There’s just nothing better as autumn slowly sets in and the leaves begin to change than snuggling up with a warm drink of fall. Whether you’re a pumpkin spice junkie or simply can’t get enough of the most classic flavors, here are ten must-try beverages to warm your soul and make your autumn experience elevated.
No autumn drink list is complete without the PSL (Pumpkin Spice Latte). The most popular fall drink is made with espresso, steamed milk, and a mixture of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. Finish with whipped cream and a pumpkin spice sprinkle for the ultimate holiday treat.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk (any kind)
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
- 1-2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice / use a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee / 1 shot of espresso
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Extra cinnamon / pumpkin pie spice for garnish
Instructions:
Whisk milk, pumpkin puree, and sugar in a little saucepan set over medium heat. Heat till heated but not boiling, then mix regularly to blend all the ingredients. Remove from the heat and mix in the pumpkin pie spice and vanilla essence. To make the latte foamy, add it to a blender and pulse for around 30 seconds, or use a milk frother. Prepare your strong coffee or espresso. Pour the coffee into a cup, then add the pumpkin spice milk mixture. Stir to mix. If preferred, top with a liberal dollop of whipped cream and an extra sprinkling of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon.
2. Hot Apple Cider
Nothing shouts fall more clearly than hot apple cider. Simmer fresh apple juice with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and a sprinkle of allspice to create a sweet and spicy drink. For a mature twist, add a dash of bourbon or rum.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 gallon apple cider
- 1 orange (optional)
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- ½ teaspoon whole allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2-4 tablespoons brown sugar (optional)
- 4-5 star anise (optional)
- Apple slices or cinnamon sticks for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
In a large pot or slow cooker, pour the apple cider. Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and the orange slices (if using). If you want a bit more sweetness, add brown sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Once simmering, decrease the heat to low and let it cook for 30-60 minutes. This allows all of the tastes to blend together. If you used entire spices and orange slices, strain them through a fine mesh strainer before serving. Ladle hot apple cider into cups. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, apple slices, or even a star anise pod for decoration.
3. Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
Salted caramel hot chocolate adds a fall flavor to rich, creamy hot chocolate. Salted caramel is a fantastic combination of sweet and salty to make this drink just too irresistible, especially if you make it really decadent with marshmallows or whipped cream.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk (any kind)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup caramel sauce
- A pinch of sea salt (to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Extra caramel sauce for drizzling
- A pinch of extra sea salt for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it’s warm but not boiling. Whisk in the cocoa powder and sugar until fully dissolved. Adjust the sweetness to your preference. Add the ¼ cup of caramel sauce and a pinch of sea salt. Stir continually until the caramel has completely melted and integrated. Taste and adjust the salt amount as needed. Add the vanilla extract for an added depth of flavor. Pour hot chocolate into cups. If preferred, top with whipped cream, pour with caramel sauce, and sprinkle with sea salt.
4. Chai Latte.
Chai varieties are ideal for autumn. A warm, velvety drink is made with boiling milk, strong black tea, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and honey or maple syrup.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups water
- 2 black tea bags / 2 teaspoons loose-leaf black tea
- 1 cup milk (any kind)
- 1-2 tablespoons honey / sugar (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves / 2-3 whole cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions:
In a small saucepan, heat the water until it begins to boil. Reduce the heat and then add the tea bags or loose tea. Allow the tea to steep for three to five minutes, depending on desired strength. Stir in the ground cardamom, cloves, ginger, and cinnamon while the tea is steaming. Allow the spices to steep in the tea for a further 2-3 minutes. To sweeten the chai, add honey or sugar. Adjust to your tastes. In a separate saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it is warm but not boiling. Use a milk frother or vigorously whisk the milk to get a frothy texture. Pour the chai tea mixture into your cup or teapot using a fine mesh filter, whether you used whole spices or loose-leaf tea. After adding the heated milk to the chai tea, carefully whisk everything together. Add a dab of vanilla essence for a deeper taste or some cinnamon for an added touch.
5. Maple Pecan Latte
For a sweet and nutty twist on your standard coffee, try a maple pecan latte instead. The earthy notes of maple syrup and roasted nuts match the rich flavor of espresso nicely, making this an ideal autumnal beverage.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk (any kind)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon pecan butter / 1 tablespoon finely ground pecans
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee / 1 shot of espresso
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Crushed pecans (optional)
- Maple syrup drizzle (optional)
Instructions:
Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat, being careful not to boil. Stir from time to time. Stir in the pecan butter (or crushed nuts) and maple syrup. Stir until the pecan butter is thoroughly melted and the mixture is smooth. Add the vanilla essence and stir to add even more flavor and warmth. Make a pot of strong coffee or an espresso shot. If you need a foamy latte, blend the milk mixture for approximately 30 seconds or use a milk frother. Transfer the coffee and the maple-pecan milk combination into a cup. Mix everything together. Add whipped cream, additional maple syrup, and chopped pecans to the top for an extra indulgent touch.
6. Peppermint Mocha
Chocolate syrup, peppermint extract, espresso, and warm milk combine to provide a delicious take on the classic mocha. It’s a refreshing and happy drink.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk (any kind)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1-2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract / 1 tablespoon peppermint syrup
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee / 1 shot of espresso
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder (for garnish)
- Crushed candy canes (optional)
Instructions:
Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until it’s slightly warm but not boiling. Add the sugar and cocoa powder and whisk until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has completely dissolved. Mix well to blend the vanilla and peppermint extracts. You may taste-test the peppermint flavor to see how strong you want it to be, but go with caution! Make your espresso, or strong coffee. Transfer the peppermint chocolate milk mixture into a cup after adding the coffee. Mix everything together. For an added treat, top with whipped cream. For a festive finishing touch, scatter some chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, or crushed candy canes on top.
