini

Pumpkin pie doesn’t have to stay on the dessert table — it can show up in your glass, too. Cream, pumpkin puree, and warm spices turn this martini into a rich, smooth sip. It’s indulgent but playful, and always a crowd-pleaser after dinner.

Prepare vanilla vodka, pumpkin puree, cream, and pumpkin pie spice. Whipped cream and nutmeg are optional garnishes.

Shake vodka, puree, cream, and spice with ice until blended. Strain into a martini glass. Finish with whipped cream and a dusting of nutmeg. Prep time: 5 minutes.

Apple Cider Punch (Mocktail)

Family gatherings call for something festive that everyone can enjoy, and this punch delivers. Sparkling cider gives it fizz, while orange juice adds sweetness. A bowl of apple slices floating on top makes it both colorful and inviting.

You’ll need sparkling apple cider, orange juice, apple slices, and cinnamon sticks.

Mix cider and orange juice in a large pitcher or punch bowl. Stir in apple slices and cinnamon sticks. Serve over ice for a refreshing sip. Prep time: 10 minutes.

Cranberry Orange Spritzer (Mocktail)

Bright and bubbly, this spritzer balances tart cranberry with the sweetness of orange. Soda water brings the sparkle, making it light and easy to sip. It’s a quick drink that looks pretty in the glass.

You’ll need cranberry juice, orange juice, soda water, and orange slices.

Fill a glass with ice and pour in cranberry and orange juice. Top with soda water and stir gently. Garnish with an orange slice. Prep time: 5 minutes.

Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate (Mocktail)

Hot chocolate feels even cozier with pumpkin puree and warm spices stirred in. The flavor is rich and creamy, making it a great treat for both kids and adults. A swirl of whipped cream turns it into something special.

Prepare milk, cocoa powder, sugar, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice. Whipped cream is optional but recommended.

Warm milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in cocoa powder, sugar, pumpkin puree, and spice until smooth. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream. Prep time: 10 minutes.

Cinnamon Pear Cooler (Mocktail)

Pear juice has a gentle sweetness that pairs beautifully with cinnamon. Lemon juice adds balance, and sparkling water keeps the drink light. It’s crisp and aromatic, making it a good daytime option.

You’ll need pear juice, lemon juice, sparkling water, and cinnamon sticks.

Combine pear juice and lemon juice in a glass of ice. Add sparkling water and stir lightly. Garnish with a cinnamon stick before serving. Prep time: 5 minutes.

Pomegranate Ginger Ale Mocktail

Pomegranate juice gives this drink a deep jewel-toned color along with tart flavor. Ginger ale provides fizz and spice, while lime adds a fresh edge. It’s simple, refreshing, and looks festive in any glass.

You’ll need pomegranate juice, ginger ale, and lime wedges.

Fill a glass with ice, pour in pomegranate juice, then top with ginger ale. Squeeze in lime and stir gently. Prep time: 5 minutes.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.