11 Simple Cocktails and Mocktails for November Nights

When the air turns crisp and the nights grow longer, a cozy drink can make the season feel even warmer. November is the perfect time to mix up simple cocktails and mocktails that bring out the flavors of fall. From spiced apple and maple to cranberry and chai, these drinks are easy to make and comforting to sip. They are just right for quiet evenings at home or small get-togethers with friends.

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Apple Cider Bourbon Smash

This cozy cocktail blends crisp apple cider with the smooth warmth of bourbon, creating a drink that tastes like autumn in a glass. Lemon juice adds a light touch of brightness, while maple syrup deepens the flavor with gentle sweetness. It’s simple enough for a casual night but special enough for weekend gatherings.

You’ll need 2 ounces of bourbon, 3 ounces of apple cider, ½ ounce of lemon juice, and ½ ounce of maple syrup.

Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake until well chilled. Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice and garnish with an apple slice or cinnamon stick. It’s ready in 3 minutes and best enjoyed slowly.

Cranberry Mule

This colorful twist on the classic Moscow Mule tastes crisp and festive, making it perfect for November evenings. The cranberry juice adds tartness, while ginger beer brings the familiar spicy fizz. Together with vodka and lime, it creates a refreshing drink that pairs well with appetizers or a roast dinner.

You’ll need 2 ounces of vodka, 3 ounces of cranberry juice, ½ ounce of lime juice, and ginger beer to top.

Fill a copper mug or glass with ice, pour in the vodka and juices, then top with ginger beer. Stir gently and garnish with a few cranberries or a lime wheel. Serve immediately for a cool, fizzy sip.

Maple Old Fashioned

This smooth drink feels like sitting by the fire after a long day. The maple syrup softens the bourbon’s bite and gives a subtle sweetness that matches the season perfectly. Orange peel and bitters tie everything together with a rich aroma.

You’ll need 2 ounces of bourbon, ½ teaspoon of maple syrup, and 2 dashes of bitters.

Stir everything with ice in a mixing glass until chilled, then strain over a large ice cube in a rocks glass. Garnish with an orange twist. It takes about 2 minutes and feels instantly warming.

Pumpkin Spice White Russian

This creamy drink brings a fall twist to the classic White Russian. Pumpkin puree and spice blend into smooth coffee liqueur and vodka, creating a dessert-like cocktail. Each sip feels cozy, with just enough spice to balance the creaminess.

You’ll need 1 ounce of vodka, 1 ounce of coffee liqueur, 1 ounce of cream, and 1 tablespoon of pumpkin puree.

Shake all ingredients with ice for 10 seconds, then strain into a short glass with ice. Dust the top with cinnamon or nutmeg. Serve right away while it’s cold and velvety.

Hot Buttered Rum

This old-fashioned favorite is rich, comforting, and ideal for a chilly night indoors. Butter melts into spiced rum and brown sugar, creating a drink that feels like dessert in a mug. The cinnamon and nutmeg bring gentle warmth that fills the air as it steams.

You’ll need 2 ounces of dark rum, 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of butter, and a pinch each of cinnamon and nutmeg.

Mix butter, sugar, and spices in a mug, then pour in the rum. Add ¾ cup of hot water, stir until smooth, and sip slowly. It’s ready in about 5 minutes and tastes like liquid comfort.

Mulled Red Wine

A pot of mulled wine fills the house with sweet, spicy fragrance and warmth. Red wine simmered with oranges, cloves, and cinnamon feels festive yet simple. It’s the perfect drink for quiet evenings or small gatherings.

You’ll need 1 bottle of red wine, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 orange sliced, 3 cloves, and 1 cinnamon stick.

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and warm over low heat for 15 minutes without boiling. Strain and serve in mugs with an orange slice. Keep warm on the stove for refills.

Pear and Rosemary Gin Fizz

Light and fragrant, this gin cocktail has the fresh sweetness of pear with a herbal twist from rosemary. The bubbles make it lively, while the flavors remain smooth and balanced. It’s a simple drink that looks elegant when served.

You’ll need 2 ounces of gin, 2 ounces of pear nectar, ½ ounce of rosemary syrup, and club soda to top.

Shake the gin, nectar, and syrup with ice, then strain into a tall glass filled with ice. Top with club soda and garnish with a rosemary sprig. Serve chilled and refreshing.

Spiced Apple Spritzer

This refreshing mocktail tastes like sparkling apple pie. The mix of apple juice, cinnamon syrup, and lemon gives it a lovely balance of sweet and tart. It’s festive enough for gatherings but light enough for any night.

You’ll need 4 ounces of apple juice, ½ ounce of cinnamon syrup, ½ ounce of lemon juice, and 3 ounces of sparkling water.

Fill a glass with ice, add all ingredients, and stir gently. Garnish with a thin apple slice or a sprinkle of cinnamon. Serve cold and bubbly.

Cranberry Orange Fizz

Bright and tangy, this mocktail blends citrus and berry flavors in a refreshing way. The cranberry brings color and tartness, while the orange softens it with sweetness. A rosemary sprig adds aroma and a touch of holiday charm.

You’ll need 3 ounces of cranberry juice, 2 ounces of orange juice, and 3 ounces of tonic water.

Pour juices into a glass with ice, top with tonic water, and stir lightly. Garnish with rosemary or an orange peel. It’s quick, sparkling, and cheerful.

Pomegranate Ginger Cooler

This ruby-red mocktail is both sweet and slightly spicy. Pomegranate juice gives it a deep color, while ginger ale adds fizz and warmth. It’s festive enough for a dinner table yet easy enough to make in minutes.

You’ll need 3 ounces of pomegranate juice, ½ ounce of lime juice, and 3 ounces of ginger ale.

Add all ingredients to a glass with ice and stir gently. Garnish with a few pomegranate seeds or a lime wedge. Serve chilled for a crisp and lively flavor.

Non-Alcoholic Mulled Cider

This comforting drink brings the same warmth as traditional mulled wine without the alcohol. Apple cider, oranges, cloves, and cinnamon simmer together to create a fragrant fall drink. It’s perfect for family gatherings or a quiet night in.

You’ll need 4 cups of apple cider, 1 orange sliced, 3 cloves, 1 cinnamon stick, and 1 tablespoon of honey.

Simmer everything in a pot over low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Strain into mugs and serve warm. Add a cinnamon stick for garnish if you like.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.