7. Spiced Pear Tea
If you prefer a lighter coffee substitute, then spiced pear tea really represents fall at its finest flavor. You only need to brew your favorite herbal tea and add sliced fresh pears, cinnamon sticks, and hint of vanilla.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe pears
- 2 cups water
- 2 black tea bags / 2 teaspoons loose-leaf black tea
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2-3 whole cloves
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger
- 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
- Pear slices or cinnamon stick for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Add the diced pears in water in saucepan and bring to a boil. Then decrease the heat and let the pears simmer for 10 minutes, or until they soften and concentrate their flavor. Add the ginger, cinnamon stick, and cloves, and stir. Let it boil for a further five minutes to release the spice aroma. Add the loose-leaf tea or tea bags to the pear mixture. Allow the tea to steep for three to five minutes, depending on the strength you like. To sweeten the tea, add a small amount of honey or maple syrup. If you want a citrusy flavor, add some lemon juice. Remove the tea bags, then filter the tea into cups, leaving the pear slices and spices remain. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or fresh pear slices for a beautiful finish.
8. Hazelnut-flavored Coffee
Hazelnut Mocha is the perfect comfort beverage, combining the richness of chocolate with the nutty flavor of hazelnuts. It’s ideal as an afternoon snack with freshly made pastries or on a crisp autumn morning.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup freshly brewed coffee
- 2 tablespoons hazelnut syrup / 1 teaspoon hazelnut extract
- 1 cup milk (any kind)
- 1-2 teaspoons sugar / sweetener (adjust to taste)
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Crushed hazelnuts / cocoa powder (optional)
Instructions:
Make 1 cup of your favorite coffee using your normal brewing technique. Incorporate 2 tablespoons of hazelnut syrup or 1 teaspoon of hazelnut essence into the brewed coffee. Adjust the quantity to your taste. Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until it is warm (about 150°F/65°C). Avoid boiling. Froth the warmed milk using a milk frother or by whisking vigorously until it becomes creamy and forms a light foam. Pour the hazelnut-flavored coffee into a mug. Add sugar or your preferred sweetener, adjusting to taste. Gently pour the frothed milk over the coffee, holding back the foam with a spoon. Spoon the remaining foam on top of the latte.
Optionally, top with whipped cream. Sprinkle crushed hazelnuts or cocoa powder on top for an elegant touch.
9. Gingerbread Latte
Why wait for the holidays when you can cozy up to the warm flavors of gingerbread? Bring the spice blends of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves into early fall with a gingerbread latte. Molasses drizzles extra depth into this warming drink.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk (any kind)
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee / 1 shot of espresso
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Ground cinnamon / nutmeg (for garnish)
- Crushed gingerbread cookies (optional)
Instructions:
In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until warm but not boiling. Stir in the molasses and brown sugar until well dissolved. This will give the latte its signature gingerbread sweetness. Mix together ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla essence. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Brew your strong coffee or espresso. For a frothy latte, use a milk frother or whisk the milk mixture until it’s light and foamy. Pour the coffee into a mug and add the spiced milk mixture. Stir to combine. Top with whipped cream for extra indulgence. Sprinkle ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top and, for a festive touch, garnish with crushed gingerbread cookies.
10. Cranberry Orange Warm Punch
For a holiday non-caffeinated drink, warm cranberry orange punch is a good try. The cranberries, orange juice, cinnamon sticks, and star anise are cooked simmering to create a great tart and refreshing drink perfect for gatherings this fall.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups cranberry juice
- 2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 cup apple cider (optional)
- ¼ cup honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4-5 whole cloves
- 1 star anise (optional)
- 1 orange
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (optional)
- Orange slices and cinnamon sticks (for garnish)
Instructions:
In a pot, combine the cranberry juice, orange juice, and apple cider (if using). Stir in the honey or sugar to sweeten the punch to your liking. Add the cinnamon stick, whole cloves, star anise, and orange slices to the pot. These spices give the drink a warm, festive flavor. Simmer the mixture over medium heat. Simmer the punch on low heat for 20 to 30 minutes to let the flavors to combine. Remove the cinnamon stick, cloves, and star anise before serving. Pour heated punch into individual mugs. For a festive flair, add some orange slices, fresh cranberries, or a cinnamon stick.
Fall is the ideal time to curl up with a warm beverage, such as a spiced latte, hot apple cider, or festive punch. Experiment with these wonderful dishes, and don’t forget to personalize them with your favorite fall tastes.
With the correct ingredients and tools, you’ll be able to enjoy these cozy fall cocktails all season long. So take your favorite cup, make a warm creation, and enjoy the tastes of fall!
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FAQs
Some popular drinks are Pumpkin Spice Latte, hot apple cider, chai tea latte, and salted caramel hot chocolate. These drinks frequently include pleasant spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, which convey the cozy sense of autumn.
You can easily make a homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte by combining espresso / strong coffee with steamed milk, pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice. Add sweetener of your choice.
Apple cider is made by crushing apples and allowing the juice to ferment somewhat, resulting in a more sour and tangy flavor. Apple juice is created simply by pressing apples and is often sweeter.
Both mochas and lattes are coffee beverages prepared from espresso and heated milk. However, a mocha also contains chocolate syrup, whereas a latte is normally made with only espresso and warmed milk.
For a festive fall event, make a warm cranberry orange punch.
Most fall drinks can be made dairy-free by replacing regular milk with almond, oat, coconut, or soy milk. Many coffee shops and recipes provide these alternatives to lattes, hot chocolate, and other beverages.
Hot apple cider is an excellent non-caffeinated fall beverage. You can also try cranberry orange warm punch or spiced pear tea for a tasty and caffeine-free alternative.
