12 Easy Fall Cocktails For Every Occasion

When the air turns crisp and the leaves start to fall, there’s nothing better than cozying up with a seasonal drink in hand. From rich fall bourbon cocktails to refreshing fall gin cocktails, autumn is the perfect time to get creative behind the bar. Whether you’re planning a holiday gathering, a casual night in, or just want to try something new, easy fall cocktails bring the flavors of the season—like apple, pear, pumpkin, and warming spices—straight into your glass.

Autumn cocktails are all about balance: a touch of sweetness from maple or caramel, a hint of spice from cinnamon or chai, and bold, comforting flavors from spirits like bourbon, rum, and whiskey. They’re the kind of autumn drinks that can make a cozy evening by the fire feel even more special. And don’t forget the lighter options too—refreshing gin-based cocktails and crisp, fizzy concoctions are perfect for when you want something seasonal without being too heavy.

This roundup of autumn cocktails features everything from spiced takes on classics to dessert-worthy sips you’ll want to serve at every get-together. Whether you’re craving fall bourbon cocktails that warm you from the inside out, easy fall cocktails you can whip up in minutes, or even recipes you’ll carry into the colder months as winter cocktails, you’ll find the perfect drink for every mood and occasion.

Why You’ll Love These Fall Cocktails

• Seasonal flavors in every sip – From apple cider and pumpkin spice to maple and chai, these autumn cocktails highlight all the cozy tastes of the season.
• Perfect for any mood – Whether you’re in the mood for a refreshing fall gin cocktail, a bold fall bourbon cocktail, or a creamy after-dinner treat, there’s something here for you.
• Easy to make at home – These easy fall cocktails don’t require complicated tools or rare ingredients—you can whip them up with what you likely already have on hand.
• Crowd-pleasers for gatherings – Autumn drinks are a hit at Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or any casual get-together. They’re festive, flavorful, and look gorgeous in a glass.
• Cozy vibes for cool nights – Many of these cocktails double as winter cocktails too, keeping you warm and happy all season long.

1. Apple Cider Margarita

This fall twist on the classic margarita blends the tangy flavor of apple cider with the smooth kick of tequila and the brightness of fresh lime juice. It’s the perfect cocktail to serve at autumn gatherings, bringing that cozy apple orchard vibe right to your glass. The cinnamon sugar rim gives it just the right amount of festive flair, making every sip feel special.

Whether you’re mixing up a batch for friends on a crisp evening or just treating yourself, this margarita is equal parts refreshing and warming. It balances sweetness with a little tartness, and the tequila gives it that signature margarita kick. It’s one of those drinks that looks fancy but is super easy to make at home.

Servings: 1
Prep and cook time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 oz tequila (blanco or reposado)
• 2 oz apple cider
• 1 oz orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Triple Sec)
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1 tsp maple syrup or honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
• Ice cubes
• Cinnamon sugar (for the rim)
• Apple slices and cinnamon stick (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Start by preparing your glass. Take a small plate, sprinkle some cinnamon sugar onto it, and rub a lime wedge around the rim of your cocktail glass. Dip the rim into the cinnamon sugar until evenly coated.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the tequila, apple cider, orange liqueur, lime juice, and maple syrup (if using).
3. Shake vigorously for about 15–20 seconds until the shaker feels frosty on the outside.
4. Add fresh ice to your prepared glass and strain the cocktail over the ice.
5. Garnish with a thin apple slice on the rim and a cinnamon stick for that cozy fall look. Sip and enjoy!

2. Pumpkin Spice White Russian

If fall had a signature nightcap, this would be it. The Pumpkin Spice White Russian is a creamy, dessert-like cocktail that layers coffee liqueur, vodka, and pumpkin spice cream. It’s indulgent without being heavy, and the pumpkin spice flavor instantly makes it seasonal. Think of it as your favorite fall latte, but with an adult twist.

