Popular Fall Cocktail Recipes

Seasonal cocktails come alive in autumn, drawing on crisp apples, warming spices, rich spirits, and a touch of nostalgia for cozy gatherings. Whether hosting friends or enjoying an evening by the fire, a fall-inspired drink can channel the best flavors of the season into your glass.

Apple Cider Mimosa

Brunch feels instantly autumnal with an apple cider mimosa, marrying tart cider and sparkling wine. A cinnamon sugar rim adds an extra festive note.

90 ml chilled apple cider
90 ml dry sparkling wine
Optional: cinnamon sugar, for rim

Wet the rim of a flute and dip in cinnamon sugar, if desired.
Pour 90 ml apple cider into the flute.
Top with 90 ml sparkling wine. Serve immediately.

Pumpkin Spice Martini

Pumpkin puree and warming spices give this creamy martini a truly comforting profile. It’s a dessert cocktail to carry you from Halloween through winter.

45 ml vodka
30 ml coffee liqueur
30 ml half-and-half or cream
15 ml pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
5 ml maple syrup
Pinch of ground cinnamon and nutmeg

Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice.
Shake briskly for 15 seconds until well combined and frothy.
Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a dash of cinnamon.

pumpkin spice martini in martini glass with cinnamon garnish

Hot Buttered Rum

Hot buttered rum delivers nostalgia and warmth, built with dark rum, spiced butter mix, and hot water. A comfort classic for chilly nights.

45 ml dark rum
10 ml spiced butter (softened butter mixed with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove)
120 ml hot water

Place spiced butter mix in a heatproof mug.
Add dark rum and hot water.
Stir until the butter fully melts and integrates.

hot buttered rum in a clear mug with spice

Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail

Vibrant cranberry and bourbon pair beautifully, with a touch of citrus and simple syrup. This cocktail is visually striking and well-balanced.

60 ml bourbon
45 ml cranberry juice
15 ml simple syrup
15 ml fresh lemon juice
Optional: fresh cranberries and orange peel, for garnish

Add bourbon, cranberry juice, simple syrup, and lemon juice to a shaker with ice.
Shake thoroughly and strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
Garnish with cranberries and a twist of orange peel if desired.

cranberry bourbon cocktail in rocks glass with orange peel

Tips for Building Fall Cocktails at Home

Use fresh-pressed apple cider or fresh cranberry juice for pronounced flavor.
Spice blends (cinnamon, nutmeg, clove) create warmth across spirituous and creamy drinks.
Balance sweetness with acidity—lemon and orange juice work in nearly any autumn recipe.
Garnish with seasonal touches like apple slices, citrus peels, or a cinnamon stick.

Experiment with your own twists—swap in maple syrup for simple syrup, try smoky mezcal in place of bourbon, or infuse rum with spices for extra depth.