20+ Fall Cocktails to Toast the Season

By Mary Shannon Wells
July 31, 2019
Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox
In many regions of the South, you’re as likely to see a true fall season as you are a unicorn. Often, blistering summer days continue into the autumn months until they take a sharp turn into bitter cold. However uncooperative the fall weather can be, Southerners will stand their ground, drink their cider, and carve their pumpkins, even if said pumpkins melt into a mess on the porch. Regardless how the weather behaves this season, we’ll be raising a glass filled with one of our favorite fall cocktails. We’ve got plenty of refreshing fall cocktails that will keep you cool on hot Southern nights but still showcase fall flavors like warm spices and apple cider. If it does happen to get chilly out, we have some of the best warm fall cocktail recipes for you to savor. If you’re in need of a big-batch fall cocktail for your tailgate or at-home football watch party, look no further than this list right here. And finally, if you’re getting dressy this autumn, our easy fall cocktails will solidify you as the hostess with the mostess. Whether you’re a cider-lover, a beer-drinker, or a wine enthusiast, there is a fall cocktail on this list that you’re going to love. Grab your flannels and scarves—these comforting cocktails will make it feel like fall even if it’s still over 80 degrees outside. From tailgate to dinner party, cozy up with our favorite fall flavors.
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Bourbon Apple Cider Thyme Punch

Credit: Caitlin Bensel

Recipe: Bourbon Apple Cider Thyme Punch

It remains warm outside for much of the fall in the South, so a refreshing chilled drink made with seasonal ingredients fits the bill perfectly.

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Sparkling Autumn Chianti

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Sparkling Autumn Chianti

Give wine night with the girls a sparkling, seasonal upgrade for fall.

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Bourbon and Hard Pear Cider Cocktail

Credit: Becky Luigart Stayner

Recipe: Bourbon and Hard Pear Cider Cocktail

Apple cider might feel a little over-done on the fall drink scene, but this pear cider cocktail made with honey simple syrup is fresh and delicious.

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Apple, Lemon, and Gin Shandy

Credit: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Apple, Lemon, and Gin Shandy

Bright lemon makes this big-batch cocktail so refreshing for tailgate parties.

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Maple Bourbon Smash

Credit: Becky Luigart Stayner

Recipe: Maple Bourbon Smash

This sage-infused cocktail is ideal for porch sitting and sipping.

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Orange Spiced Cider

Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Orange Spiced Cider

This rich, sweet, and slightly tart cider is the perfect warm sipper for a fall night around a fire pit.

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Spicy Bourbon-Citrus Punch

Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Spicy Bourbon-Citrus Punch

Every Southern hostess has a go-to Christmas punch and bridal shower punch recipe, but why stop there? This big-batch cocktail will disappear before your eyes at every fall party and tailgate.

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Apple Butter Sparklers

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Apple Butter Sparklers

We love to bake with homemade apple butter during the season, but did you know you can make a delicious brunch cocktail with it, too? Sub sparkling apple juice for Prosecco to make a kid-friendly batch.

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Spiced Hard Cider Fizz

Credit: Becky Luigart Stayner

Recipe: Spiced Hard Cider Fizz

The real secret to this drink is the homemade spiced simple syrup that adds a festive fall touch, especially when mixed with hard apple cider and bourbon.

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Hot Toddy

Credit: Micah A. Leal

Recipe: Hot Toddy

This classic cold-weather cocktail will comfort you during chilly fall nights and can even help ease a sore throat.

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Whiskey-Apple Cider Punch

Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Whiskey-Apple Cider Punch

Cool off on a hot fall game day with this chilled punch recipe that still carries all the cozy flavors of the season.

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Lost in Texas

Credit: Photo: Jody Horton

Recipe: Lost in Texas

Lost in Texas, found on our bar cart. This refreshing beer cocktail will get any party started.

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Sorghum-Cider Punch

Credit: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Sorghum-Cider Punch

This big-batch cocktail tastes like fall in a glass.

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Spiced Tea Bourbon Refresher

Credit: Becky Luigart Stayner

Recipe: Spiced Tea Bourbon Refresher

Think of this big-batch cocktail as a spirited and spiced Arnold Palmer. Perfectly refreshing but full of fall flavor, this sipper was made for the season.

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Hot and Cold Bourbon Ginger Slush

Credit: Caitlin Bensel

Recipe: Hot and Cold Bourbon Ginger Slush

Summer doesn’t get to have all the fun with boozy slushies! This chilly sipper with a hint of heat will be our go-to for at-home tailgates when it’s still hot out.

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Spiced Wine

Credit: Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Spiced Wine

Bring your weekly wine night into the season with this cozy, soothing recipe.

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Apple Pie-Bourbon Sweet Tea

Credit: Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Apple Pie-Bourbon Sweet Tea

This recipe is made with homemade apple pie-infused bourbon, so yes, it’s amazingly autumnal and delicious.

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Cherry Bourbon Cheerwine

Credit: Becky Luigart Stayner

Recipe: Cherry Bourbon Cheerwine

This cocktail recipe couldn’t get more Southern if we tried, and we’re just fine with that.

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Fizzy Cider Punch

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Karin Olsen; Food Styling: William Smith

Recipe: Fizzy Cider Punch

With just a few ingredients, this recipe dresses up classic cider so it’s ready to party.

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Apple-Ale Wassail

Credit: Ralph Anderson

Recipe: Apple-Ale Wassail

Cozy up around a fire with friends to share this warm, spiced drink.

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Bourbon Slush

Credit: Oxmoor House

Recipe: Bourbon Slush

This simple cocktail is easy to make and easier to drink. Plus, you can make it ahead and store it in your freezer for your next football party.

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By Mary Shannon Wells