This drink is perfect for sipping by the fireplace or serving at small fall gatherings. It’s rich, smooth, and has just enough pumpkin spice flavor to feel festive without overpowering the drink. The layers look beautiful in the glass, so it doubles as a showstopper cocktail that’s as good for photos as it is for sipping.

Servings: 1
Prep and cook time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
• 2 oz pumpkin spice creamer (store-bought or homemade)
• Ice cubes
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Pumpkin pie spice (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Fill a short rocks glass with ice cubes, about halfway full.
2. Pour in the vodka first, followed by the coffee liqueur. Gently stir to combine.
3. Slowly pour the pumpkin spice creamer over the back of a spoon to create a layered effect. The cream should sit beautifully on top before slowly mixing into the drink.
4. If you want to go all out, top with a little whipped cream and a dusting of pumpkin pie spice.
5. Stir before drinking for the perfect creamy, spiced cocktail.

3. Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned

This fall-inspired version of the classic Old Fashioned replaces sugar with maple syrup, creating a drink that’s smooth, subtly sweet, and full of cozy flavor. The maple pairs beautifully with bourbon, giving each sip a warm depth that’s perfect for crisp evenings. With just a dash of bitters and a citrus twist, it’s a simple yet elegant drink.

If you’re looking for a cocktail that feels both timeless and seasonal, this is it. It’s not overly sweet, and the bourbon really shines through, so it’s a great choice for anyone who enjoys spirit-forward drinks. The maple syrup adds just enough fall flair without changing the soul of the classic Old Fashioned.

Servings: 1
Prep and cook time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1/2 oz pure maple syrup
• 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters
• Ice cubes (large cubes work best)
• Orange peel
• Cinnamon stick (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Grab a short rocks glass and place a large ice cube (or a few smaller ones) in the glass.
2. Pour the bourbon directly over the ice. Add the maple syrup and bitters.
3. Stir slowly for about 20–30 seconds to chill the drink and blend the flavors.
4. Express an orange peel over the glass by twisting it to release the oils, then drop it in.
5. If you’d like, add a cinnamon stick for garnish and an extra fall touch. Sip slowly and enjoy the warm, smooth flavors.

4. Cranberry Mule

The Cranberry Mule is a festive, fall-ready twist on the classic Moscow Mule. It combines vodka, tart cranberry juice, and zesty lime, all topped with fizzy ginger beer. The cranberry adds a refreshing tartness that pairs beautifully with the spice of ginger beer, making it a drink that’s light yet full of seasonal flavor.

Served in a copper mug with a handful of fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary, this cocktail looks just as good as it tastes. It’s perfect for fall get-togethers, Thanksgiving dinners, or just when you want something bright and refreshing with an autumn twist.

Servings: 1
Prep and cook time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 2 oz cranberry juice (unsweetened or sweetened, depending on preference)
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• Ginger beer (to top)
• Ice cubes
• Fresh cranberries and rosemary sprig (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Fill a copper mug (or tall glass if you don’t have one) with ice.
2. Pour in the vodka, cranberry juice, and fresh lime juice. Stir gently to combine.
3. Top with ginger beer, filling the mug to the brim.
4. Drop in a few fresh cranberries and garnish with a sprig of rosemary for a festive touch.
5. Give it one last light stir before sipping and enjoy the crisp, fizzy flavors.

5. Hot Buttered Rum

Hot Buttered Rum is one of those classic fall-and-winter cocktails that feels like a hug in a mug. It’s rich, warming, and spiced just right, with a creamy buttery base that melts into hot water and rum. The result is a smooth, cozy drink that’s perfect for chilly nights. Think of it as part cocktail, part comfort food — it’s indulgent but surprisingly simple to make.

What makes this drink special is the butter-spice mixture you prepare ahead of time. It combines brown sugar, butter, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, giving the cocktail its signature richness. Once you’ve made the batter, you can whip up Hot Buttered Rum in just minutes. It’s the kind of drink you’ll want to sip slowly by the fire or serve at a holiday gathering.

