How to Elevate Your Fall Cocktail Game

As soon as August turns to September and the temperatures barely dip below 75 degrees, it feels like the world shifts into fall mode. Out come the chunky sweaters, Halloween decor, and pumpkin-spiced everything. But if you’re feeling a little pumpkin spice fatigue, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered!

We’ve rounded up some fabulous fall cocktails (and one delightful mocktail!) that go beyond the pumpkin craze. These seasonal sips are perfect for elevating your next autumn gathering. Cheers to new flavors and festive fun!

Dirty Chai Martini

Forget the espresso martini—this fall, it’s all about the dirty chai martini. With its slightly sweeter, spicier, and more complex flavor profile, it’s the ultimate cozy pick-me-up for those crisp autumn days when you want to feel both energized and snug.

Ingredients:  

Chai Honey Syrup:  

- ½ cup honey  

- 4 chai tea bags  

- 1 tsp vanilla extract  

- Vanilla sugar (optional, for rim)

Martini:  

- 1½ oz vodka  

- 1½ oz Kahlúa  

- 1 oz espresso  

- 1 oz canned coconut milk  

- Nutmeg and star anise (optional garnish)

Directions:  

1. Make the chai honey syrup: bring ½ cup water to a boil, remove from heat, add chai tea bags, cover, and steep for 10 minutes. Remove the tea bags, add honey, and bring the mixture back to a quick boil. Stir in the vanilla, then cool.  

2. Ready for the cocktail magic? Rim your glass with vanilla sugar (if you’re feeling fancy), then shake 1-2 tbsp of chai syrup with the vodka, Kahlúa, espresso, and coconut milk. Add ice, shake like your life depends on it, and strain into a glass. Garnish with nutmeg or star anise for an extra flourish.

Pepper Jam Margarita

The Pepper Jam Margarita is the perfect blend of margarita magic and fridge-clearing genius. With its hot and sweet flavors, it’s an ideal remedy for chilly nights and a great way to use up those lingering condiments before the holidays.

Ingredients:  

- 1 tbsp pepper jam  

- 1 oz lime juice  

- ¼ oz agave nectar  

- 2 oz jalapeño tequila  

- ¾ oz Aperol  

- Jalapeño slice (for garnish)

Directions:  

1. If you’ve got the dregs of a pepper jam jar, add all the ingredients to the jar, give it a shake, then toss in some ice and shake again in a cocktail shaker. No jar? No problem. Just mix everything up in the shaker from the start.  

2. Double strain over a fresh ice cube in a rocks glass, and garnish with a spicy jalapeño slice. Sip, and feel the heat.

Frozen Olive Oil Eggnog  

Recipe by Very Good Drinks

The classic holiday cocktail gets a chic, modern twist with this Frozen Olive Oil Eggnog. Imagine silky vanilla ice cream meeting the rich, festive flavors of eggnog—this is a refreshing upgrade that’s definitely worth the wait.

Ingredients:  

- 1 cup cream  

- 3 cups milk  

- 4 egg yolks  

- ½ cup Graza Drizzle olive oil  

- ½ cup white sugar  

- 1 tsp nutmeg  

- 1 tsp vanilla extract  

- Aged rum, brandy, añejo tequila, or bourbon (optional)  

- Amontillado sherry (for a nutty kick, our fave)

Directions:  

1. Heat the cream and milk in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Meanwhile, whisk the egg yolks and slowly add olive oil until emulsified. Add sugar and whisk until thick, like aioli.  

2. Temper the eggs by adding a little of the hot milk mixture while whisking constantly. Let the mixture cool, then add nutmeg and vanilla. Chill in the freezer overnight for frozen eggnog—or refrigerate for the classic version.  

3. When ready to serve, blend the frozen nog with a splash of booze or milk, pour into a chic glass, and garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of nutmeg. Cheers to feeling fancy.

Autumn Aperol Spritz  

Recipe by PureWow

Listen, our love for an Aperol Spritz knows no season. Whether it’s 80 degrees and sunny or crisp and cool, we’re still out here sipping spritzes the size of our heads. But if you’re looking for a fall-approved twist to keep that spritz life going strong, we’ve got you covered with this Autumn Aperol Spritz.

Ingredients:

- 2 oz Aperol  

- 2.5 oz apple cider  

- Splash of prosecco

Directions:  

1. Freeze diced apples, cinnamon sticks, and star anise in an ice cube tray overnight. Rim your glass with simple syrup and coat it with a mix of sugar, cinnamon, and glitter—because why not?  

2. Combine Aperol, apple cider, and prosecco. Add your fabulous ice cubes and sip away like the spritz queen you are.

Fig and Citrus Cooler (NA)

For our sober-curious crew or anyone needing a break from booze, meet your new best friend: the Fig and Citrus Cooler. Bright, refreshing, and totally fall-appropriate, this mocktail will keep you feeling festive without the hangover.

Ingredients:  

- Fresh fig puree  

- Orange juice  

- Lemon juice  

- Sparkling water  

- Fig slices (for garnish)

Directions:  

1. Mix fig puree with equal parts orange and lemon juice. Top with sparkling water, and garnish with fig slices. Perfect for sipping when you want something light and bright. 

2. For more non-alcoholic drink inspo, check out Symbi—they’ve got all your sober September needs covered.

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Pumpkin Spiked Latte  

And for those who can’t let go of their pumpkin spice obsession, we’ve got a treat just for you. This Pumpkin Spiked Latte gives a boozy twist to your favorite fall indulgence, making it perfect for cozying up and fully embracing the autumn vibes.

Ingredients:  

- 8 oz dark rum, bourbon, or Frangelico (optional)  

- 5 cups freshly brewed coffee  

- 4 cups milk  

- ¾ cup sugar  

- ½ cup heavy cream  

- ¼ cup pumpkin puree  

- 1 tsp vanilla extract  

- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice  

- 1 cinnamon stick  

- Garnish: ½ cup whipped heavy cream, freshly grated cinnamon or nutmeg

Directions:  

1. Add your spirit of choice (or skip it), brewed coffee, milk, sugar, heavy cream, pumpkin puree, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and a cinnamon stick to a slow cooker. Heat on high for at least 90 minutes.  

2. Whip ½ cup heavy cream until soft peaks form, then divide the latte mixture into mugs, top with whipped cream, and garnish with cinnamon or nutmeg. It’s fall in a mug, with a side of buzz.

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