Written by Jessica Moore

 

Cooler weather means warmer drinks! Whether you’re a die hard pumpkin spice everything fanatic, a hot chocoholic, or prefer for your spiced autumn cocktails to be shaken, not stirred (with a cinnamon stick, no less), we’ve got all the essential fall drinks and fall cocktails to get you all adequately festive and cozy!

Speaking of cozy…before we get on with these tasty drink recipes, let’s talk about a little something called hygge.

Fall Comfort: What is Hygge?

No words come close to describing that overwhelming sense of comfort as you snuggle up under the covers with your favorite hot cup of magic. Scratch that, there is a word describing this lifestyle! Hygge (pronounced “hoo-ga”) is a Danish word describing a particular kind of “Scandinavian coziness”, a feeling of contentment from an intimate ambiance, and is the source of inspo for this article and basically every day autumn/winter life.

It’s the essence of being cozy. You’ve probably spotted this word before–hygge was hot last winter, and the pleasures of hygge are still warming and expanding our ideas of comfort. Have you ever had a cup of your favorite coffee indoors on a snow day? That’s hygge. Have you ever read a book next to a fire while it was pouring rain outside, surrounded by pillows, blankets, and people you love? That atmosphere and feeling, that’s hygge.

We hope that these drinks inspire the best hygge moments all season long!

Have you ever read a book next to a fire while it was pouring rain outside, surrounded by pillows, blankets, and people you love? That atmosphere and feeling, that’s hygge.

Fall(choholic) Drink Recipes

Mulled Wine

source: sweetandsavorybyshinee.com

This holiday drink seems to be much more popular in Europe than in the U.S., and we honestly don’t know why. Warm wine, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, some citrus tones, cranberries and um…did we say wine? Make this batch by Sweet and Savory by Shinee ahead of time and invite some of your squad over for a GNI, that’s girls’ night in, babes! Light some cinnamon candles, slip into your most comfy pjs, play some fall tunes, and let the gossip juicy begin!

Hot Toddy

Fall weather means flu season, unfortunately. Ditch the nyquil and nurse your cold with a more natural remedy, like you know, by having a hot toddy instead! Vinepair has a classic hot toddy recipe to get you sleeping faster on days when you can’t deal. Lemon juice is always good for colds, and did you know that whiskey can help fight infection?  Well the more you know…

Apple Cider Sangria

source: lexiscleankitchen.com

Apple Cider in a fall-inspired sangria, full of crisp apples and topped with plump pomegranates? Sign us up! Remember, one of the tricks of sangria is the longer it sits, the better, so make sure to binge watch one of our favorite fall television shows while the cider-sangria magic happens. Check out Lexi Clean Kitchen’s recipe here.

Non-Alcoholic Fall Drinks

source: halfbakedharvest.com

Gingerbread Latte with Salted Caramel Sugar

This cute, delicious drink is autumn in a cup. Half Baked Harvest’s gingerbread latte is spiked with coffee and gorgeous (and easy to make) shards of caramelized sugar with a touch of vanilla. This drink will beat any latte you stand in line for during cold fall days! You can even get boozy with it by adding a tad of bourbon, but don’t worry, we won’t tell! Pro-tip: make your homemade gingerbread cookies first, and stick those fellas right in your cup!

Easy Holiday Punch

This punch is all grown-up with fall highlights that are perfect for any Thanksgiving or holiday tradition. The Cookie Rookie’s recipe calls for cranberry juice, orange juice, ginger beer or ale, and bright fruit that make this fall drink almost too beautiful to drink. Serve over ice and a handful of fresh ripe cranberries.

Pumpkin Spice White Hot Chocolate

source: halfbakedharvest.com

Put a pause on your regular pumpkin spice latte consumption and try something different. Well, just a little different, by adding white chocolate to your fall drinks! Just thinking about these flavors warms us to the core! Tidy Mom’s unique hot chocolate recipe is best served in a clear mug so you can see all that pumpkin and white chocolate goodness from a mile away. Add a sprinkle of fresh nutmeg just to be extra.

Pumpkin Pie Protein Smoothie

source: sallysbakingaddiction.com

We’ll enthusiastically take any opportunity to eat more pie, in pie form and otherwise. Looking for a post-workout smoothie, but also suffering from acute pumpkin cravings? Sally’s Baking Addiction understands it. Add in your favorite organic protein powder for a high-protein boost and turmeric for some good anti-inflammatory properties (sprinkle in a dash of pepper for better turmeric absorption–you won’t know the difference!) in what’s practically the easiest fall dessert in a glass that’s actually healthy for you!

