30+ Must-Make Fall Cocktail Recipes

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From caramel apple martinis to mulled wine, I’ve rounded up the best fall cocktail recipes that you will want to make as soon as possible (if you haven’t already done so)!

These are some of my favorite autumn-inspired cocktails that I want to sip on all season. Each recipe has been carefully crafted to reflect the unique and delicious flavors that autumn has to offer. Cheers to fall y’all!

As the leaves start to turn and the air gets a hint of chill, it’s time to trade our refreshing summer sips for cozier, warmer libations. Fall is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a collection of the most delicious, autumn-inspired cocktails?

I’ve made sure to include a variety of recipes to suit every palate and occasion. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween bash, a Thanksgiving dinner, or simply enjoying a quiet night in, there’s a cocktail here for you. And don’t worry if you’re not an expert mixologist – these recipes are approachable, and you don’t need any fancy equipment to make them.

If you’re looking for more specific cocktails, check out these Apple Cider Cocktails, these Bourbon-Based Cocktails, and these Halloween Cocktail Recipes.

So put on your favorite comfy sweater, find your snuggliest spot, and let’s raise our glasses to the enchanting spell of autumn. Cheers to fall y’all!

Why You’ll Enjoy These Recipes

  • The fall season blesses us with a bounty of fresh, flavorful ingredients. Think apples, pears, pumpkins, and caramel – all the flavors that encapsulate the essence of fall. These cocktails make the most of these seasonal ingredients, which not only taste amazing but also help you get into the autumnal spirit!
  • Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party, Thanksgiving dinner, or just having a quiet night in, there’s a cocktail here for every occasion. The variety of recipes means there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a fan of apple cider, pumpkin spice, or caramel.
  • These cocktails are not just a treat for your taste buds, but for your eyes too! The rich, warm colors of these drinks are reminiscent of fall foliage, making them almost too pretty to drink. Almost.

As regular readers of Inspired by Charm know, I enjoy creating libations with a seasonal twist. These 30+ must-make fall cocktail recipes are among my best concoctions. I’m confident you’ll enjoy each one of them!

So grab your favorite sweater, gather your ingredients, and let’s toast to the beauty of fall! Cheers to cozy nights, laughter with friends, and delicious fall cocktails that will warm your heart and soul

Apple and Apple Cider Recipes

Apples are the quintessential fruit of fall, and apple cider is a staple in any autumn kitchen. In this section, you’ll find cocktails that celebrate the humble apple in all its glory. From tangy and tart to sweet and smooth, these apple and apple cider cocktails are as varied and delightful as a walk through an apple orchard in October.

caramel apple inspired fall cocktail recipes

Caramel Apple Martini

This fall cocktail is like a liquid dessert. And it only takes three ingredients: apple cider, caramel vodka, and butterscotch schnapps. I also rim the glass with caramel sauce.

hot toddy with an apple twist for fall cocktail recipes

Apple Cinnamon Hot Toddy

If you’re craving something warm on a chilly autumn evening, may I suggest this yummy toddy? This fall cocktail gets a flavor upgrade inspired by apple pie. Traditional with a twist!

apple pie moonshine in a mason jar for fall cocktail recipes

Apple Pie Moonshine

As its name suggests, this fall cocktail packs a punch. I warn folks about this and suggest serving it in small doses. I found some tiny mason jar-shaped glasses that were the perfect size, but standard shot glasses will work equally well.

fall cocktail recipes: apple pie martini with graham cracker crumb rim

Caramel Apple Pie Martini

This is another autumn take on the martini that you’re going to love. It’s like drinking a slice of fresh-baked apple pie with vanilla ice cream. The glass is even rimmed with graham cracker crumbs.

apple cider cocktail for fall

Apple Cider Sangria

You can’t miss the opportunity to make this fall cocktail! It’s a mix of apple pie vodka and apple cider. Seasonal spices and cut-up apples, pears, and grapes enhance the flavor and visual appeal.

harvest apple mule garnished with cinnamon sticks

Harvest Apple Mule

Here’s another mule you’re going to enjoy. In a nutshell, it’s a Moscow mule plus apple cider. Sometimes simple is best.

how to make apple pie sangria

Apple Pie Sangria

This fall cocktail has all the flavors you expect in traditional apple pie filling. The lovely apple pie spices come from a homemade simple syrup. The syrup is super easy to make, and I’ve included a link to it with this sangria recipe.

hot apple cider with bourbon, and homemade mulling spices

Hot Apple Cider

Welcome cooler weather with a warm cup of the flavors of fall with this delicious and classic hot apple cider. Bourbon is the crowning touch for me, but you could use brandy, spiced rum, or tequila.

