16 Fall Cocktails to Try This Season
Apples. Cranberries. Figs. Pears. These seasonal ingredients aren't just perfect in fall dishes, but drinks and cocktails as well. And in this roundup, we've gathered some of our favorites—think punches with layers of apple flavor, a smoky mezcal-fig sour, and a hard cider sangria. Need something warming to combat the chilly weather? We've got hot toddies and hot mulled cider for that, too. Read on for even more fall cocktails and drinks to enjoy this season.
Hard Cider Sangria
Instead of wine, this juicy sangria is made with hard cider spiked with lemon juice and apple brandy.
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Stone Wall
This updated version of a Stone Wall mixes rum with ginger beer and apple cider for a refreshing cocktail.
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Hot Mulled Cider
Ken Oringer preheats the Thermos he uses to transport his deliciously spiced cider by filling it with boiling water and letting it sit for a few minutes. Pouring the mulled cider into a Thermos that's already warm helps keep the drink hot.
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Apple-Brandy Hot Toddies
A hot toddy is basically a shot or two of any potent spirit added to a cup of hot water. Bartender Suzanne Bozarth puts a French spin on this warming drink with a slug of apple brandy, such as Calvados.
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Figa
Charlie Hodge's fall-inspired cocktail uses fig-infused vodka and tea, giving this delicious drink an earthy and fragrant taste.
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Cranberry-Spice Cocktail
Fall flavors are created with the combination of tart cranberries, earthy bitters, and Aperol.
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Rosé Sangria with Cranberries and Apples
This strong but not overly sweet sangria is nicely spiced with cinnamon, anise, and cloves, and it has just enough crushed red pepper to give it a tiny kick.
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Gaelic Punch
For hot punches, young Irish whiskeys work best. Heat intensifies the tannic edge of older whiskeys; young ones stay smooth.
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Bacchanalian
Chris Hannah loves serving this drink in the fall and winter--especially during Mardi Gras and the carnival season in New Orleans (January to March).
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Figmata
Chicago cocktail innovator Nandini Khaund designed this cocktail to be the perfect autumn drink. Notes of fig, honey and incense keep it refreshing and drinkable in a surprisingly low-alcohol sipper.
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Far from the Tree
Brooklyn bartender Ivy Mix, the award-winning co-owner of Leyenda in Brooklyn, shares this cardamom-scented holiday punch. Layers of apple flavor (from cold-pressed juice, apple brandy, hard cider, and fresh apple slices) give the not-too-boozy punch an autumnal feel.
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Concord Grape Gin Fizz
This vibrant purple cocktail—made with Concord grapes, gin, port, and lemon—is frothy, fruity and refreshing.
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Smoky Mezcal-Fig Sour
The spicy-sweet fig-ginger syrup rounds out the smoky mezcal and bright lemon juice in this cocktail. This drink is barely sweet, allowing the autumnal mezcal to shine.
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Earl Grey–Aquavit Spritz
Honey simple syrup is even easier to prepare than standard simple syrup; just vigorously stir together honey and water until well combined. The mellow, floral sweetness of the honey syrup pairs perfectly a touch of lemon in this tea-infused cocktail.
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Mott & Mulberry
Leo Robitschek uses fresh apple cider and maple syrup in his perfect cold-weather cocktail.
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Frenched Hot Chocolate
"Chartreuse and chocolate is among the world's most underrated combinations," says Bobby Heugel. He melds the two ingredients in this boozy, rich hot chocolate.