Winter Drinks

As the temperature drops and the cold weather has us headed for the indoors, we’re happy to break out the muddler and recreate these cold weather ready festive cocktails and mocktails! You’ll also love the truly decadent dessert drinks from butterbeer to hot chocolate you just have to try.

Alcoholic Winter Cocktails

For any adults-only night, fill it with great company, exciting conversation, and cocktails! These winter cocktail recipes are sure to please anyone on your guest list. You can have these year-round if your heart desires—no need to save that grade A brandy for the holidays. Grab your cocktail shaker and have your martini glass ready for a night filled with fun and boozy beverages!

Winter Gin Tonic

source: littlesugarsnaps.com

With a slew of ingredients like elderflower liqueur, Campari, orange bitters and of course, gin & tonic, this holiday cocktail is inviting and festive! The aromas of elderflower and orange really take this cocktail to the next level.

Winter White Cosmopolitan

source: drinkwire.liquor.com

Vodka lovers, rejoice! You’ll adore this delicious and festive holiday cocktail for your next gathering! A Christmas cocktail wouldn’t be right without a splash of cranberry and elderflower liqueur to bring us all home.

Blackberry Ombre Sparkler

source: foodblogs.com

Make a toast to all the loved ones in your life with a sparkling cocktail your guests will love. A blackberry ombre champagne sparkler, garnished with a sprig of rosemary in every glass, fits any holiday aesthetic your friends won’t stop instagramming.

Red Wine Hot Chocolate

source: immaeatthat.com

What would make your hot chocolate better? Oh yes, RED WINE. Sure, you can do a red velvet hot chocolate instead, but nothing says ‘I’m on holiday’ like a boozy dessert beverage. Yes, a beautiful cabernet with dark chocolate—it’s just what the doctor ordered.

Peppermint Whipped Vodka Hot Chocolate

source: homecookingmemories.com

Ooooo yeah, one of our favorite holiday drinks with a kick. We’re loving this recipe for peppermint hot chocolate. The addition of whipped vodka is a welcome one. Garnish with whipped scream on top, and sprinkles of crushed peppermint. This is the Christmas drink of all Christmas drinks—and it’s party-ready!

Kahlua Hot Chocolate

source: damndelicious.com

Do you have a Kahlua obsession? We do too. Kick up your hot chocolate game with a deliciously decadent Kahlua hot chocolate you can sip on all night long.

Non-alcoholic Winter Drinks

Beet Hot Chocolate

source: recipestonourish.com

Yes, you can have a healthy hot chocolate! If you’re up for it, try this beet hot chocolate—yes, we said it. The addition of beets makes turns this drink a deep pink/bright red (super festive!) On top of that, this recipe is totally paleo-friendly. You’ll pick up some subtle earthy notes from this non-alcoholic beverage, but if you’re a fan of beets (we know we are) you’ll love this unique twist on hot chocolate.

Lavender Chamomile Latte

source: mildlymeandering.com

Nothing is more soothing and comforting than the combination of lavender and chamomile. Make that a latte, please! Drink this before bed for a relaxing end to your night.

Pumpkin Butter Beer

source: ourfamilyworld.com

Yes, you read that right. A pumpkin butter beer straight from muggles who are obsessed with all things Harry Potter. We love this fun twist on the traditional butter beer (which we’ve tried at Universal Los Angeles, and it’s AMAZING). Your friends will enjoy sipping on these while everyone’s exchanging gifts during the holidays.

Slow Cooker Pumpkin White Hot Chocolate

source: tornadoughalli.com

We’re still not over pumpkin, obvi, and we love it in everything—including our holiday drinks! Try this Pumpkin White Hot Chocolate that’s so good, you won’t be craving your usual PSL anymore. Trust us. Plus, you can make it easily in a slow cooker and take it to your next office party or holiday gift exchange! *Remember to pause for compliments

Homemade Salted Caramel Eggnog

source: thecookierookie.com

Sure, you can have your usual eggnog, but salted caramel…who can resist? You can totally make this one an alcoholic drink too, spiked with a bit of good quality dark rum.

Hot Spiced Apple Cider

source: catchingseeds.com

Anything spiced goes—especially with apple cider. We love a hot cup on a cold winter day, and you will too. It’s everything we love about the holiday season and more. Stay cozy indoors this winter with a cup of this apple cider that you can make ahead of time and heat up when cravings are calling.

Turmeric Spiced Hot Cocoa

source: bewholebeyou.com

Have you hopped on the turmeric craze yet? Well, you should! Turmeric is super good for you; it can act as an anti-inflammatory, can relieve pain, and improves liver function, aid digestion—you get the picture. Why not sprinkle a tablespoon or two into your hot cocoa?

We hope you enjoyed these fall drinks! And as always babes, please drink responsibly!