You’ll need mulling spices for this recipe. Be sure to grab my recipe for Homemade Mulling Spices. I know you’ll love them!

apple cider sidecar drink with lemon garnish

Apple Cider Sidecar

I love the name, look, and taste of this fall cocktail. And with its combination of apple cider, cognac, and orange liqueur, it’s perfect for celebrating the bounty of the season. I garnished mine with lemon peel.

Spiked Caramel Apple Cider Tea

Looking for the ultimate cold-weather cocktail? Meet your new favorite: Spiked Caramel Apple Cider Tea. From fresh apple cider to the hint of salted caramel, it’s a symphony of flavors that promises comfort in every sip.

Pumpkin Inspired Cocktails

Pumpkin spice and everything nice! That’s what this section is made of. Pumpkin is not just for pies and lattes, it also makes a delicious and festive addition to cocktails. Whether you’re a pumpkin spice aficionado or just looking for a new way to enjoy this seasonal squash, these pumpkin-inspired cocktails are sure to add a little magic to your fall evenings.

pumpkin spiced white Russian drink in a short glass

Pumpkin Spice White Russians

Classic White Russian cocktails get a fall twist with the help of pumpkin spice. Garnished with a cinnamon stick, these Pumpkin Spice White Russians are a delicious, creamy, and seasonal libation.

frozen pumpkin martini with a dollop of whipped cream on top

Frozen Pumpkin Pie Martini

This is an ideal dessert drink when you need to chill out on a fall night. You will love the fusion of a pumpkin milkshake and a pumpkin pie martini. I topped mine with a dollop of whipped cream.

a pumpkin flavored cocktail

Pumpkin Old Fashioned

Yes, you can have your pumpkin and drink it, too. This classic cocktail has been tweaked with pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and black walnut bitters. All of that is mixed with bourbon, so the taste is amazing!

Wine Based Recipes

Wine lovers, rejoice! This section is dedicated to cocktails that start with your favorite vino. Whether you prefer red, white, or rosé, there’s a wine-based cocktail here for you. These recipes add a twist to the classic glass of wine, making them perfect for a cozy night in or a festive fall gathering.

mulled cider in a mug that says forever fall

Cider Mulled Wine

This seasonal libation is not to be missed. It combines mulled wine and mulled cider. Need I say more!? I’m certain you’re going to enjoy it as much as I do.

a glass of sangria with chunks of fruit and cinnamon sticks floating inside

Autumn Harvest Fall Sangria

Fall is an ideal time for sangria. (For that matter, any season is. Find all of my seasonal sangria recipes HERE.) This version has the bold colors and flavors of autumn, and it’s easy to make a big batch if you’re expecting guests!

best fall cocktail recipes - mulled wine in a slow cooker

The Best Mulled Wine

Who doesn’t enjoy a cup or two of mulled wine? This easy and delicious recipe can take you from fall right into the holiday season. I always recommend mulling the type of wine you like to drink and varying your choice to suit the occasion.

fall cocktail sangria recipes made in the crockpot

Slow Cooker Sangria

You know a slow cooker is great for soups, stews, dips, and slow-cooking meats, but you might not have thought about using it for sangria. In this recipe, you heat red wine, brandy, simple syrup, cranberries, orange slices, cranberries, and spices. Your house is going to smell heavenly!

Caramel Cocktails

Is there anything more comforting than the rich, buttery taste of caramel? In this section, you’ll find cocktails that feature this beloved sweet treat. These caramel cocktails are smooth, indulgent, and perfect for sipping by the fire or sharing with friends.

salted caramel white Russian fall cocktail recipes

Salted Caramel White Russian

I’ve always enjoyed a White Russian (it’s like a vanilla milkshake with vodka), and this one is incredible. Two of the reasons are the salted caramel coffee liqueur and salted caramel vodka.

Caramel Apple Cider Moscow Mule in copper mug.

Caramel Apple Moscow Mule

Step out and have a moscow mule that’s tailored to the fall season! Made with caramel vodka, apple cider, and ginger beer, this Caramel Apple Cider Moscow Mule combines the flavors of the season with a classic mule to create a crisp, refreshing, and autumnal libation you’re going to love. 

Pear Cocktails

Pears are often overlooked, but they are one of the tastiest fruits of the season! In this section, you’ll find cocktails that highlight the sweet and subtle flavors of pears. These pear cocktails are sophisticated, refreshing, and a delightful way to enjoy this autumn fruit.

spiced pear gin cocktail with thyme garnish

Spiced Pear Gin Cocktail

Pears work beautifully in fall cocktails. This delightful concoction combines gin, pear juice, pear liqueur, lemon juice, and cardamom bitters. For garnish, there’s a pear slice and thyme sprig.

spiced pear moscow mule in copper mugs

Spiced Pear Moscow Mule

You can’t go wrong with a mule this time of year. This version gets its unique taste from homemade spiced pear simple syrup, a splash of vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer. When you make one, you’ll know exactly what I mean.

apple and pear cider drink

Caramel Pear Cider

Don’t be fooled by this unpretentious-looking fall drink. The combination of apple cider, pear cider, and caramel syrup is out-of-this-world! To add a bit of drama, I serve it with a cinnamon stick and thin, fresh-cut whole pear slice.

