Fall Cocktails: 4 Autumnal Drinks You Can Make At Home

The temperature is dropping, the leaves are turning, and everywhere we look, we’re being bombarded with pumpkin spice propaganda. And while we’re certainly not anti-PSL, there’s something else about the changing seasons that has us excited: the arrival of fall cocktail menus. A quick look at the drink lists at our favourite bars reveals a seasonal shift towards brown spirits, warming spices, smoky flavours and autumn fruits. Of course, not every fall cocktail needs to taste like apple pie or come with a cinnamon stick, and we’re all for a little variety.

Whether you’re hosting friends for a fall gathering, planning a date night at home or simply looking to shake up your usual drink order, we’ve rounded up four cocktails that are easy to make and guaranteed to impress. From cozy seasonal classics to something a little brighter with a spicy kick, there’s something here for everyone.

Apple Pie Old Fashioned

Few things say fall quite like apple pie, and this seasonal twist on the classic Old Fashioned brings those familiar flavours into your glass. Combining whisky, apple cider and a pinch of apple pie spice, it’s a warming cocktail that’s perfect for a crisp autumn evening.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Gibson’s Finest Rare 12 Year Old Whisky
• 1 oz pure apple cider
• ½ oz simple syrup
• 3 dashes Angostura bitters
• Pinch of apple pie spice
• Garnish: 2 apple slices

Method:

1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass over ice and stir well.
2. Strain over fresh ice into a rocks glass.
3. Garnish with apple slices. For an extra-indulgent seasonal twist, swap the garnish for a slice of caramel apple.

Rouge Royale Cocktail

Not every autumn cocktail needs to be dark, smoky or loaded with spice. The Rouge Royale offers a lighter, fruit-forward alternative, combining berry-infused vodka, fresh lemonade and sparkling rosé for a refreshing drink that brings a little colour to the season.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz GREY GOOSE Berry Rouge Vodka
• 2 oz fresh lemonade
• ¾ oz brut rosé
• ¾ oz soda water
• Garnish: 3 fresh raspberries, 3 fresh blueberries, 1 lemon wheel and a sprig of mint

Method:

1. Build all ingredients over cubed ice in a wine glass and stir gently.
2. Garnish with fresh raspberries, blueberries, a lemon wheel and a sprig of mint.

Pineapple Serranita

If you’re not quite ready to say goodbye to summer, the Pineapple Serranita is the perfect compromise. Sweet pineapple, fresh lime and a slice of serrano chili pepper give this tequila-based cocktail a refreshing tropical flavour with just enough heat to make things interesting. A Tajín-rimmed glass adds an extra spicy kick.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz CAZADORES Pineapple Infused Tequila
• ¾ oz simple syrup
• ¾ oz fresh lime juice
• 3 oz pineapple juice
• 1 slice serrano chili pepper
• Tajín seasoning for the rim
• Garnish: Pineapple and lime wedges

Method:

1. Rim a glass with Tajín seasoning.
2. Combine the tequila, simple syrup, lime juice, pineapple juice and serrano pepper in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
3. Shake well and strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice.
4. Garnish with pineapple and lime wedges.

Friendsgiving Rum Punch

Hosting a crowd? This big-batch cocktail takes the stress out of playing bartender all evening. Combining spiced rum, apple cider, cranberry juice and ginger beer with warming notes of cinnamon and cloves, it’s a festive punch that tastes like fall in a glass. Best of all, the recipe makes enough for more than 20 guests, so you can spend less time mixing drinks and more time enjoying the party.

Ingredients (serves 20+):

• 3 cups (24 oz) Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum
• 2 bottles (12 oz each) ginger beer, chilled
• ⅓ cup honey
• 12 whole cloves
• 3–4 cinnamon sticks
• 8 cups apple cider, divided
• 4 cups cranberry juice, chilled
• Garnish: Sliced green apples, oranges or lemons, and rosemary sprigs

Method:

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, cloves, cinnamon sticks and 2 cups of apple cider. Stir frequently until the honey dissolves and the mixture becomes fragrant, approximately 7 minutes.
2. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to steep for 15 minutes as it cools. Discard the spices.
3. In a large punch bowl, combine the spiced cider mixture, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, cranberry juice and the remaining 6 cups of apple cider.
4. Just before serving, add the chilled ginger beer and stir gently.
5. Garnish with sliced apples, citrus and rosemary sprigs, then serve over ice.

Still thirsty? Check out more of our favourite cocktails you can easily mix up at home.