Servings: 1
Prep and cook time: 10 minutes (plus 5 minutes to make the batter)

Ingredients

• 2 oz dark rum
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• Pinch of ground cinnamon
• Pinch of ground nutmeg
• Pinch of ground cloves
• 1 cup hot water
• Cinnamon stick (for garnish)

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until smooth. This is your spiced butter batter.
2. Heat 1 cup of water until hot but not boiling.
3. In a mug, add 2 oz dark rum and about 1 tablespoon of your butter mixture.
4. Pour the hot water into the mug and stir until the butter has fully melted and combined with the rum.
5. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed by adding more sugar.
6. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and enjoy warm.

6. Caramel Apple Martini

This dessert-like cocktail tastes just like a caramel-dipped apple but with a grown-up twist. The Caramel Apple Martini combines vodka (or caramel-flavored vodka), apple schnapps, and a drizzle of caramel for a drink that’s sweet, crisp, and oh-so-festive. It’s ideal for parties when you want a drink that feels special and seasonal.

Not only does it taste amazing, but it also looks gorgeous in the glass. You can swirl caramel around the inside of your martini glass for presentation, and garnish it with an apple slice for extra flair. It’s one of those cocktails that makes a statement and will definitely have your guests asking for the recipe.

Servings: 1
Prep and cook time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka (plain or caramel-flavored)
• 1 oz apple schnapps (or sour apple liqueur)
• 1 oz butterscotch schnapps or caramel liqueur
• 1 oz apple cider (optional, for more apple flavor)
• Caramel sauce (for garnish)
• Ice cubes
• Apple slice (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Chill your martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes. Drizzle a little caramel sauce inside the glass in a swirl pattern, letting it drip slightly for effect.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the vodka, apple schnapps, butterscotch schnapps, and apple cider if using.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15–20 seconds until well chilled.
4. Strain into your prepared martini glass.
5. Garnish with a thin apple slice on the rim for that perfect caramel apple look.

7. Spiced Pear Collins

The Spiced Pear Collins is a light, refreshing cocktail with a fall twist. It combines pear vodka (or pear puree), lemon juice, simple syrup, and a splash of club soda, all accented with warm spices like cinnamon or ginger. The result is a fizzy, slightly tart, and perfectly spiced drink that feels seasonal but not heavy.

It’s a great choice if you want something festive without going for creamy or overly sweet cocktails. The pear flavor adds a unique touch that pairs beautifully with the spices, while the bubbles from the soda keep it lively and fun. Serve it in a tall glass with ice, and it instantly feels elegant and refreshing.

Servings: 1
Prep and cook time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 oz pear vodka (or pear puree + regular vodka)
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• Club soda (to top)
• Pinch of ground cinnamon or fresh ginger (optional)
• Ice cubes
• Pear slice and cinnamon stick (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the pear vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, and a small pinch of cinnamon or ginger if you want the spiced flavor.
2. Shake for about 15 seconds until the mixture is well chilled.
3. Strain into a tall Collins glass filled with fresh ice.
4. Top with club soda to give the drink its fizz.
5. Garnish with a thin pear slice and a cinnamon stick. Stir gently before sipping.

8. Chai Whiskey Sour

The Chai Whiskey Sour is a cozy twist on the classic whiskey sour, blending warm chai spice with the tangy brightness of lemon juice. The chai flavor pairs perfectly with the caramel notes of whiskey, making this drink feel like autumn in a glass. It’s balanced, slightly spiced, and refreshing all at once.

What makes this cocktail stand out is the chai syrup, which you can make ahead of time with black tea, spices, and sugar. Once you have it, the drink comes together quickly and has a unique flavor that’s perfect for fall gatherings. It’s sophisticated but still approachable, and it looks great with a little dusting of cinnamon on top.

