Is there a better time of year for drinking a co*cktail than the fall? Sure, summer co*cktails are fun, and winter co*cktails are warming, but there's just nothing like sitting on the porch, watching the leaves change color, sipping on something tasty, and letting the time pass.
Fall co*cktails can be as easy as mixing bourbon and cider and calling it a drink. Or they can be as impressive a concoction as a pumpkin-spice flavored White Russian. However you make them, we think they should be tasty. So we have a few dozen of our favorites, right here.
We recommend picking one and making it your go-to for the season. You'll be glad you did.
1
Poinsettia co*cktail
Here's a co*cktail worthy of its namesake: richly red, with an (unearned) reputation for being dangerous.
Get the recipe for Poinsettia co*cktail.
2
Grilled Orange Old-Fashioned
It's been a good run, pumpkin spice latte, but it might just be time to hang up your hat. This sweet, smoky bourbon co*cktail is the real drink of the season.
Get the recipe for Grilled Orange Old-Fashioned.
3
Old Scholar Rye Whiskey co*cktail
What else could we name a drink that involves muddled sage? We not going to call this well-balanced concoction an instant classic—but it's already the only thing we want when relaxing on the back porch.
Get the recipe for Old Scholar Rye Whiskey co*cktail.
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4
Cranberry Mulled White Wine
Flavored with fall spice, cranberries, and a touch of honey, this lighter wine is every bit as warming as its counterparts, but with a tart, clean taste. Serve it with spicy roasted pecans!
Get the recipe for Cranberry Mulled White Wine.
5
Sparkling Cider and Bourbon co*cktail
If you're looking for something that'll help you relax without putting you down for the count, try this unfussy four-ingredient drink.
Get the recipe for Sparkling Cider and Bourbon co*cktail.
6
The Sunflower
Picture the sun just starting to set over a field of sunflowers on an early fall day, as the weather starts to cool and the light turns golden. Now picture that feeling in a glass.
Get the recipe for The Sunflower.
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7
Whiskey River co*cktail
Though it gets its name from one of our favorite classic Willie Nelson songs, we don't want you to drown in this drink, so it take it easy.
Get the recipe for Whiskey River co*cktail.
8
Woodchuck Warmer
As fall starts to turn from warm to cool, you'll want a drink that'll keep you toasty. This spiced hot cider drink is just the thing.
Get the recipe for Woodchuck Warmer.
9
Pumpkin Spice White Russian
Don't call it basic, call it classic. Crumbled gingersnaps and pumpkin pie spice turn this coffee-liqueur number into an iconic fall co*cktail.
Get the recipe for Pumpkin Spice White Russian.
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10
Haymaker co*cktail
Just like its namesake, this drink packs quite a wallop. Combining the best parts of a Manhattan and a whiskey sour (plus a splash of Cointreau) this co*cktail goes down easy. But careful! It's stronger than it looks.
Get the recipe for the Haymaker co*cktail.
11
Mezcal Negroni
Perfectly balanced between bitter and sweet, negronis are all the rage for good reason. But smoky mezcal adds just the right touch of seasonal fall flavor.
Get the recipe for Mezcal Negroni.
12
"Nashattan" Aged Manhattan
If you're a fan of Manhattans (and who isn't?), this Nashville take on the drink — aging it in a charred oak barrel — is well worth the effort. It also happens to be a great option for a cool autumn evening.
Get the recipe for "Nashattan" Aged Manhattan.
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13
Hot Toddy with Charred Oranges
This cool-weather co*cktail is perfect for evenings around a fire, indoors or out.
Get the recipe for Hot Toddy with Charred Oranges.
14
Pomegranate French 75
This autumn twist on the classic gin-and-Champagne-based French 75 co*cktail subs lime juice for lemon and seasonal pomegranate molasses for simple syrup.
Get the recipe for Pomegranate French 75.
15
M5 Sidecar
Mary Heffernan of Five Mary Farms serves this classic co*cktail to guests for Thanksgiving dinner. She uses her house-made bourbon, but your favorite brand will do.
Get the recipe for M5 Sidecar.
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16
Grapefruit, Honey, and Rosemary Smash
What do you do when fresh grapefruit is at its seasonal peak? Whip up a batch of this refreshing brunch co*cktail that's made with grapefruit juice, rosemary, and vodka.
Get the recipe for Grapefruit, Honey, and Rosemary Smash.
17
Orange-Thyme Old-Fashioned
An orange-thyme simple syrup adds a hint of sweetness to this classic co*cktail. It's an easy fall co*cktail to mix up for guests or a cozy autumn evening.
Get the recipe for Orange-Thyme Old-Fashioned.
18
Cider Sidecar
Use fresh apple cider in this cozy fall co*cktail.
Get the recipe for Cider Sidecar.
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19
Pomegranate-Rum Punch
This fruity concoction is made with hibiscus tea, blood orange juice, and sparkling wine. It just might be your new favorite fall rum co*cktail.
Get the recipe for Pomegranate-Rum Punch.
20
The Humble Magnificent co*cktail
With flavors of cinnamon, apple, mint, and orange, this elegant mix (one of Carla Hall's favorites!) is like fall in a glass.
Get the recipe for The Humble Magnificent co*cktail.