Maple Based Cocktails

Maple syrup is not just for pancakes, my friends! This liquid gold is a deliciously sweet and versatile ingredient that can elevate any cocktail. These maple-infused cocktails are the perfect balance of sweet and strong, making them the ultimate autumnal indulgence.

fall cocktail recipes for apple cider old fashioned drink with maple syrup

Cider and Maple Old Fashioned

I took a classic old-fashioned and added seasonal flavor with apple cider and pure maple syrup to create this sensational Cider and Maple Old Fashioned. I know you’re going to love this combination as much as I do.

maple bourbon cranberry cocktail with a sprig of rosemary for garnish

Maple Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail

The tart-meets-sweet of this cocktail gives it a unique flavor sensation for the season. Folks who follow IBC know that I have become a bourbon aficionado in recent years. In case you haven’t yet been converted, I have a feeling this drink will favorably influence your preferences.

Unique Fall Libations

Looking for something a little different? This section is for you! These unique fall libations are a little out of the ordinary but utterly delicious. From unexpected ingredients to creative combinations, these cocktails are a fun and adventurous way to celebrate the season.

creamy Chai spiced white Russian drink

Chai Spiced White Russians

In this take on a White Russian, I used vodka infused with chai tea, plus coffee-flavored liqueur, half-and-half, and cinnamon. The finishing touch is a cinnamon stick and star anise. It’s autumn in a glass!

Pomegranate Rum Punch in glasses and pitcher.

Pomegranate Rum Punch

If you’re looking for a delicious punch recipe that you can serve from fall into the holidays, look no further than this Pomegranate Rum Punch. This easy-to-make punch is refreshing, sparkling, and tart with a touch of citrus. 

oatmeal cookie shot on cutting board.

Want a shot recipe that tastes just like a cookie? Then this Oatmeal Cookie Shot is for you! Made with butterscotch schnapps, Irish cream liqueur, and cinnamon whiskey, this recipe is a delightful sip for any fall celebration.

two maple martinis in glasses on a table.

Maple Martini

Dive into the comforting flavors of the season with the Maple Martini. In the creation of this sweet, zesty, and oh-so-smooth cocktail only three ingredients were used!  The Maple Martini is perfect for fall but delightful all year round.

Halloween Cocktail Recipes

Boo! Did we scare you? Just kidding! In this section, you’ll find Halloween cocktail treats that are more delightful than frightful. These cocktails are perfect for a spooky soirée or a quiet night in watching your favorite scary movies. Trick or treat yourself!

collage of four halloween cocktails in glasses.

If you’re looking for Halloween inspired cocktails you’re in luck because I have an entire post filled with my best spooky chic Halloween libations.

Check out this collection of my best halloween cocktail recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions people often ask about making cocktails at home. If you have another question that isn’t answered here, please leave it in the comment section below.

What favorite drink is fall known for?

Even after many years of staying on top, anything with pumpkin spice is still one of the most popular types of fall drinks you can make.

With the over-popularity of pumpkins, apple-based drinks are becoming even more popular each year. If you want to offer your guests something different, make an apple cider drink.

What are the five basic cocktails?

The most basic cocktails of all include the old-fashioned martini, daiquiri, sidecar, whiskey highball, and flip.

Once you learn how to make these five drinks, you can make almost anything else (and create different varieties of them).

What are fall flavors?

The most popular fall flavors include anything that is harvested at the end of summertime. This includes pumpkin or squash, apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cranberries.

What do you serve at a fall dinner party?

When you are planning a fall dinner party, make some of your favorite fall foods! The star of the show will be a homemade loaf of pumpkin bread. It has a show-stopping glaze that adds sweetness to the earthy bread.

My roasted Brussels sprouts and apples recipe is both savory and sweet and is a healthy side dish that looks and tastes appetizing.

Another colorful and crowd-pleasing fall side dish is a fall pasta salad. The colorful pasta is combined with sweet potatoes, broccoli, dried cranberries, pine nuts, and red onion. It’s all covered in a tangy poppy seed dressing.

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That’s a Wrap

How many of these IBC fall cocktails have you already tried? Which ones are now on your “must-make” list? Please let me know in the comments.

More Delicious Fall-Inspired Collections:

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