I love fall! Cooler temperatures, high school football, autumn-hued leaves, and pumpkin EVERYTHING make my heart sing. It’s also a great time to slow down and gather family and friends together before the packed schedules of December begin.
Here are some fall drink ideas to get your season started right!
Mulled Cider Recipe
This can be made a day or two ahead of time and then warmed up before serving, although the aromas are heavenly and while testing this recipe, my whole house smelled like FALL and was so welcoming! The sugars from the cider and fruit will reduce creating a rich flavorful drink you can serve hot. Because of this reduction, make sure you add twice as much cider to your saucepan as you expect to serve. This ratio will get you started:
- 8 cups of apple cider
- 3 tbsp mulling spices
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 orange cut into slices
- Half a lemon cut into slices
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to simmer for about 45 minutes. Pour cider through a strainer to remove bits of mulling spices, or use a ladle to fill mugs. A cinnamon stick as a stirrer adds a nice touch.
This was perfection on its own but for those who want to add a little something extra, we loved separating out some of the cider and warming it with a little spiced rum, about 1 oz of rum per 6 oz of cider. Alternatively, you can always add a shot of spiced rum to your mug and then pour hot mulled cider over. Definitely add the cinnamon stick for mixing.
Fall Sangria Recipe
- 1 bottle of apple wine
- 1 cup of salted caramel vodka
- 6 cups of apple cider
Chill all ingredients and then combine. Serve chilled but don’t add any ice to the cups. You can mix this in a punch bowl and use a ladle for serving or mix in a large glass pitcher. Float apple rings to add a little something or serve with apple chunks on skewers for an edible garnish. If you’re serving this near Halloween, add some dry ice to create that foggy effect, just make sure to use a ladle for serving so no one accidentally touches the dry ice.
I tried to make a non-alcoholic version of this sangria but the tastes were just not the same. If you’re game to try, I used apple juice instead of apple wine and about a half a cup of caramel syrup in place of the vodka. We also tried adding a little fizz with ginger ale, along with the apple cider.
Cranberry Sparklers
This works great in the fall when cranberries are everywhere but I’ve also served this at Christmas and New Years Eve parties.
- 1 cup of Cranberries
- 2 tbsp honey (or less to keep things less sweet)
- 1 cup of orange juice
- Dry sparkling wine or club soda
Mix cranberries, honey, and orange juice together in a blender. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Using champagne flutes, fill each glass about ¼ full with fruit juice mixture. Top with either champagne or club soda. Garnish with frozen whole cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.
For cranberry sparklers that take a little less equipment, substitute cranberry juice cocktail for the pureed fruit mixture. It’s sweet enough on it’s own and mixes great with sparkling wine or club soda. You can also add a dash of orange liqueur to keep that citrus flavor.
If you like your non-alcoholic cocktails on the sweeter side, skip the club soda and go for ginger ale instead. There is no wrong way to do this one!
Here’s to a flavorful Fall full of friends, family, and fun. Cheers!
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