Servings: 1
Prep and cook time: 10 minutes (plus 15 minutes for chai syrup if making from scratch)

Ingredients

• 2 oz whiskey (bourbon works best)
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 oz chai syrup (homemade or store-bought)
• Ice cubes
• Cinnamon or star anise (for garnish)

For homemade chai syrup:

• 1 cup water
• 1 chai tea bag
• 1/2 cup sugar
• Pinch of ground cinnamon and nutmeg

Instructions

1. To make chai syrup: Heat 1 cup of water and steep the chai tea bag for 5 minutes. Remove the tea bag and stir in the sugar and spices until dissolved. Let cool.
2. In a cocktail shaker, add whiskey, lemon juice, and chai syrup. Fill with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds until the mixture is cold and frothy.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
5. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a star anise pod for a fragrant finish.

9. Mulled Wine Sangria

This drink is like the best of both worlds: the cozy, spiced warmth of mulled wine combined with the fruity, refreshing vibes of sangria. Mulled Wine Sangria uses red wine infused with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, then cooled and mixed with fresh fruit and brandy. The result is a cocktail that’s festive, bold, and perfect for a fall party.

It’s a make-ahead drink that actually tastes better as it sits, since the flavors have time to mingle. You can serve it slightly chilled or at room temperature, making it super versatile for gatherings. Plus, the colorful fruit floating in the wine makes it look gorgeous on the table.

Servings: 6–8
Prep and cook time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)

Ingredients

• 1 bottle red wine (Merlot, Cabernet, or Tempranillo works well)
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 1/4 cup orange liqueur (like Cointreau)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 1 apple, thinly sliced
• 1 pear, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen)
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 3–4 whole cloves
• 2 star anise pods

Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine the wine, brandy, orange liqueur, honey, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise. Warm gently over medium heat for about 10 minutes — do not let it boil.
2. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
3. Transfer to a large pitcher or punch bowl and add the sliced fruit and cranberries. Stir to combine.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or overnight) so the flavors can meld.
5. Serve in glasses with a bit of fruit spooned in for a beautiful presentation.

10. Maple Espresso Martini

This fall-inspired version of the trendy espresso martini swaps out simple syrup for pure maple syrup, adding a warm, earthy sweetness that pairs beautifully with coffee. The drink is smooth, rich, and has just enough caffeine to give you a little pick-me-up — it’s perfect for after-dinner sipping.

The maple syrup balances the bitterness of the espresso and enhances the velvety foam on top. With its dark, elegant look and creamy froth, the Maple Espresso Martini is as much a treat for the eyes as it is for the taste buds. It’s a must-try if you love both cocktails and coffee.

Servings: 1
Prep and cook time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
• 1 oz freshly brewed espresso (cooled slightly)
• 1/2 oz pure maple syrup
• Ice cubes
• Coffee beans (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Brew a shot of espresso and let it cool for a minute or two so it’s warm but not steaming hot.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and maple syrup.
3. Shake very vigorously for about 20–30 seconds — this creates that signature frothy top.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with three coffee beans gently floated on top of the foam.

11. Autumn Gin & Tonic

A classic gin and tonic gets a cozy seasonal makeover in this autumn-inspired version. By infusing it with flavors like apple, cinnamon, and rosemary, the crisp bitterness of the tonic blends beautifully with warm, earthy fall notes. It’s still light and refreshing, but it feels festive and perfectly suited for cooler weather.

This cocktail is easy to customize — you can swap in spiced tonic water, add a splash of apple cider, or garnish with cranberries for a holiday feel. It’s a great choice if you want something simple to put together but still want that “wow” presentation at your fall gatherings.

Servings: 1
Prep and cook time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 oz gin
• 1/2 oz apple cider (optional, for more autumn flavor)
• Tonic water (to top)
• Ice cubes
• Apple slices
• Fresh rosemary sprig
• Cinnamon stick (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Fill a tall glass (like a highball) with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the gin and apple cider, if using. Stir gently.
3. Top with tonic water until the glass is full, giving it a light stir to combine.
4. Garnish with thin apple slices tucked against the glass, a sprig of fresh rosemary, and a cinnamon stick for extra seasonal flair.
5. Sip and enjoy the crisp, botanical, and subtly spiced flavors.