It’s the time of year now when the sun sets WAY TOO GODDAMN EARLY, and even though I don’t have to deal with cold weather where I live, that early darkness is deeply upsetting. But I’m trying to focus on the good parts of this season, like enjoying warm beverages in mugs. Sometimes you just need a liquid sweet treat to start or end the day. Or I personally like to take a midday moment for what I call a “bev break,” whipping up something tasty to sip on while I look at the Weather app on my phone to see exactly what time the sun is going to set and balk at how early it is. Here, I’ve compiled a list of ciders, fancy coffee drinks to make at home when a trip to the local cafe seems to ambitious, and hot toddies and other alcoholic warm drinks. The first two sections all feature nonalcoholic drinks, so feel free to skip the final third section if you don’t drink. Also check out our list of cozy mocktails for more inspiration. Let’s all sip on some spiced, warm, delicious fall drinks.
Ciders
Homemade Apple Cider
It’s a classic for a reason!
Fire Cider
Nothing makes me feel more like a witch than making fire cider.
Mulled Apple Cider with Ginger and Orange
Can verify that making a low effort mulled cider is worth it just for the way it’ll make your home smell alone. It’s easy to scale things like this up too for a gathering or party.
Hot Pear Cider with Cinnamon and Spices
Orange Spiced Cider
There are Red Hots candies in this drink! We love innovation!
Spiced Apple Cider with Clove Oranges
Inserting cloves into oranges ALSO makes me feel like a fall witch.
Fancy Fall Coffee Drinks
Mocha Coffee
This is the simplest approach to making a mocha at home. My added suggestion would be to whip up some cream to put on top as well.
Maple Cinnamon Latte
Also, in a pinch, just adding a bit of maple syrup to your regular coffee is an excellent fall treat.
Pistachio Latte
Pistachio is a really underrated alt milk imo.
Masala Chai
This is not technically a coffee drink, but I had to give a shoutout to the hot drink I most consistently make during this time of year (and year round tbh). Every person in my family has a slightly different approach to making masala chai. I usually go heavy on the bolder flavors like ginger and black pepper and lighter on the softer flavors like cardamom. Start with a basic recipe and go from there depending on your own personal tastes.
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte
I am not too proud to admit I like a good PSL! And there are a lot of recipes out there for DIY versions that range from super simple to a little more complex. Either way, they’re much cheaper to make for yourself.
Eggnog Latte
To be completely honest, I’ve never really understood the whole nog thing, but I know a lot of people love it!
Creamy Hot Cocoa
Also not technically a coffee drink, but one of my greatest small pleasures in life is to order a fancy hot chocolate at a coffee shop, but I know my budget would prefer for me to just make them at home. It’s easy to do!
Thus concludes the nonalcoholic portion of this list. Continue reading if you’re interested in hard fall drinks!
Warm Cocktails
Classic Hot Toddy
I am realizing during the course of compiling this list that I NEED clear mugs?
Spiked Mulled Apple Cider
Again, super easy for a party situation.
Carajillo
I agree with Bon Appetit that the carajillo is better than an espresso martini. I prefer them served hot rather than over ice personally.
Hot Buttered Rum
Mulled Wine
Another drink that’s easy to scale up for a gathering. You can have some fun with the accoutrement and even create a little mulled wine toppings bar!
Chili Cinnamon Bourbon Hot Toddy
I love a little kick to my cocktails. Hot honey is the secret star of my bar cart.
Blackberry Bourbon Mulled Wine
This sounds perfect for a fall picnic.
What have you been sipping on this season?
