The fall season brings about the classic “pumpkin spice” that you can get from any Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts. What if pumpkin spice isn’t the only fall classic that you’re craving?
When it comes to our options, we’re given pumpkin, caramel, chocolate, and apple flavors, so why not throw them into a collection of delicious and timely fall drinks?
Whether you’re setting up a party for the under 21 crowd or catering to your legal drinking friends, check out these easy DIY fall drinks you can make at home.
Apple Cider
For the fall, apple cider might be one of the easiest drinks to come across. Instead of heading to your nearest Stop & Shop or Shop Rite to purchase the biggest gallon you can find, you might want to venture into the world of making these fall drinks in your kitchen.
While the process is a bit long, the list of ingredients is simple and concise.
To make your own apple cider, you’ll need:
- apples (cut into quarters)
- sugar
- cinnamon
- allspice
To continue with your apple cider making, you’re going to place the apples (10) into a large pot with water, having the water exceed the top of the apples by two inches.
You’ll then stir in sugar (3/4 cup), cinnamon (1 tbsp.), and allspice (1 tbsp.). This is where the waiting comes into play! Allow the cider to boil uncovered for an hour.
If you thought the waiting game was over, you’re wrong! Bring the pot down to a simmer and allow it to simmer for 2 hours while covered. After this process is complete, make sure you strain the cider through a fine sieve at least twice before refrigerating.
Apple Cider Sangria
Sangria is a summer favorite, so why can’t we find a way to incorporate it into one of our favorite fall drinks? Well luckily for us, the blogger behind Smitten Kitchen has perfected the apple cider sangria.
Not surprisingly, her ingredient list is short and filled with wine and spirits, not to mention – the apples! Whether you’re making your own, the recipe calls for:
- apple cider (1 cup)
- dry white wine (1 bottle)
- apple brandy (1/4 cup)
- triple sec or orange liqueur (1/4 cup)
- Seltzer, sparkling water or sparkling cider to finish
- For the apples, it is best to dice them and toss them in lemon juice so they don’t turn brown in a short amount of time. Now on to the process!
The recipe begins with bringing the apple cider to a boil. By beginning with one cup, you want to reduce it to approximately ¼ of a cup. Now, the hard part is over.
Allow the cider to cool before pouring into a pitcher with the wine, brandy, and orange liqueur. You can then add in the diced fruit and place the cider sangria into the fridge until you’re ready to serve it. Right before you plan on serving it, can finally add in the seltzer or sparkling water or cider.
Gingerbread Spice Margaritas
Although they often overlap, there are people who like their wine and others who like their liquor. If you’re a big fan of tequila and margaritas, this is a great way to combine them with fall tastes for some delicious fall drinks.
Courtesy of Dell Cove Spices, you’ll need a few ingredients to get your gingerbread spice margaritas going:
- tequila (4 oz.)
- apple cider (4 oz.)
- lime juice (2 whole)
- simple syrup (1 ½ tsp)
- sugar (1 tsp)
- gingerbread flavored sugar (1 tbsp.)
- ice
Once you have all your ingredients, the process is easy! The first thing you need to do is rim the glasses in the gingerbread flavored sugar. You can then combine all the other ingredients and mix/shake them together before pouring into the glasses et voila! You’ll then have a gingerbread spice margarita!
Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
With the fitness and health world taking over many social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter, it’s easy to see where the love of smoothies came into the picture.
Not only are smoothies delicious, but when they’re done right, they’re absolutely healthy! This recipe is coming to you courtesy of Whole Foods Market who sets their smoothie recipe at only 160 calories per serving!
The amazing thing about smoothies is that all you really need to do is throw all the ingredients into a blender and the work is done for you!
These are the ingredients you’ll need:
- pumpkin puree (1 cup)
- large banana (1)
- unsweetened soymilk (1 cup)
- honey (1 tbsp.)
- vanilla extract (1/2 tsp)
- pumpkin pie spice (1 ¼ tsp)
- ice cubes
Pumpkin Spice Latte
When it comes to fall drinks, pumpkin spice lattes might be the MVP. Ever since Starbucks came out with their version, this drink has become the classic fall drink.
Whether you’re tired of trekking all the way to Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts or would prefer to make your own version, this is what you’ll need to be your own personal barista.
Courtesy of Food Network Kitchen, this is what you’ll need to make the delicious fall treat:
- milk (1 cup)
- pure pumpkin puree (2 tbsp.)
- sugar (1 tbsp.)
- pumpkin pie spice (1/4 tsp)
- pure vanilla extract (1/4 tsp)
- hot espresso (1/4 cup)
For the rest of the process, you’ll need a microwaveable bowl, plastic wrap, and whisk. You’ll first add all the ingredients, with the exception of the espresso into a microwaveable bowl covered with plastic wrap.
Poke a hole through the cover and microwave the contents until the milk is hot. Then use the whisk to mix the contents until it appears foamy.
The contents of the bowl will then be poured into a mug with the espresso. For extra taste and style, feel free to top with whipped cream and a sprinkling of pumpkin pie spice.
Salted Caramel Apple Martini
It’s 5 o’clock somewhere! When the times comes to have a cocktail, we’ll always make excuses to have one and when you see how easy it is to make these fall drinks, you won’t need any more excuses.
For the salted caramel apple martini, the only ingredients you’ll need are:
- caramel vodka (2 oz.)
- apple cider (3 oz.)
- salted caramel dessert topping
- salt
You’ll first start by rimming your glass with the salted caramel dessert topping and placing it in the salt to create the salt rim. You can then drizzle the salted caramel dessert topping along with the inside of the glass. All that’s left to do is shake and mix the cider and vodka together and pour into each glass!
If you’re like me and prefer sugar over salt rims, you can ditch the “salted” part of the drink by swapping the ingredients with regular caramel dessert topping and sugar.
White Hot Chocolate
What is the fall without hot chocolate? If you’re trying to warm up, why not do it with some white hot chocolate? The recipe is simple and easy, and this is what you’ll need:
- milk (4 cups)vanilla extract (1 tsp), white chocolate chips (8 oz), whipped cream, and marshmallows.
- vanilla extract (1 tsp)white chocolate chips (8 oz), whipped cream, and marshmallows.
- white chocolate chips (8 oz)
- whipped cream
- marshmallows
You will then combine the milk, vanilla extract, and white chocolate chips in a pan and bring it to a simmer while occasionally stirring it. After it comes to a simmer, you can immediately serve it and top it with whipped cream and marshmallows for added taste and flare!
Are you hungry or thirsty yet?! If you’re confused as to why you might be hungry over fall drinks, it’s because they contain so many savory ingredients, it’s hard not to salivate at them!
We’ve been in the fall season for a few short weeks, but the weather is quickly lowering while the days are getting shorter. For a cool night in, make sure you try and create one of these DIY fall drinks!
In the comments below, let us know what your favorite fall drink is!
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